Gatlinburg Dog Park: Off-Leash Fun at Mills Park

About

Gatlinburg's downtown sidewalks are not built for a dog that needs to stretch its legs, which is why the city's dog park at Mills Park is worth knowing. Opened in November 2021 and formally dedicated in March 2022, it gives residents and vacationing families a safe, fenced place to let dogs off the leash. It sits in eastern Gatlinburg off US 321, a quieter side of town that is convenient to cabins along East Parkway.

The park is split into two fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, each entered through a double gate that keeps escape artists contained. Inside you will find turfed grass, shaded spots and benches, with dog waste bags and trash cans on hand and water fountains outside both gates. The rest of Mills Park is a full city recreation area with an 18-hole disc golf course, a walking trail, a playground, a StoryWalk trail and a covered pavilion.

Mills Park is on Mills Park Road off East Parkway (US 321). The city posts rules at the gate: handlers must be at least 16, dogs are leashed while entering and leaving, and owners must supervise their dogs and pick up waste right away. Human food, dog treats, sick dogs, dogs in heat and aggressive dogs are not allowed. Call the Gatlinburg Recreation Department at (865) 436-4990 with questions.

Photo: Gatlinburg Convention & Visitors Bureau

Did You Know

• The dog park opened in November 2021 and was formally dedicated at a ceremony in March 2022 (Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau).
• A $25,000 Tennessee Dog Park Dash grant helped fund it, making it the 87th park supported by that program in the state (The Mountain Press).
• Handlers must be at least 16 years old to bring a dog inside (The Mountain Press).
• Mills Park also has an 18-hole disc golf course and a StoryWalk trail (Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau).