Updated 8/20/26
Richmond is a vibrant city with plenty of fantastic spots for you and your dog to explore, beyond just Belle Isle (of course another RVA staple). Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll, a nature-filled adventure, or a pet-friendly indoor store to escape the weather, Richmond has it all! The experts at Tuckered Out Dog Walking have compiled a list of our favorite dog-friendly hiking trails and parks in the area, complete with all the details on amenities, accessibility, and more. Read on to find our favorite dog-friendly hiking trails and indoor stores in Richmond, your next perfect dog walking spot!
Bryan Park
Bryan Park, known for its botanical gardens, lush greenery, and serene ponds, offers a tranquil setting for a leisurely walk. The park features a variety of trails that wind through meadows and woodlands, providing plenty of opportunities for sniffing and exploring. It offers a nice balance of open spaces and wooded areas makes it a versatile spot for any type of outing.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, playgrounds, soccer fields, tennis courts, disc golf course, and picnic areas.
- Difficulty Level: 1/5 – Generally flat with several places to stop and rest.
- Accessibility: 5/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces with plenty of paved and wide pathways.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 5/5 – Several trail options with lots of wide open spaces, usually a quiet atmosphere but can get moderately busy during weekends, summer, and athletic events.
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center is perfect for nature lovers and their dogs. The scenic trails around the lakes offer a peaceful escape, and the nature center provides a fun, educational experience. It’s a great spot to immerse yourself in nature while keeping an eye out for local wildlife.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, educational and nature center exhibits.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 4/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces, but uneven terrain and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 3/5 – Narrow paths and not as many open spaces, usually a quiet atmosphere but can get very busy during weekends, summer, and school field trips.
Reedy Creek Trail
Reedy Creek Trail offers a refreshing escape into nature with its lush surroundings and access to the James River. It’s an excellent spot for adventurous dogs who enjoy splashing in the water and exploring forested trails.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, river access, canoe ramp, paddling, tubing, swimming, and picnic areas.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 3/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces, but uneven terrain and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 5/5 – Several trail options with lots of wide open spaces, usually a quiet atmosphere but can get moderately busy during weekends and summer.
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm with its rolling hills, picturesque lake, and historic stone structures. It’s a favorite spot for families and their pups to explore together.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, picnic areas, and historic sights.
- Difficulty Level: 3/5 – Variety of flat and hilly areas, some paths may be very steep and rocky.
- Accessibility: 2/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces, but uneven terrain, hills, and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 3/5 – Narrow paths and not as many open spaces, usually a quiet atmosphere but can get very busy during weekends, summer, and school field trips.
Hollywood Cemetery
Hollywood Cemetery offers a unique and peaceful walking experience, with its historical significance and beautiful river views. It’s a quiet spot for a reflective stroll with your dog.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, historic sights, and guided history tours.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper areas.
- Accessibility: 5/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces with plenty of paved and wide pathways, but hills make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 5/5 – Lots of wide open spaces, usually a quiet atmosphere but can get moderately busy during weekends, summer, and tourism season.
Pony Pasture Trail
Pony Pasture Trail is a beloved spot for its natural beauty and ample opportunities for swimming, hiking, and just relaxing by the river. It’s a versatile destination for both active and laid-back dogs.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, river access, canoe ramp, paddling, tubing, swimming, and picnic areas.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 3/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces, but uneven terrain, hills, and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 2/5 – Narrow paths and not as many open spaces. Usually a quiet atmosphere but can get very busy during weekends and summer. Very highly trafficked throughout the week, and a very popular spot for children and families.
Floodwall Park & Slave Trail
Offering a unique urban experience, Floodwall Park & Slave Trail provides a scenic walkway with views of downtown Richmond, the James River, and historic monuments. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll with your pup.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, rock climbing, historic sights, and guided history tours.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 2/5 – No designated accessible parking and limited street parking spaces. Uneven terrain, hills, and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible. Little to no shade available on certain parts of the trail, which may be less accessible for heat-sensitive people and dogs.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 4/5 – Usually quiet and less crowded, but some paths are quite narrow.
Pine Camp Arts Center
Pine Camp Arts Center combines art and nature, offering open fields and shaded paths. It’s a tranquil spot perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog and a touch of culture.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, soccer fields, baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, and art installations.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 3/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces, but uneven terrain, hills, and gravel pathways make some areas less accessible.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 4/5 – Several trail options with lots of wide open spaces. Some paths may be busier or narrower than others. Usually a quiet atmosphere but can get very busy during weekends, summer, and school field trips.
Byrd Park
Byrd Park is a haven for dogs who love to make new friends, either on or off leash. It offers a variety of scenic options including lakes, woods, meadows, and more. Be sure to check out Pump House, Shields Lake, Dogwood Dell, and Barker Field to take advantage of all the variety that Byrd Park has to offer!
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, playgrounds, amphitheatre, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog park.
- Difficulty Level: 2/5 – Surrounding hiking trails are generally flat with some steeper and rockier trails.
- Accessibility: 2/5 – Mostly street parking or limited designated accessible parking spaces. The park itself has some steeper areas that may be inaccessible to some.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 1/5 – Very highly trafficked throughout the week, and some dogs might find the atmosphere overwhelming. Not suitable for dog-reactive or dog-selective dogs.
Cheswick Park
Cheswick Park is a peaceful, quiet spot in the heart of Henrico. It offers a variety of beautiful woodsy trails and large, accessible pathways for dogs and humans of all ability levels.
- Highlights & Amenities: Walking and biking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Difficulty Level: 1/5 – Generally flat with several places to stop and rest.
- Accessibility: 5/5 – Designated accessible parking spaces with plenty of paved and wide pathways.
- Suitable for Anxious Dogs: 4/5 – Several trail options with lots of wide open spaces. Some paths may be busier or narrower than others. Generally a quiet and less-trafficked area but may be busier during summer and after school hours, particularly at the playground areas.
Other Notable Mentions
More Local Hiking Trails To Try
These parks and trails came VERY close to making our top 10, and we thought they deserved a notable mention!
- Crump Park
- Larus Park
- Deep Run Park & Recreation Center
- Tuckahoe Creek Park
- Dorey Park & Recreation Center
- Pocahontas State Park
- Echo Lake Park
- Battery Park
- Jefferson Park
- Libby Hill Park
- Chimborazo Park
- Huguenot Flatwater
- Canoe Run Park
- Riverfront Canal Walk and the adjacent Great Shiplock Park and Virginia Capital Trail
Dog-Friendly Indoor Locations
Inclement weather but still itching for some exercise? Try one of these dog-friendly indoor locations!
- Paws To Swim
- Zoom Room Dog Training
- Dogma Grooming + Pet Needs
- Red Ridge Pet Market
- Pet Supplies Plus
- Dog Krazy
- PetSmart
- Petco
- Lowe’s Home Improvement
- The Home Depot
- Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s
- Marshalls
And let’s not forget dessert (because every dog deserves a special treat, too)! Round out your walk with a pup cup from Minglewood Bake Shop or The Smoky Mug! Wherever you choose, Richmond is bound to bring endless joy to each adventure with your family, two-legged or four-legged.
At Tuckered Out Dog Walking in Richmond, VA, we understand that pet parents want the best for their fur babies, but as busy people, it can be difficult to adjust your schedule for their seasonal needs. Tuckered Out Dog Walking offers private walks and field trips to the wonderful parks that Richmond has to offer! With on-demand scheduling available in as little as 3 hours notice, and a team of thoroughly trained and vetted team members, so you can have peace of mind that you and your pup are getting the best possible service. Contact us today – we would love to get to know you!