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Best Off-Leash Dog Areas In Pittsburgh

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The late summer months present the perfect time of year for some truly "off the chain" fun. While the term can take on several meanings, the most appropriate one, at least for this article, involves wagging tails and heavy panting. There are many places in and around the Pittsburgh area that welcome all sorts of pets. The places on this list are some of the best places to cut loose with your favorite pooch. Here are the best off-leash dog areas in Pittsburgh.

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Riverview Dog Park
1 Riverview Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA, US
(412) 321-4107
www.pittsburghparks.org/riverview

Riverview Park is home to the Allegheny Observatory, the Mairdale Watershed and one of the best off-leash dog parks in the city. With more than 280 acres, the park attracts animal lovers of all kinds and it's not uncommon to find park visitors riding horses along some of the steeper stretches of trails throughout the grounds. It's important to remember that the off-leash area of the park is located near the corner of the Allegheny Observatory parking lot.

South Park
Corrigan Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15129
(412) 350-7275
www.bringfido.com

South Park is home to a wide variety of creatures. Native wildlife includes wildfowl and white tail deer to songbirds and even a herd of buffalo that call the park home. The list of things to do at South Park can range from 18 holes of golf to a visit to the wave pool, nature preserve or picnic under the pavilion. With more than 2,000 acres to explore, it offers one of the largest areas for your dog to spend some time having fun while off the leash.

Hartwood Acres
200 Hartwood Acres
Pittsburgh, PA, US
(412) 767-9200
www.alleghenycounty.us

For many Pittsburghers, Hartwood Acres has become closely associated with the holiday seasons. Its Festival of Lights display attracts thousands of area residents looking to be dazzled by the seemingly endless succession of holiday lights. In the summertime, the park is the perfect spot for a picnic, complete with an outdoor concert and a tour through the breathtaking 1920's era mansion. There is a designated off-leash area just behind the Amphitheater on Middle Road.

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Frick Park
Nicholson St. and Beechwood Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
www.pittsburghparks.org

Easily the largest park within city limits, a visitor could make a dozen visits here and never see the same ground twice. Dogs are welcome, on a leash, anywhere within the 561 acres that make up the park. There is also a special off-leash area located just a half a mile from the "blue slide" playground on Riverview Trail. There are water fountains and "doggy bags" for cleaning up after nature calls available at the off-leash area of Frick Park.

The Dog Stop Indoor Park
2858 Banksville Road
Pittsburgh PA 152163
(412) 361-0911
www.thedogstop.net

Highly rated and well-reviewed, the Dog Stop Indoor Park is quickly become the place to go when conditions outside are less than ideal. You may have seen the Dog Stop along Banksville Road during your morning commute. It's easily identifiable by its red painted walls and golden paw print murals. In addition to being an all-around great place to take your pet for some fun and exercise, it also provides a number of other services. There are dog training lessons for the young pups, kennels for when that unexpected business trip pops up and dog walking services for while you're at work.

Related: Dog Friendliest Workplaces in Pittsburgh

Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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