Things to Do With Dogs in Clarksville, TN

In the heart of Tennessee, the city of Clarksville boasts a welcoming environment, especially for four-legged companions. In addition to its great hiking trails, the city—brimming with Southern charm—offers an array of dog parks, eateries, and businesses designed to cater to the needs and interests of dogs and their owners.

From spacious green areas for running and playing to establishments that ensure dogs feel just as valued as their human counterparts, Clarksville's commitment to being a canine-friendly haven shines bright.

Best Neighborhood Dog Parks in Clarksville

It's abundantly clear that Clarksville is a dog-friendly community filled with plenty of excellent dog parks and fun, dog-friendly activities. Giving pooches a great outdoor space to socialize and get exercise is important, and these neighborhood dog parks have plenty of awesome amenities for pets.

Heritage Dog Park

Part of Heritage Park, this dog park is located in North Clarksville and is a great fit for pooches of all ages and breeds. This large park has two separate places for small and large dogs to play—although the park asks all pets to be current on their vaccinations and tags and prohibits aggressive play. An agility course gives dogs plenty of fun challenges, including obstacles they can run around, over, and through.

There are also two plastic doggie pools to help furry family members cool off when it's hot outside. A beautiful view with plenty of trees for shade makes this park a popular pick, as well as its grassy surface that's easy on delicate paws. Shaded canopies and lots of seating make it a comfortable place for owners to relax while their pets get exercise. The rest of the park has playground areas, restrooms, a cool splash pad for kids, and more.

Heritage Dog Park Additional Information

  • Address: 1241 Peachers Mill Rd, Clarksville, TN 37042
  • Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

King's Run Bark Park

King's Run Bark Park features a nice pavilion with a bench and plenty of water fountains; it's located just over two miles from the largest of the schools in Clarksville, Austin Peay State University. This dog park, which has a coded fence for safety, does have a small membership fee. Plenty of waste bags also help ensure that the park stays clean, and grassy areas provide a soft and comfortable surface.

The park is filled with tall shade trees and has a fenced-in area encompassing two acres. The park sits right next to the Red River, so there are beautiful views all year round. It also has a playground area for kids and a walking trail around the river that's perfect for leisurely walks, on-leash dog adventures, and bike riding.

King's Run Bark Park Additional Information

  • Address: 1188 Cumberland Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040
  • Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily

Things to Do With Your Dog in Clarksville

Dog-Friendly Activities in Clarksville

Clarksville has plenty of awesome things to do that are completely dog-friendly. From local dog parks and hiking trails to swimming at the best lakes near Clarksville, there's never a shortage of things that pets and their owners can do together. Dunbar Cave State Park is a popular destination that features 144 acres of pet-friendly space. The prehistoric site features Mississippian Native American cave art that dates as far back as the 14th century. Leashed dogs are welcome in all outdoor areas, but they're not allowed to go inside buildings.

The Clarksville Greenway is a former railroad track that is now a paved walking trail wide enough for bikes, dogs, and walkers. The shaded pathway offers beautiful views and features restrooms and dog water dishes available at the trailhead. There are also benches and trash cans every quarter mile so pet owners can take a short break and get rid of any doggie waste they picked up along the way.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Clarksville

Of course, there is also no shortage of great dog-friendly restaurants in Clarksville, including:

  • The Thirsty Goat is a dog-friendly craft beer garden with an artisan coffee shop and gathering space. Despite its Clarksville address, it's about equidistant between downtown Clarksville and the nearby city of Pleasant View. This restaurant features a large outdoor seating area where dogs are welcome to join their owners as they enjoy a hand-crafted artisan coffee, a glass of craft beer, or a delicious pizza made from scratch.
  • Sweet P's Southern Style has daily specials and favorites like meatloaf, mac and cheese, and fried chicken tenders. This iconic southern restaurant also has a dog-friendly area outside where pets can join their owners at an outdoor table on the patio.
  • Harbor Café is a popular Clarksville spot with a dog-friendly patio that seats up to twenty guests. Food includes everything from burgers and pasta to seafood, steak, and Asian cuisine. Enjoy lunch specials here or sit back and relax while sipping on wine, beer, or a tropical cocktail.
  • Liberty Park Grill is another restaurant with a dog-friendly patio. This waterfront restaurant makes delicious offerings like fresh salads, steaks cooked to perfection, seafood, and burgers. Casual dining and a comprehensive beer and wine menu make it a very popular spot for pet owners to meet.

