Tucked away in Southern Pines, NC, Martin Park is a 50-acre off-leash dog park that offers a perfect blend of open play areas, wooded trails, and natural streams. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk or a place for your pup to roam freely, this hidden gem delivers an unforgettable outdoor experience.
On a more personal note, Trace and I have spent several afternoons there now, and I love how accessible and entertaining this park is! Look out for more on park accessibility down below.
Why Martin Park Stands Out
🐾 Off-Leash Freedom: Unlike many parks, Martin Park allows dogs to explore without a leash, making it a dream destination for well-socialized pups. Trace loved being able to play when he had the energy, and explore on his own when he was feeling less social. This dog park model works super well for disabled pups, or pups that may not be as socially aware!
🌲 Scenic Trails & Wooded Areas: The park features natural paths, shaded forests, and open fields, offering a variety of terrain for both dogs and humans. Being able to walk a variety of trails and paths is so fun for Trace and I, and it helps him learn how to navigate new terrain better! This kind of variety is super healthy for building Traces joint stamina and running power!
💦 Creek Access: A gentle stream runs through the park, providing a refreshing spot for dogs to cool off on warm days. There is tons of sand alongside the stream, and Trace absolutely loves it. He’s a huge fan of sand (apparently) and loves to get his zoomies out here. Sand is so fun for mobility challenged dogs, because it provides more traction and a comfortable spot to slide/land on, so I would recommend it for your special needs pup!
🛠️ Obstacle Course & Play Areas: Designed for enrichment, the park includes interactive spaces where dogs can test their agility and play. This isn’t something that Trace is ready to tackle in its entirety yet, but he loved jumping the little walls and such over here!
Things to Know Before You Go
✔ Location: 350 Commerce Ave, Southern Pines, NC
✔ Hours: Open dawn to dusk year-round, so check sunset for the time of year!
✔ Leash Rules: Dogs must be leashed upon entry and exit but can roam freely inside. You have to carry your dog’s leash the whole time, but that’s just in case of emergency!
✔ Safety Considerations: The park is partially fenced, so strong recall training is recommended. There are areas that are not fenced, so be extra careful and make sure you’re giving your pup your full attention!
✔ Community Support: The park hosts the Canine Cubby, a donation-based pantry providing pet supplies for owners in need. If you have anything at home that your pup is no longer using, but is still in great shape, donate here! They take all kinds of pet supplies here as long as they are in good condition, so feel free to take a look when you stop by!
Final Thoughts
Martin Park is more than just a dog park—it’s a community space where nature, adventure, and canine companionship come together. Whether you’re exploring the wooded trails, splashing in the creek, or simply enjoying the fresh air, this park is worth the visit.
Have you explored Martin Park? Share your favorite experiences in the comments!
Trailblaze on!
–Kaya, Skully, and Trace
Trailblazing Unleashed 
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