6 best dog parks in Pittsburgh

With a nickname like Steel City, you might not expect to find many green spaces in Pittsburgh. Fortunately, this dog-friendly city boasts 165 parks and hundreds of acres of outdoor space for you and your dog to enjoy, including a number of off-leash exercise areas.

When hiking off-leash with your pet, make sure he is within your sight and comes to you when called. Always bring plenty of water and a portable water bowl, no matter what the length of the hike, especially in warmer temperatures to prevent dehydration. And be sure to clean up after your dog so everyone can enjoy open spaces.

Below, find the best dog park to let your pooch run free and make new friends near you.

Riverview Dog Park

Address: 50 Riverview Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15214

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

Located next to the landmark Allegheny Observatory on the north side of the city, Riverview Dog Park is a 259-acre space that includes an off-leash area as well as wooded trails for on-leash hiking amidst gorgeous scenery. The popular Riverview Loop is a scenic trail well worth checking out, and you may even find horse riders trotting along the surrounding hillside trails.

Frick Park Off-Leash Exercise Area

Address: 1981 Beechwood Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15217

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

At a whopping 644 acres, Frick Park is the largest park within the city limits and includes two fenced off-leash areas for small and large dogs. These areas, located near the Blue Slide playground, have water fountains and poop bags in case you find yourself without either. There are also several trails for hiking and a creek near the Lower Tranquil Trail for swimming in warmer months.

Bernard Dog Run

Address: 3 Rivers Heritage Trail Pittsburgh, PA 15201

Social: Facebook, Yelp

The Bernard Dog Run is the result of a group of dedicated residents coming together to create a safe and enjoyable dog park for people and their pets in Lawrenceville, one of the largest neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. This half-acre park, situated to the west of the 40th Street Bridge between the Lawrenceville Riverfront Trail and the railway line, has separate play areas for small and large dogs.

Highland Park Off-Leash Exercise Area

Address: 100 Lake Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

Established in the late 1800s around a reservoir, pet owners who visit Highland Park have the option of walking the path around the reservoir basin or have their dogs play off-leash in the Highland Park dog exercise area. The Reservoir Loop path (around the basin) is flat and easy to navigate, but it’s often teeming with people jogging or walking with their pets, making it best for well-socialized dogs only. In the off-leash area, there are separated fenced-in spaces for small and big dogs equipped with water fountains and clean-up supplies.

Downtown Dog Park

Address: 901 Fort Duquesne Blvd Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Social: Facebook, Instagram, Yelp

Pittsburgh Downtown Dog Park, part of Allegheny Riverfront Park, is located on a small triangular patch at the base of the Rachel Carson Bridge. The park officially opened in early 2017 after years of planning; residents can now enjoy an off-leash area with their four-legged friends. As the space is tiny, only dogs under 30 pounds are allowed.

Northside Dog Park at Allegheny Commons Park

Address: 810 Arch Street  Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Social: Yelp

Northside Dog Park, located inside the serene Allegheny Commons Park, is not fenced (nor is it an official off-leash park) but local pets and their owners frequent the vast play area to exercise and socialize. This park does not have amenities, so be sure to bring your own water and poop bags.