Best Dog-Friendly Parks in Columbus (Worthington, Westerville & More)
Whether you’re leash-training a new puppy or strolling with a senior sniffer, nothing beats a good walk in the park—especially when it’s dog-friendly, shady, and sniff-approved.
As a Columbus-based dog walking company, we’ve explored just about every trail and patch of grass with our four-legged clients. Here are some of our favorite parks to stretch paws, play fetch, and soak up those tail-wagging vibes across the city.
🌳 Highbanks Metro Park – Lewis Center/Worthington
If your pup loves to hike, this one’s a gem. Highbanks has wooded trails, river overlooks, and plenty of shade for warmer days. Leashed dogs are welcome on all trails—and it’s a favorite for our Worthington walkers who love a little adventure without leaving town.
Pro tip: The Overlook Trail has great squirrel-watching opportunities (your dog will thank you).
🐕 Godown Dog Park – Northwest Columbus
Looking for a safe off-leash space? Godown Dog Park is fully fenced, with big and small dog areas, water fountains, and shaded seating for humans. It’s a great option if your pup needs to zoom out some energy before dinner.
Neighborhoods nearby: Upper Arlington, Dublin, Clintonville.
🌼 Inniswood Metro Gardens – Westerville
Leash up and enjoy beautifully landscaped paths and peaceful garden vibes. While the inner gardens are off-limits to pups, the surrounding trails welcome well-mannered dogs—and it’s perfect for low-key walkers and senior pets.
Bonus: This is one of our go-to spots for fall color walks (and Insta-worthy pet portraits).
🐾 Whetstone Park & The Park of Roses – Clintonville
Yes, it smells as good as it sounds. This beautiful park offers paved paths, open lawn space, and rose bushes galore. Great for a casual stroll or a mid-day drop-in walk. Your dog may not care about the flowers, but you’ll love the scenery.
🌤 Hannah Park – Gahanna / New Albany
A quieter local favorite with walking loops, ponds, and just enough space to feel peaceful without being remote. It’s clean, has poop bag stations, and is ideal for dogs who don’t love crowds but still want some fresh air.
🚶♀️ Bonus: Your Sidewalk Counts Too
We’re firm believers that daily walks don’t need to be exotic to be enriching. Whether it’s around your block in Worthington or looping through New Albany Greenway, consistency and companionship matter most.
And that’s exactly what we offer—one-on-one, GPS-tracked, tail-wag-approved walks, rain or shine.
📍Need a Dog Walker Who Knows All the Good Spots?
At Happy Tails, we’ve been walking dogs across Columbus since 2013—and we’ve got the muddy shoes to prove it. Whether you’re in Westerville, Worthington, Dublin, or anywhere in between, our walkers know the safest routes and the best sniff zones in town.