Dogwood Dog Park is Knoxville’s original public off-leash spot, tucked inside big, busy Victor Ashe Park on the northwest side of town. It’s a one-acre fenced playground for pups — hills to climb, a tunnel to dash through, jumps to practice on, and a doggy water fountain for thirsty tongues — all under a canopy of hardwoods. Bring a towel if your dog is the “I found a puddle” type, and plan a leashed stroll on the park’s paved or natural trails afterward.
Rules can change. Always check the City of Knoxville Victor Ashe Park page, the city dog-park rules and the posted signs before you go.
What to know
- Where: Victor Ashe Park, 4901 Bradshaw Rd., Knoxville, TN 37912. Dogwood Dog Park (PetSafe) is the fenced off-leash area inside the park.
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset (city park hours).
- Off-leash: Only inside the fenced, signed dog park. Everywhere else in Victor Ashe Park and on city greenways, dogs need a leash.
- Size: About 1 acre, fully fenced, with a puppy playground (hills, tunnel, jump), dog water fountain, waste stations and people benches.
- Who can come: Pick up after your pup every time. Follow posted city rules for vaccines and behavior.
- Around the park: Victor Ashe also has a playground, soccer fields, disc golf, picnic shelter, restrooms and greenway connections.
- Pin: ~35.9826, -83.9925.
Tips
- This was Knoxville’s first public dog park (opened 2007 with KnoxDog), so it can get popular on nice weekends. Morning and weekday visits are calmer.
- The ground is a mix of dirt and play structures — dusty when dry, muddy after rain. Keep a towel and extra water in the car.
- Want a leashed walk after? The paved Victor Ashe Greenway and the natural-surface loop around the park are right there. City ordinance still means leash outside the dog-park fence.
- First visit? Pause at the double gate, let your pup sniff hellos through the fence, then go in when the coast looks friendly.
- Victor Ashe is a multi-use park. Watch for bikes, soccer games and disc golf when you walk from the parking lot to the dog park.
What to pack: 6-ft leash, bags, fresh water and a bowl (in case the fountain is off), a towel and a secure harness.
How to get there
Victor Ashe Park sits in northwest Knoxville. From I-640, take Western Avenue west, then follow signs toward Bradshaw Road; the park entrance is on Bradshaw. Park in the lot and walk to the fenced Dogwood Dog Park area.
FAQ
Is Dogwood Dog Park free?
Yes. It’s a city PetSafe dog park, and the city doesn’t list a fee to use it.
Is there a separate small-dog side?
The city describes one fully fenced one-acre park with a puppy playground. Check the posted signs for any size or behavior rules when you visit.
Disclosure: City Pups may earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate. Always check current local rules before your visit.