Dog-Friendly Activities in Wake Forest, NC

Right next to the Neuse River, you'll find the Horseshoe Farm Nature Preserve, a dog-friendly attraction featuring 146 acres of land in Wake Forest, NC. Bring Fido to a place of great natural beauty, abundant wildlife and rich heritage. The preserve sits on a U-shaped piece of land and has excellent wood trails. If your pup tags along, please keep him leashed and pick up after him.

The Falls Lake Trail is a pet-friendly part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Wake Forest, NC. This hiking path in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area can be easily accessed at the Falls Lake Dam information center, Blue Jay Point County Park, Shinleaf access, the Falls Lake Park office and Rolling View access. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Flaherty Dog Park in Wake Forest, NC, allows dog owners to let their pets run safely and legally without a leash. The park is approximately two acres and is located adjacent to the baseball and softball fields. It features a 5' high chain link fence, paved entrance and double gated entry, grass, picnic tables, water stations and pet cleanup stations. Note the park is closed for cleaning and maintenance on weekdays between 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM.

The pet-friendly Page 158 Books in Wake Forest, NC, welcomes dogs inside to browse with their owners. This independent bookstore features a range of options, from fiction bestsellers and unique gifts to children's books and YA novels. Customers can also stop in for special events like author signings and book clubs.

The Cotton Company is a pet-friendly store located in downtown Wake Forest, NC. Your leashed four-legged family member is welcome to join you to browse their selection. This marketplace and art gallery features over 80 local vendors.

Woodland Nature Trail is an easy, seasonal, dog-friendly 0.75-mile hike in Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest, NC. Make sure to pack some food to enjoy before or after your walk at Picnic Area 1, located right by the trailhead. This bike-free trail offers beautiful colors, with blooming flowers in the spring and changing leaves in the fall. Please note that dogs must be no longer than 6 feet on a leash.

Sandling Beach is a popular dog-friendly spot within Falls Lake State Recreation Area in Wake Forest, NC. Your furry companion is invited to accompany you in the designated picnic area or on a leisurely, shaded lakeside hike. Please be aware of the parking fee, and note that pets are not permitted on the beach.

Dogs are welcome inside and outside the pet-friendly Lonerider Hideout and Distillery in Wake Forest, NC. Visitors can relax in the tasting room or outside on the spacious patio with shaded seating, picnic tables, heaters, and lawn games. This craft brewery and distillery offers a variety of house-made beers, bourbon, and wine in a casual setting.

The Planted Bean is a houseplant store inspired by the 1970s, located in the heart of downtown Wake Forest, NC. This pet-friendly shop welcomes Fido inside, where you can discover a wide selection of both common and rare houseplants. Additionally, you’ll find plant pots, care items, soil and much more.

Arrow Tree Boutique is a dog-friendly shop in downtown Wake Forest, NC. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you inside to browse their selection. They offer new and vintage clothing for you to check out.

Furry friends are welcome to join their owners inside the pet-friendly B & W Hardware in Wake Forest, NC. This family-owned store, open since 1949, specializes in everyday needs like general hardware items, lawn & garden supplies, paint, power & hand tools, and more. They are also the largest Traeger Grills dealer in the area.

The Knotty Sheep is a pet-friendly shop located in Wake Forest, NC. Your four-legged best friend is welcome to join you inside as you browse their offerings. Items include yarn, project kits and bags, tools, and merch.

North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC, is pet friendly! There are 2.2 miles of trails that weave around the hilly park. Along the way, you and your leashed pup will come across a number of interesting sculptures. In addition, there are several doggie waste stations and water fountains along the trails.

Quail Ridge Books welcomes dogs of all sizes at their pet-friendly shop in Raleigh, NC. Pick out a new novel as you browse the selection of books at Quail Ridge while Fido greets the welcoming staff.

Crank Arm Brewing in downtown Raleigh is a bike-inspired craft brewery and taproom known for its rotating selection of unfiltered beers. The taproom is dog-friendly with leashed pups welcome inside and out. You'll find a variety of beers from lagers, pale ales and IPAs to stouts, sours and seasonal styles. They don’t serve food but welcome guests to bring their own or order take-out from nearby eateries.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs are invited to explore Raleigh Furniture Gallery in Raleigh, NC. This pet-friendly store features an array of antique goods, high-end home furnishings, original art, handmade rugs and so much more. Whether you're looking for a dining set or gently used living room furniture to enhance your home, this local business is a great spot to check out with Fido.

Pets will love socializing off-leash at the fenced-in dog park at Carolina Pines Park in Raleigh, NC. This recreation area offers shade and drinking water to keep your pup cool while playing. Two separate spaces provide play areas for dogs of all abilities and elderly, infirm, small or shy dogs.

Raleigh Brewing Company is a dog-friendly brewery in Raleigh, NC, that welcomes Fido inside the taproom and outside. They offer 32 beers on tap, seltzers and wine. Non-alcoholic options include coffee, kombucha, root beer and sparkling water. Food trucks can be found on site most days of the week. Check out their website for a current event schedule.

Bring your pup to explore the Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in Cary, NC. This pet-friendly recreation area is home to approximately three miles of nature trails, scenic overlooks and wildlife-watching opportunities. Ensure Fido remains leashed during the entire duration of his visit.

Saving Grace Supply Company is a pet-friendly shop in Raleigh, NC. Leashed dogs can join their owners inside this store which sells pet food, locally baked treats, stylish apparel, toys and other quality products for pups. Best of all, the proceeds go towards the store's shelter to help rescue and care for dogs.