15 Georgia College Campuses With Outdoor Paths Open To Leashed Dogs
Some of the best dog walks in Georgia hide behind lecture halls and stadiums. College campuses across the state own lakes, forests, river trails, and even mountains.
Many of them happily share those paths with the public and their leashed pups. From a coastal boardwalk near Savannah to a 27,000-acre campus in Rome, the variety might surprise you.
A few spots come with fine print, so read the rules before you load up the car.
1. Kennesaw State University, Sports and Entertainment Park Walking Trail
Ducks glide by as your pup trots across a little bridge. That is the vibe at the Sports and Entertainment Park, 3200 George Busbee Parkway NW in Kennesaw.
The paved loop runs about 0.92 miles around a scenic lake, with two bridge features. Leashed dogs are welcome from sunrise to sunset, and waste bags sit along the route.
Skip the turf fields and stadium areas. Pets may also be paused during big stadium events.
2. University of Georgia, Oconee Forest Park and Lake Herrick Trails
Go Dawgs, literally. Tucked behind the Intramural Fields in Athens, Oconee Forest Park covers 60 leafy acres managed by the Warnell School of Forestry.
More than 1.5 miles of trails wind through an old oak-hickory forest and hug 15-acre Lake Herrick. An accessible boardwalk starts near the tennis courts.
Keep leashes on along the main trails. Then reward your buddy at the 15-acre off-leash area on the park’s southern end.
3. UGA Marine Extension, Jay Wolf Nature Trail on Skidaway Island
Salty breezes and Spanish moss set the mood on Skidaway Island, a short drive from Savannah. The UGA Marine Education Center and Aquarium hosts the Jay Wolf Nature Trail.
Pick the 0.5-mile path or the 0.85-mile loop. Both cross maritime forest and salt marsh, with a boardwalk overlooking the Skidaway River.
Entry is free from sunrise to sunset. Fun bonus: signs explain the coastal critters your dog keeps sniffing out.
4. Clayton State University, Morrow Campus Walkways and Grounds
Looking for a calm stroll south of Atlanta? Clayton State University, at 2000 Clayton State Boulevard in Morrow, opens its outdoor grounds to leashed pups.
Walkways, fields, and landscaped spaces make easy territory for short legs. The campus asks that dogs stay out of shrubbery and water features.
Leave the geese alone too, no matter how tempting. Buildings are off-limits, and outdoor areas generally close at dusk.
5. Georgia College and State University, West Campus Trails
Milledgeville hides a quiet patch of woods on the West Campus of Georgia College and State University. The trails here are open to the public for hiking.
Posted dog rules for these paths are not widely published. Keep your pup leashed, pack waste bags, and check with campus staff first.
One more tip: West Campus housing does not allow pets. Stick to the trails and you will both stay happy.
6. Dalton State College, Campus Grounds and Cascade Trail Area
Ready for a real leg stretch? Dalton State College in Dalton runs the Roadrunner Trail System, about five miles of paths along Rocky Face Ridge.
The 1.5-mile Cascade Trail branches off the College Creek Trail and ends at a pretty cascade. Benches and signs dot the moderate terrain.
Leashes must be six feet or shorter, and rabies shots must be current. Campus buildings stay pet-free, except for service animals.
7. Berry College, Rome Campus Trail Network
Did you know Berry College ranks among the largest campuses in the world? Over 27,000 acres in Rome means endless sniffing.
Check in at the main gate with your license and grab a map. The paved Viking Trail runs three miles between the main and mountain campuses.
Craving a climb? House O’ Dreams Trail covers about five miles with big views and plenty of deer.
Hunting seasons may limit some areas.
8. Wesleyan College, Arboretum Trails
Picture a forest right in the middle of Macon. The Wesleyan College Arboretum stretches across about 100 acres of peaceful woods.
Over three miles of level dirt trails loop through the trees and around five-acre Foster Lake. Well-mannered, leashed dogs are welcome from sunrise to sunset.
Stay on marked trails to protect restoration zones. Park only in designated campus lots, and carry waste out with you.
9. Life University, Marietta Campus Walking and Running Trails
Where else can your dog pass a working grist mill? Life University, at 1269 Barclay Circle in Marietta, makes history part of the walk.
About 3.1 miles of trails follow Rottenwood Creek past a 19th Century Village and a waterfall. Then the path slips into thick, shady woods.
Dogs belong on the trails only, not on fields, tracks, or in buildings. Cobb County leash laws apply.
10. University of West Georgia, Carrollton Campus and GreenBelt
Campus pup culture runs strong in Carrollton. The University of West Georgia, at 1601 Maple Street, even offers pet-friendly suites for upperclassmen.
Leashed dogs can enjoy the outdoor grounds. The real star, though, is the Carrollton GreenBelt, a paved loop that connects right to campus.
It circles the city for miles, so pace yourself and bring water. Indoor spaces stay limited to service and approved support animals.
11. Georgia Southwestern State University, Campus Sidewalks and Marked Trails
“Yes, dogs frequent the GSW campus.” That friendly answer comes straight from Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.
The campus at 800 GSW State University Drive welcomes leashed dogs on its sidewalks and marked trails. Just keep paws out of the roadways.
Your pooch should stay outdoors, since residence halls and buildings are off-limits. It makes a relaxed stop during any trip through southwest Georgia.
12. Fort Valley State University, Campus Outdoor Grounds
Here is a heads-up before you drive. Fort Valley State University states that pets are not allowed in any FVSU facility.
Service animals are permitted, and approved support animals have strict rules. Casual visits with pet dogs are not clearly welcomed right now.
Call campus officials before bringing your pup. If the answer is no, admire the historic grounds solo, then enjoy local peach country together.
13. Columbus State University, Oxbow Meadows Trails
Turtles sunbathing, butterflies drifting, a curious nose working overtime. Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center, at 3535 South Lumpkin Road in Columbus, delivers all three.
Columbus State University runs this nature spot, and leashed pets are welcome on the trails. Choose a paved path linking to the RiverWalk or a rugged natural trail.
Hours run Tuesday through Saturday, 9 AM to 4 PM. A suggested $5 donation supports animal care.
14. Columbus State University, Woodruff Park and RiverPark Campus
Downtown Columbus brings city energy and river views together. Columbus State’s RiverPark Campus sits beside Woodruff Riverfront Park on the Chattahoochee.
The park welcomes leashed pets, as long as owners scoop the poop. From there, the Chattahoochee RiverWalk offers over 15 miles of paved paths.
Leave glass containers at home, per park rules. Campus buildings stay mostly pet-free, but the riverfront feels made for wagging.
15. Georgia State University, Atlanta Campus Blue Line and Green Spaces
City pups, this finale is yours. Georgia State University’s Blue Line traces a 3.7-mile marked walking route through downtown Atlanta.
Follow it toward Woodruff Park, where leashed pets are welcome with prompt cleanup. Hurt Park adds another shady patch of green.
Buildings and the stadium stay off-limits for pets. Pack water, check the latest rules, and grab that leash.
Georgia’s campuses are waiting.
