West 72nd Street Dog Run is the upper-level dog run in Riverside Park on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Head toward the park entrance at West 72nd Street and Riverside Drive, then use the Conservancy’s upper-level map pin to find the fenced enclosure. This is the gravel run with trees and benches, distinct from the lower-level run beneath the highway.
Plan your visit
- Location: Riverside Park near West 72nd Street, New York, NY 10023.
- Hours: The Conservancy lists Riverside Park hours as 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily. Check the dog-run gate for any separate hours or maintenance notices.
- Dog areas: Visitors report a smaller-dog section and an all-dog section. Follow the signs at each gate when choosing where to enter.
- Bring: Drinking water, a bowl, waste bags and a leash. Do not rely on a working fountain.
- Arrival: Plan a walking approach through the park; dedicated dog-run parking and a step-free entrance route have not been confirmed.
- Licensing: Carry proof of your dog’s current license and rabies vaccination for off-leash use in city dog runs.
Find the dog park entrance
Use the official 72nd Street Dog Run — Upper Level page for directions. Its pin identifies the enclosure near West 72nd Street; the Conservancy separately marks a lower-level dog run closer to the river. Check which level your walking route is taking you to before heading down toward the Hudson River Greenway.
Open the upper-level dog run’s map pin. Keep your dog leashed on the approach and close the gate behind you before releasing them.
The Riverside Park Conservancy map also marks other dog runs and restrooms along the park. Use its Dog Runs filter to distinguish the nearby facilities.
Gravel, seating and water
The Conservancy’s upper-level photograph shows a fenced gravel enclosure, mature trees, benches and an entrance labeled for all dogs. Trees provide some shade, but conditions vary with the season and time of day. This is a surfaced play area rather than a grass field or swimming spot.
Bring your own drinking water. Current fountain operation has not been confirmed, and the nearby Hudson River is not part of this dog run. If your dog dislikes gravel, take a short look around before committing to a longer play session.
Rules before you enter
NYC311’s dog-run guidance allows up to three dogs per person in a run and requires a leash no longer than six feet in public places outside permitted off-leash areas. Keep current dog-license and rabies-vaccination proof with you. Read the gate notices for additional local restrictions.
Stay attentive while your dog plays, keep entrances clear and take a break if play becomes uncomfortable. Clean up after your dog and dispose of bagged waste appropriately. The nearby South Lawn, from 73rd to 75th Streets near Riverside Drive, is a no-dog quiet area according to the Conservancy.
What parkgoers say
Visitors appreciate having room to play and separate dog areas. A July 2026 visitor noticed dogs using both sections, while an April 2025 reviewer praised the cleanliness. A March 2024 reviewer liked the gravel enclosure and benches wrapped around trees. Older reviews also describe disagreements over toys and dogs receiving too little supervision, so the atmosphere can depend on who is visiting.
Read current West 72nd Street Dog Run reviews for recent experiences before you go.
More options and updates
Explore our New York City dog park directory or browse dog parks across New York. Check each park’s access rules before choosing another destination.
Dog Run 72, also known as FLORAL, is the Conservancy-affiliated community group for this run. For broken fences or other park damage, the Conservancy advises contacting 311. Last researched August 31, 2026; no site visit was made. Send DogPark Near Me a correction if something has changed.
