Murfreesboro has two fenced Bark Parks, 15 miles of greenway and a battlefield that welcomes leashed dogs. Where dogs can go and the city's leash rules.
Last checked Oct. 19, 2026. Rules and hours come from Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation’s Bark Parks and park rules pages, the greenway page and the National Park Service’s pets page for Stones River National Battlefield.
Murfreesboro is an easy town for a dog walk. The city runs two fenced, off-leash Bark Parks, and both sit on the Murfreesboro Greenway, 15 miles of paved trail where leashed dogs are welcome. Stones River National Battlefield also allows leashed dogs on its trails. The rule everywhere else in city parks: on a leash, or in the car.
Who to call
- Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation: 615-890-5333
- Stones River National Battlefield: 615-893-9501
- Loose or dangerous dog: police non-emergency, 615-893-1311; emergencies, 911
Off-leash: the Bark Parks
| Bark Park | Address | Hours | What’s there |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Bragg Bark Park | 1540 W. College St., at the General Bragg Trailhead | Sunrise to a half hour before sunset, daily | Separate small and large dog areas, agility equipment, picnic shelter, tables and benches |
| Cason Bark Park | 1100 Cason Trail, at the Cason Trailhead | Sunrise to a half hour before sunset, daily | Fenced off-leash area |
Both are securely fenced, and water is available during the warm months. The city suggests finishing with an on-leash walk on the greenway, which runs right past the General Bragg Bark Park along the West Fork Stones River.
On-leash walks
- Murfreesboro Greenway: 15 miles in seven sections with 16 trailheads. The 10.5-mile Stones River Trail is the longest, from Thompson Lane to Barfield Crescent Park. Trailheads open at daylight and close a half hour before sunset; Gateway Island and its lit loop stay open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., handy for an after-work walk. The Murfree Spring Wetlands boardwalk is closed for repairs.
- Stones River National Battlefield: nearly 7 miles of trails, from the paved half-mile Cotton Field Trail to the 3.2-mile boundary trail. Dogs must be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet (no electric-collar “leashes”), cannot be tied to trees or monuments, and are not allowed in the visitor center or the national cemetery, except service animals. The park also runs a B.A.R.K. Ranger program for dogs and their owners.
- City parks: Barfield Crescent Park’s 430 acres have more than 7 miles of paved and unpaved walking trails. See our walking and biking trails guide.
The leash rules
From the city’s park rules:
- All pets must be in a vehicle or on a leash unless inside the fenced Bark Park, and physically controlled at all times.
- Except for service dogs, dogs are not allowed in park buildings or on athletic fields.
- Owners must pick up and dispose of waste on trails, in the Bark Parks and in picnic and camping areas.
Away from the parks, the city’s animal laws are in Chapter 5 of the City Code, which bars letting a dog run at large. State law also gives owners a duty to keep dogs under reasonable control and from running at large.
Dog days on the calendar
- Puppy Plunge at Boro Beach: before the city readied its outdoor pool for winter in 2026, dogs got a free swim. The Puppy Plunge ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at 2310 Memorial Blvd. Humans stay out of the water; dogs must be spayed or neutered and vaccinated, and aggressive dogs are not allowed.
- Rabies clinics: the city’s senior center calendar listed a rabies clinic for dogs and cats at Beesley Animal Clinic on June 18, 2026.
Patios and breweries
Restaurants and breweries set their own pet rules, and they can differ by event. Hop Springs, for example, asks guests to leave pets at home for its shows. We list a patio here only when the business says on its own website that dogs are welcome. Know one? Tell us.
What this means for you
- Best off-leash run: General Bragg Bark Park, then an on-leash greenway walk.
- Hot days: never leave a dog in a parked car; the park service warns the inside of a car heats to dangerous levels in minutes.
- Evening walks: Gateway Island is lit and open until 10 p.m.
More guides: parks and trails, free things to do and kids’ activities.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the dog parks in Murfreesboro?
The city has two fenced Bark Parks: General Bragg Bark Park, 1540 W. College St., with separate small and large dog areas, and Cason Bark Park, 1100 Cason Trail. Both are open from sunrise to a half hour before sunset every day.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Murfreesboro parks?
Yes. City park rules say all pets must be on a leash or in a vehicle unless they are inside a fenced Bark Park, and must be physically controlled at all times. Owners must pick up after their dogs.
Can I take my dog to Stones River National Battlefield?
Yes, on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in the visitor center or the national cemetery, except service animals.
Are dogs allowed on the Murfreesboro Greenway?
Yes, on a leash. Clean up after your dog; the greenway is open from daylight to a half hour before sunset, and Gateway Island from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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