© Courtesy of Henry County

Dog-Friendly Road Trip to Henry County, Georgia

Road trips can be fun, but when you have a four-legged family member, it can also come with some challenges. When traveling I-75 south through Henry County, Georgia, here are some dog-friendly stops that are as fun for your pup as for the rest of the family.

As you enter Henry County, take Exit 228 to visit Clark Park’s bark park. During the summer months, Clark Park is also home to Stockbridge Food Trucks Tasty Tuesdays, so you can get some gourmet grub and your pup can play. Venture out to Panola Mountain State Park, where there are miles of pet-friendly trails, both paved and unpaved, to enjoy. Don’t forget your binoculars, as Panola’s trails offer excellent bird-watching opportunities. With a Georgia fishing license, you can also relax in the great outdoors while casting a line on the banks of Alexander Lake.

If you jump off I-75 at either Exit 228 or 224, you can access the Memorial Park or the Flippen Road entrance of the Reeves Creek Trail. This three-mile paved trail winds through the woods and is open to pets, bikes, and anyone looking to enjoy a little exercise and fresh air. For those who like structured outdoor exercise, Rum Creek Golf is a ninehole, par 3 executive golf course, and it is dog-friendly! They also offer a putting green, driving range, and foot-golf course.

On Exit 221, 15th Street Pizza and Pub has a dog-friendly patio and even a menu just for dogs. Order your four-legged family member a complimentary bowl of water, or let them have a fancy lunch of rice and chicken while you enjoy craft beer and pizza. Once everyone is full, walk it off at Nash Farm Park. This 204-acre park has a network of trails and even a secluded fishing lake for the interested angler. North Mt. Caramel Park is also located on this exit with a dog park for both big and small dogs.

Whether you are looking for a place to stretch your legs or maybe a place to park the RV, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s nearly 900 acres offer a lot of options. During race weekend, it becomes one of the largest cities in Georgia, but between events, a limited number of full RV hook-up spots are available for general rental, with a dog park right next to them. If you go east instead of west off Exit 218, you will find Heritage Park with miles of wooded, paved trails, community gardens, a Veterans Wall of Honor, and several beautiful murals. While not dog-friendly, the Heritage Park Veterans Museum is also well worth the visit while you are at the park— and it’s free!

While in Downtown Locust Grove off Exit 212, grab one of the outdoor bistro tables at Black Rose Café & Bar. Grab coffee and brunch before walking over to the Locust Grove Train Watching Platform to relax and enjoy the more than 40 trains that pass through the city every day. Chase Maddox Park, located past Tanger Outlets, has a great walking track, as well as a dog park. It is also home to one of the 30 custom-painted squirrel picnic tables that make up the Bushy Tail Art Trail.

If you are not traveling with your home on wheels, consider one of Henry County’s many petfriendly hotels. Learn more at VisitHenryCountyGeorgia.com