Top Dog Parks in Knoxville, TN
If your favorite four-legged friend is full of energy and ready for an adventure, Knoxville, Tennessee, is one of the best cities in the country to let them roam. Back in 2009, PetSafe partnered with the City of Knoxville with a single ambitious goal: make Knoxville the most pet-friendly city in the nation. Today, the result is more than a dozen beautifully maintained free off-leash dog parks spread across every corner of the city — most stocked with doggie waste bags and water fountains.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new daily spot or visiting from out of town, here’s our guide to the top dog parks in Knoxville.
The Top 9 PetSafe Dog Parks in Knoxville
Every city-maintained park below is free to enter — no membership required.
1. PetSafe Plumb Creek Dog Park
Head to West Knoxville for an afternoon at Plumb Creek, one of the largest dog parks you’ll find anywhere in the city — a whopping 8 acres in total. Seven of those acres are dedicated to large dogs and include a walking path, water fountain, and shaded shelter. The single-acre enclosure for small dogs has its own fountain and shelter, too. Past visitors rave about how immaculate and seemingly endless it feels; pack a picnic and plan to spend the afternoon.
2. PetSafe Concord Dog Park
Concord is a favorite for water-loving dogs. With four acres of wooded trails, open fields, and river access via a dock perfect for splashing around, there’s a lot to explore. If your pup loves to swim, this is the park to put at the top of your list.
3. PetSafe Emma Jane Walker Memorial Dog Park
This park is a gem for families. You can relax on a bench while watching your small dog play in the enclosed area reserved for dogs under 30 pounds, or venture into the larger enclosure where a walking trail, a pond, and a dock await. Reviewers describe it as a tight-knit community where regulars know each other’s dogs by name.
4. Dogwood PetSafe Dog Park at Victor Ashe Park
This dog park sits inside the sprawling 120-acre Victor Ashe Park complex, so after off-leash play, the whole family can enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and wide-open green space. The dog park features a fun balance of trees and grass, plus a tunnel, a puppy jump, and hill structures built for adventurous dogs.
5. Charter Doyle PetSafe Dog Park
This park is especially wonderful in summer, as it’s partially wooded, offering natural shade alongside interesting rocks to scramble over and rich grasses to sniff. Separate enclosures keep large and small dogs comfortable, and the leafy canopy makes it one of the coolest spots in town during Knoxville’s humid summer months.
6. Sam Duff Memorial Park Dog Area
Bring the whole family to Sam Duff Memorial Park. While Fido romps in the dog area, the kids can play basketball, tennis, or pickleball on nearby courts. Afterward, hook up the leash and explore the Sam Duff Greenway for a scenic nature walk together.
7. PetSafe Village Dog Park
This park stands out for its pond and agility equipment, giving active dogs plenty of stimulation. Picnic tables let you settle in and watch the action. One important note: PetSafe Village is an on-leash park that only allows off-leash time after 5 PM on weekdays and after 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
8. Downtown PetSafe Dog Park
Knoxville’s Downtown PetSafe Dog Park is the most convenient option for residents in the urban core. The one-acre park offers separate fenced enclosures for large and small dogs. It’s clean, shaded, and easy to access — great for letting your dog burn energy after a long workday without driving across town.
9. Holston River PetSafe Dog Park
Your dog will love weaving through the trees at this shady, wooded haven. It features separate enclosed areas for large and small dogs. After playtime, hook your pup up to the leash and explore the adjacent Holston River Greenway for a beautiful riverside walk.
Before you go: Most Knoxville dog parks require your dog to be up-to-date on vaccinations, including rabies and parvo. Don’t forget to pack water, waste bags, and your pup’s favorite toy!
Great Spots for Leashed Walks
If you want to skip the off-leash crowd and enjoy a scenic stroll, Knoxville has beautiful on-leash options too.
Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) — Miles of rocky, wooded trails through a stunning river gorge. A true Knoxville treasure for nature-loving dogs and owners.
Sequoyah Hills Park (1400 Cherokee Blvd) — A beloved riverside greenway winding through one of Knoxville’s most picturesque neighborhoods, with views of the Tennessee River.
World’s Fair Park (1060 Worlds Fair Park Dr) — Spacious lawns, fountains, and easy downtown access make this a popular morning walk destination for city dogs.
Lakeshore Park (6410 S Northshore Dr) — A sprawling, well-maintained park along the water with paved paths, open fields, and a welcoming atmosphere for leashed dogs.
Need Same-Day Vet Care in Knoxville? Turn to Truss Vet
If your dog picks up a minor injury or sudden illness during a park outing, Truss Vet Knoxville is built for exactly that. At our clinics, we offer same-day, walk-in care for non-life-threatening issues, modeled after the convenience of a human urgent care clinic. Learn more about Truss Vet Knoxville while you wait for it to open in Fall 2026.