K

The Henderson Beach State Park nature trail is approximately 1 mile long, well-maintained and has several benches along the route tucked under shade trees. It starts at the backside of the children’s playground and has some hills and a few stairs on some decking about halfway through. Waste bags are provided at the start of the trail but there are no water stations so be sure to bring your own.

Floating down the river with Cool River Tubing is an inexpensive way to have a new experience with your pup. The facilities are clean and accommodating although it can be very crowded because the building where you purchase tickets, rent lockers and change in the dressing rooms is up some stairs and quite small (I went alone with my dog). The river was cool, clean and shady. Hang on tight to your pup as you go over small rapids and be sure to have fresh water handy at the end. Visited July 2019.

Toccoa’s well-kept dog park is tucked back behind the sports complex near Stephens County Middle School. You must walk a short gravel path to get to it from the parking lot. There are two separate areas, both large and grassy with plenty of shade, a few benches and waste bag stations. There is no water source nearby so be sure to bring your own. Visited July 2019.

Lots of cool, shady places for you and your dog to explore. The park is very clean and there are no entrance fees. Visited June 2019.

The Destin dog park is centrally located next to City Hall and offers an area for puppies/smaller dogs and a separate larger area for bigger dogs. There are waste bags, water stations, toys and rakes to fill in holes. There are benches under small shade trees and it is well-lit at night. Local dog owners pretty much expect polite play and the park is funded by donations. Currently the park is closed on Tuesday mornings for maintenance.