Joe Wheeler State Park

Your leashed dog is permitted to accompany you on the trails at Elk River Lodge State Park in Athens, AL. A public dock and boat launch are located at the property, which faces the Wheeler Reservoir, which feeds into the Tennessee River. There is also a group lodge on the property that is available for rent and is used by church retreats, fishing clubs, and large groups.

Alabama Outdoors welcomes pets. Alabama Outdoors was one of the first stores of its kind in the area when it opened in 1975. This well-known outdoor company sells high-quality outerwear, shoes, and equipment for a variety of outdoor activities, including climbing and hiking. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Alabama Outdoors is open.

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization working to establish a countrywide network of trails from former rail lines and linking corridors, supports the Richard Martin Trail, which is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by the group. This "rail-trail," which was once an underused railroad line, is now a terrific spot to walk Fido in Elkmont! A parking lot with easy access to the Richard Martin Trail is shown on the map below.

Your leashed dog is welcome to join you for a pint in the beer garden at Cross-Eyed Owl Brewing Company, a dog-friendly craft brewery in Decatur, AL. While you're there, try their Cream Ale, Dragoon Red Ale, One Shoe Brown Porter, or Lechuza Mexican Lager!

Cane Creek Canyon Nature Preserve welcomes dogs and is free to the public. Trails, viewpoints, waterfalls, creeks, meadows, and a variety of flora and animals can all be found here. On the paths, leashed dogs are welcome, and the owners give water and directions at several spots.

Mill Creek Dog Park is a 1.43-acre fenced park that runs parallel to the Mill Creek Greenway. It is separated into three sections. The 20-foot-by-30-foot staging area at the park's entrance allows dog owners to let their pets loose before allowing them inside the play areas. The play spaces are divided into two sections: one for tiny dogs weighing less than 25 pounds and another for larger dogs weighing more than 25 pounds. Both pets and humans have access to drinking water, as well as garbage cans and dog waste bag dispensers. There are many shade trees in the region, as well as gently undulating grassy meadows.