Where to take a dog in Wilmington: the city dog park at Empie Park, leash rules in city parks, Mayfaire's 3-mile loop, and where dogs are not allowed.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Rules come from the City of Wilmington’s park rules and parks and amenities list; places from their own pages, linked below.

Wilmington is an easy city for a leashed dog: miles of sidewalk trail, a city dog park and outdoor shopping that welcomes dogs. The main rule everywhere is the leash.

Who to call

  • City parks and recreation: 910-341-7855
  • New Hanover County Parks and Gardens (county dog parks): 910-798-7620
  • Mayfaire security: 423-671-3580

The rules in city parks

The city’s park rules say:

  • Leash your dog and pick up after it.
  • Animals are not allowed on athletic fields, tennis courts, play areas or in water features, such as the splash pad. Service animals are the exception.
  • Parks are open sunrise to sunset unless an event is approved.
  • Breaking the rules can bring a $100 penalty under Chapter 7 of the Wilmington code, the rules sheet says.

The city dog park: Empie Park

The city’s parks list shows one dog park, at Empie Park, 3405 Park Ave., a 32-acre park with parking, restrooms, a playground, picnic shelters, tennis courts and a clubhouse. It is the only city park marked with a dog park on the amenities list. The off-leash area is fully fenced, with separate sections for large and small dogs, water and waste stations and shade. It is free and open dawn to dusk, and children under 12 are not allowed inside, according to the city’s Empie Park page. Call 910-341-4631.

New Hanover County Parks and Gardens runs more parks across the county, Long Leaf Park among them. For county dog park locations and rules, call 910-798-7620 or see the county’s Parks and Gardens directory.

Walks with a dog

  • Mayfaire’s walking trail: a 3-mile, well-lit sidewalk loop past neighborhoods, preservation areas and the Town Center, “perfect for a hike with your dog,” Mayfaire says. Join it from Town Center Drive, Monument Drive, Destiny Way, Inspiration Drive or Main Street; public restrooms and water fountains are on Conservation Way (trail page). Dogs must be leashed, well-behaved and under control in outdoor common areas; each store sets its own pet policy, and overnight parking is not allowed (visitor FAQ).
  • City trails: the Gary Shell Cross-City Trail and the loop around Greenfield Lake. The leash rule applies. See our walking and biking trails guide.
  • The Riverwalk downtown runs along the Cape Fear River past shops and restaurants. See our downtown and Riverwalk guide.

Where dogs cannot go

  • Airlie Gardens does not allow pets or emotional support animals (visitor page).
  • Play areas, athletic fields, tennis courts and the Northside Splash Pad in city parks, under the park rules.

Licenses and lost pets

For lost or found dogs and licensing questions, call New Hanover County’s main line, 910-798-7311 (county website).

What this means for you

  • Bring a leash and bags to every city park; the fine is $100.
  • Keep dogs off playgrounds and fields, even when they are empty.
  • For off-leash play, use the fenced dog park at Empie Park; leave children under 12 outside it.

Related: parks and trails, kids’ activities and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Wilmington, NC?

Yes. The City of Wilmington’s dog park is at Empie Park, 3405 Park Ave., according to the city’s parks and amenities list. New Hanover County Parks and Gardens runs more dog parks in the county; call 910-798-7620.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Wilmington parks?

Yes. The city’s park rules require dogs to be leashed and owners to pick up after them. Animals other than service animals are not allowed on athletic fields, tennis courts, play areas or in water features.

Can I bring my dog to Mayfaire?

Dogs are welcome in Mayfaire’s outdoor common areas if they are leashed, well-behaved and under control. Each store sets its own policy.

Are dogs allowed at Airlie Gardens?

No. Airlie Gardens does not allow pets or emotional support animals.

What are the hours of Wilmington city parks?

City parks are open from sunrise to sunset unless the city has approved an event, according to the park rules.