Dog-Friendly Shopping & Pet Stores in Clarksville

Pet-Friendly Stores in Clarksville

In addition to parks and dining, there are also lots of great dog-friendly retail stores and pet stores that are major contributors to the Clarksville economy. At Rural King, owners can bring their pets along as they shop for farming supplies. The store also sells plenty of great dog treats, home goods, hunting gear, and other things for pets and humans.

Riley's Pet Market is a unique pet store selling everything for pets, including healthy food, yummy treats, carriers, health supplies, and toys. This adorable pet store is completely pet-friendly and has a full-service grooming salon. The store also carries products for small animals like reptiles, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds. Leashed dogs are welcome at the Pet Food Center as you browse the variety of holistic food and supplies.

Pet Services in Clarksville

There are plenty of excellent pet services throughout Clarksville's best neighborhoods, including veterinarians, boarding, and groomers. Tiny Town Animal Clinic has been in Clarksville since 2008 and provides excellent veterinary care in a welcoming, compassionate environment. The vet provides a full range of services for dogs and cats, including the latest state-of-the-art technology, like ultrasound machines and digital X-ray machines.

Animal Hospital in Clarksville is a fully accredited veterinarian clinic with a team of four licensed veterinarians. They also offer prescriptions, boarding services, and an after-hours emergency service to ensure that all pets receive the care they need.

Animal House Veterinary Clinic cares for dogs, cats, large animals, and exotic pets. The clinic provides annual wellness exams, spay and neuter services, soft tissue surgery, and orthopedic surgery, and they take a holistic approach to pet well-being that includes healthy weight and proper nutrition.

Since 1990, Kathy's Pampered Paws has been offering exceptional pet grooming in Clarksville. This dog and cat groomer also has indoor and outdoor runs to keep pets active, and the team goes above and beyond to meet and exceed the needs of their clients. Alicia's K9 and Feline Fridays is a mobile holistic pet groomer that offers premier grooming and care. Alicia's only uses organic pet care products without any steroids, hormones, or pesticides.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Clarksville

Several hotels in and near Clarksville allow pets to stay with their owners. Candlewood Suites of Clarksville allows two pets of any size to stay for an extra fee of $75 for up to six consecutive nights. The fee for longer stays is $150, and dogs and cats are allowed. Crated pets can stay in the room unattended, and the hotel also has two relief stations on the property.

Quality Inn Clarksville allows two pets of any size for an additional fee of $25 plus tax. Rooms with sofa beds are not pet-friendly, but dogs and cats are permitted in other rooms, and well-behaved companions may stay in the room without supervision. There are also treats available at the front desk and an outdoor grassy area for pet relief, and there are two locations in the city, one of which is in the Sango Crossing area.

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Clarksville also welcomes pets weighing up to 75 pounds for an additional $25 fee per pet. Dogs and cats are allowed to stay but are not permitted on beds. The hotel also features two grassy pet relief areas with waste stations. Finally, Red Roof Inn Clarksville allows one pet up to 80 pounds to stay overnight.

Dogs Love Clarksville

Clarksville has emerged as a premier destination for dog lovers. Beyond its scenic beauty and warm hospitality, the city's dedication to fostering a welcoming community for canine companions is evident, so life is good for dogs living in Clarksville. With an abundance of dog parks, eateries, and businesses embracing the presence of pets, Clarksville stands as a testament to what cities can achieve when prioritizing the well-being and enjoyment of dogs.

If Clarksville is your top choice for a new home, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to speak to a Clarksville real estate agent and get started finding your Clarksville dream home.

Read Our Dog-Friendly Activity Guides For Each City Below