Brook Run Dog Park: A Local’s Guide to Dunwoody’s Off-Leash Gem Near Atlanta

Brook Run Dog Park is one of the most popular off-leash dog parks in the metro Atlanta area, tucked inside Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, just north of the Perimeter. If you live in Atlanta, especially on the north side, this is a convenient, well-known spot to let your dog run, play, and socialize.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to get there, rules to know, and tips to make the most of your visit.

Where Brook Run Dog Park Is and How to Get There

Location (inside Brook Run Park)

• Address: Brook Run Park, 4770 N Peachtree Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338
• The dog park is inside the larger Brook Run Park complex, on the east side of the park.

If you’re coming from Atlanta:

• From I-285:
  • Take the Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd or North Peachtree Rd exit.
  • Head north into Dunwoody and follow signs toward Brook Run Park.
  • Once inside the park, follow internal signs for the dog park area.

Brook Run is especially convenient if you’re in:

• Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee
• North DeKalb neighborhoods
• North-side Atlanta residents looking for a larger, wooded off-leash area

Parking is generally free in the main Brook Run Park lots, with short walks along park paths to the dog park gates.

Quick Snapshot: Brook Run Dog Park at a Glance

For the most current park details, hours, or maintenance alerts, you can contact the City of Dunwoody Parks & Recreation Department (usually reachable through Dunwoody City Hall at 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338, phone information is typically listed on the city’s main line).

What Makes Brook Run Dog Park Stand Out in the Atlanta Area

Large, Shaded Space for Off-Leash Play

Compared to many in-town dog parks within the Atlanta city limits, Brook Run Dog Park offers:

• More space to roam, which can be helpful for high-energy breeds
• Mature trees that provide shade during hot Atlanta summers
• A mostly natural surface (dirt, mulch, and leaves), which many dogs find more comfortable than concrete or turf

This makes it a popular destination for people who are willing to drive a bit from intown neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Midtown, or Grant Park for a more “woodsy” off-leash experience.

Social Scene for Dogs and Owners

Residents often use Brook Run as a regular meetup spot:

• Dogs get plenty of socialization with a rotating mix of local pets.
• Owners often chat while their dogs play, making it a decent place to connect with other dog lovers on the north side.

If your dog is new to off-leash parks, Brook Run’s size allows you to hang back near the edges at quieter times and slowly introduce them to the environment.

Amenities and Nearby Features Inside Brook Run Park

While the dog park itself is fairly simple and focused on open play space, it benefits from being part of Brook Run Park, which includes:

• Walking and jogging trails
• Playgrounds and open fields
• Pavilions and picnic areas
• A skate park
• Seasonal events and community programs

You can easily turn a dog park visit into a longer outing:

• Let your dog run off-leash in the fenced area (where allowed).
• Put them back on-leash and walk the paved trails around the rest of Brook Run Park.

Public restrooms are typically located elsewhere in Brook Run Park, not inside the dog park fence, so plan short walks if you’re spending a long time there.

Rules and Expectations at Brook Run Dog Park

Brook Run follows common Atlanta-area dog park rules designed to keep people and pets safe. Exact rules are posted at the entrance, but you can expect guidelines similar to:

• Off-leash only inside the fenced area; dogs must be on-leash in all other parts of Brook Run Park.
• Supervision required: Stay with your dog and keep them in sight at all times.
• Vaccinated and healthy dogs only: Sick, aggressive, or unvaccinated dogs should stay home.
• Age recommendations: Some parks discourage very young puppies for safety; check posted rules.
• No aggressive behavior: If your dog is acting aggressively, you’re expected to remove them promptly.
• Clean up after your dog: Bag and dispose of waste in provided trash cans.
• No outside food inside the dog area: This helps prevent resource guarding or squabbles between dogs.
• Limit on number of dogs per person: Many parks cap this for safety; look for signage.

Because Brook Run is in Dunwoody (DeKalb County), not the City of Atlanta, rules may vary slightly from those at City of Atlanta-run dog parks like Piedmont Park or Freedom Park. It’s always smart to read the posted rules at the gate each visit.

Best Times to Visit Brook Run Dog Park

Atlanta’s weather and traffic patterns matter when planning a Brook Run trip.

Time of Day

• Early mornings: Often calmer and cooler, especially in summer. Good for dogs who prefer less crowding.
• Late afternoon/early evening: Popular after-work hours; more dogs, more activity.
• Midday on weekdays: Typically quieter, useful if your dog gets overwhelmed easily.

Weather Considerations

• Summer heat: Even with shade, Atlanta summers can be intense.
  • Aim for earlier or later in the day.
  • Bring water for your dog, especially if they’re active.
• Rainy days: Natural surfaces can get muddy; bring a towel if your dog loves puddles.

Tips for Atlanta Dog Owners Using Brook Run

A few practical pointers tailored to local conditions:

• Plan around traffic: If you live intown or on the west side of Atlanta, consider I-285 congestion, especially on weekdays after 3:30 p.m.
• Bring your own water bowl: Even if water is available, having your own bowl can reduce sharing and help with picky drinkers.
• Check for events: Brook Run Park sometimes hosts festivals, markets, or road races that can affect parking and crowds.
• Try off-peak visits first: If your dog is not an experienced dog-park regular, go during a quieter time to see how they handle the environment.

How Brook Run Dog Park Compares to Other Atlanta-Area Dog Parks

If you’re deciding whether Brook Run is worth the drive from another part of metro Atlanta, consider:

• Size and feel:
  • Brook Run feels more like a wooded, open natural area than many small neighborhood dog runs.
• Location:
  • Convenient for Perimeter-area residents and north metro commuters.
  • A longer drive from neighborhoods in southwest or southeast Atlanta.
• Parking and surroundings:
  • Easy free parking and access to the amenities of Brook Run Park, which is helpful if you’re out with family or friends who don’t have dogs.

Many Atlanta residents keep multiple dog parks in their rotation—smaller neighborhood parks for quick weekday visits, and larger destinations like Brook Run for longer weekend play sessions.

Who Manages Brook Run Dog Park and Where to Ask Questions

Brook Run Dog Park is part of the City of Dunwoody’s parks system. For questions about:

• Maintenance or closures
• Lost property in the park
• Rules, hours, or complaints

You can reach out through Dunwoody’s city offices:

• City of Dunwoody (general government campus):
  4800 Ashford Dunwoody Rd
  Dunwoody, GA 30338

The city typically lists Parks & Recreation contact information through its main channels. Calling the city’s general information line or checking their posted directory is usually the best starting point.

Is Brook Run Dog Park Right for You and Your Dog?

Brook Run Dog Park is a strong option if you:

• Live in or near Dunwoody, Brookhaven, Chamblee, or Sandy Springs
• Want a larger, shaded off-leash space rather than a small urban dog run
• Like combining a dog park visit with walks, playground time, or other park activities

If you’re staying in Atlanta or moving to the area with a dog, Brook Run is one of the major dog-friendly “things to do” on the north side—especially if you value space, trees, and an active dog community.