Mills River Dog Park is the fenced off-leash area near the main entrance of the 48-acre Mills River Park. It has separate play areas for dogs above and below 25 pounds, with grass and gravel sections, drinking water, benches and parking close to the gates.
Plan your visit
- Address: 124 Town Center Drive, Mills River, NC 28759.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset daily, except the dog park closes Mondays from 9 a.m. to noon for maintenance.
- Size areas: Use the small-dog area for dogs weighing 25 pounds or less.
- Surface: Grass and gravel areas are available, but portions of the grass may close during winter or wet conditions.
- Amenities: Benches, drinking water, waste stations and parking near the enclosure.
- Bring: A leash, waste bags and backup drinking water.
Find the dog park entrance
Enter Mills River Park from Town Center Drive. The town places the dog park near the main entrance and the front of the park, with parking beside the fenced play areas. Look for the separate large- and small-dog gates and use the section appropriate for your dog.
Get directions to Mills River Dog Park. Keep your dog leashed in the parking area and throughout the wider park; off-leash use is limited to the fenced dog park.
Grass rotation and wet-weather closures
The town may close the dog park for rain, muddy conditions or maintenance. During late fall and winter, portions of the grass are closed to protect the turf through freeze-and-thaw cycles. The gravel area may remain available while grass sections recover, but the usable space can be smaller.
Check current town alerts before traveling after heavy rain. The wider park’s paved multi-use trail remains available during seasonal grass closures, but dogs must stay leashed outside the dog park.
Rules before you enter
Each handler may bring no more than two dogs. Dogs must be at least four months old, healthy, licensed and inoculated, and they must wear a collar and identification tags. Dogs in heat and dogs with a history of aggression are not allowed. Children under 13 may not enter the dog park.
Carry a leash, leash dogs before entering and before leaving, keep them in sight, stop digging or other damage, and remove them at the first sign of aggression. Pick up waste and leave food and treats outside the off-leash areas. Review the current town dog-park rules and FAQs before visiting.
What other park goers say
Park goers often praise the roomy fenced areas, clear size separation, grass and gravel options, water, benches and parking close to the entrance. Visitors also mention the paved walking loop as a useful leashed activity before or after dog-park play.
Other visitors note that winter grass closures reduce the available space and that wet conditions can affect the surface. Some mention limited shade as young trees mature, uncollected waste and the need to watch energetic play groups closely. Check the enclosure and dogs already inside before entering. Read current visitor reviews.
More options and updates
Browse the North Carolina dog park directory for more options. Last researched September 1, 2026. Check the official Mills River Dog Park page for current closures, alerts and rules.