A dog loves nothing more than to be completely unrestricted — let off the leash to socialize and play. Fortunately there are plenty of local dog parks where they can do just that. Grab your pup and check out some of the best places where Western New York dogs can roam free.
Knox Farm Dog Park
Knox Farm State Park, East Aurora
If you’re looking for a dog park with a view, there’s no place quite like Knox Farm Dog Park. Located behind the sheep barn inside Knox Farm State Park – the former country estate of Buffalo’s Knox Family – the dog park lies among 633 acres of grassland, woodland, ponds and wetland areas.
Established in 2013 and open year-round, Knox Farm dog park offers two fenced-off areas for large and small dogs. Trees provide plenty of shade, and picnic tables and seating areas are available for two-legged visitors.
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There’s a watering hole for your pup as well as waste bag stations located in wooden boxes throughout the park. A doggie rinse station will help to clean off muddy paws — just bring a towel.
When you’re done at the park, explore the rest of Knox Farm with your four-legged friend (normal leash laws apply outside the dog park). As you stroll, keep an eye out for a wide variety of farm and woodland creatures. And if you happen across the small library in the woods, don’t hesitate to stop and read a few pages.
Lewiston Dog Park
Artpark, Lewiston
Artbark? Nope, it’s still considered Artpark, but either way this Niagara County dog park is a great place to exercise your dog while enjoying beautiful views of the Niagara Gorge walking trail.
Located on the Lewiston Plateau, the 1.3-acre park is accessible via Artpark’s Portage Road entrance, and is open daily from dawn to dusk. Double gated for safety, the park has two large fenced-in areas, one for dogs under 30 pounds and one for 30 plus-pound dogs.
If you think your dog has the chops to make the cut at Westminster, the Lewiston Dog Park is the perfect place to train. Both gated areas now boast newly installed exercise equipment, including tunnels and small bridges.
The park also has benches for pet parents, trees for shade, water filling stations, and supplies for cleaning up after your pup (but always bring extras, just in case!).
The Paw Park
550 Smith Road, Amherst
In December 2010, the Amherst Paw Park Association (APPA), an all-volunteer organization, realized their goal of establishing a safe, legal off-leash area in the Town of Amherst.
The one-acre Paw Park is open year-round from dawn to dusk and also features two fenced-in areas to separate larger dogs from smaller ones.
Trees provide shade on sunny days and owners can relax on benches while they watch their dogs.
Water is accessible on-site (except during winter), but bring your own waste bags.
The Barkyard
LaSalle Park, Buffalo
A walk down Buffalo’s streets offers dogs many opportunities to meet new friends, but the ability to run fast and free isn’t always an option. The Barkyard, which opened in 2007 in LaSalle Park, was Buffalo’s first official off-leash dog park.
Today, visitors enjoy a striking view of Buffalo’s skyline and waterfront while their pups get the opportunity to stretch and exercise. It’s open year-round from dawn to dusk and offers 70,000 square feet of fully fenced-in off-leash space. There are two spaces to separate larger dogs from smaller or more passive dogs.
While playing, your pup can rehydrate at the watering hole, or take a load off in a small shelter that is decorated with a mural painted by local students.
The Barkyard has seating areas for visitors and is wheelchair accessible – but be sure to bring your own bags for clean-up.
Rootie’s Run
2900 Lakeview Road, Hamburg
In 2009, Joel Rogers adopted a beagle, Rootie, who was found on Route 5. When Joel passed away that fall, Rootie moved in with Joel’s parents in Hamburg.
With little room to roam free, Rootie inspired them to create a place where he and other Southtowns pups could run and play.
Rootie’s Run, which is open year-round from dawn to dusk, officially opened in July 2011. The park has two separate sections for smaller and larger dogs, seating areas for pet parents, and a shelter that offers shade on sunny days.
The park provides many amenities including water, a leash rack, a bucket of toys, fun obstacles and even fire hydrants. And if Rootie’s there when your pup comes to play, be sure to stop and say “hi.”
The Bark Park at Black Rock Canal Park
Black Rock Canal Park, Buffalo
The Bark Park is Erie County’s only county-run dog park. Open year-round with separate areas for big and small dogs, the park also features covered picnic tables and seating areas to offer shelter.
While you’re there, check out the K-9 Memorial – dedicated to K-9 service animals that served or were lost in the line of duty.
And whether or not you visit the dog park, Black Rock Canal Park is a great place to walk your (leashed) dog, with a paved trail close to the water.
The Bark Park is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 7 a.m. to dusk the rest of the year.
The Bark Park at Ellicott Creek Island
Ellicott Creek Island Park, Tonawanda
Surrounded by Tonawanda Creek, Ellicott Creek Island is the only naturally enclosed dog park in Western New York.
Established by Friends of Ellicott in conjunction with Erie County, the Bark Park has been in service since January 2014. Dog amenities include a water station for filling bowls, and baggies for cleaning up (although it’s recommended you bring your own, just in case).
The park, complete with picnic shelters, grills, playground equipment and full bathrooms, provides fun for more than just your canine family members.
The entrance is located on Creekside Drive. Cross the bridge through the double gate and follow the signs for the Canine Loop, the Paw Path or the Rover Round-a-Bout – all paths that will walk you through different areas of the park.
As you stroll down the Canine Loop, stop by the castle ruins. The castle, which was built in 1939 and served as a concession stand, sits on the southern bank of the island. It’s great scenery while your pup plays in the shallow, sandy creek water.
And don’t forget to stop at the east end of the park; a ramp into the creek offers dogs another watery respite — and a beautiful view of the sunset.
