Huntersville's dog park is at Rosedale Nature Park, county dog parks open 7:30 a.m. to sunset and Birkdale Village welcomes dogs. The leash rule explained.

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Rules come from the Town of Huntersville’s Animals Ordinance and Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s dog parks page. Huntersville Police Department main line: 704-464-5400; 911 in an emergency.

Huntersville has one town dog park, at Rosedale Nature Park, and miles of greenway to walk a leashed dog. Birkdale Village welcomes dogs, and county dog parks and preserves nearby add off-leash space. Here is where to go and what the town’s leash rule says.

What this means for you

  • The rule: off your property, a dog must be leashed, enclosed, in a vehicle or under a competent person’s immediate control.
  • Town dog park: Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane.
  • County dog parks: 7:30 a.m. to sunset; vaccinations required; no children under 12.
  • Shopping with your dog: Birkdale Village is dog-friendly.

The leash rule

Chapter 94 of the town code, reprinted on the town’s Animals Ordinance page, defines a stray as any dog in town limits that is off its owner’s premises and not under restraint. A dog is under restraint if it is:

  • controlled by a chain, leash or similar device;
  • on or in a vehicle being driven or parked;
  • inside a secure enclosure or its owner’s home; or
  • under the immediate and effective control of a competent person.

The town answers “Does Huntersville have a leash law?” by pointing to this ordinance on its frequently asked questions page. The ordinance also defines a nuisance animal, including one repeatedly found at large or that excessively makes disturbing noises.

Dog parks

Dog park Address Run by
Rosedale Nature Park 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane, Huntersville Town of Huntersville
Ramsey Creek Park 18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius Mecklenburg County
Daniel Stowe Conservancy dog park 6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont Daniel Stowe Conservancy
  • Rosedale Nature Park also has a playground, a shelter, a walking trail and greenway access, according to the county’s park data. Town parks: 704-766-2220.
  • County dog parks are open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Dogs must have current rabies (with tag number), DHLPP and Bordetella vaccinations to use the off-leash areas, and no children under 12 are allowed inside, the county says. Ramsey Creek Park’s enclosed dog park is listed on its park page.
  • Daniel Stowe Conservancy says its dog park and trails are free and open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; only The Gardens need admission, according to its hours page.

Walks and trails

The town has about 12.8 miles of greenways, urban trails and natural-surface trail inside its limits, including the McDowell Creek and Torrence Creek greenways and the downtown greenway. The town’s restraint rule applies on them. Maps are on the town’s greenway and trail page and our walking and biking trails guide.

Latta Nature Preserve on Sample Road lists walking a leashed dog among its activities, the county says, with more than 16 miles of trail. See our Latta Nature Preserve guide.

Patios and shopping

  • Birkdale Village calls itself “a dog-friendly property,” and its Concierge team gives water and dog treats to visiting dogs, according to the Concierge page. Individual stores and restaurants set their own rules for dogs inside.
  • Breweries: check each brewery’s own policy before you bring a dog. Our live music and nightlife page lists the taprooms in town.

Dog events

  • Rural Hill Sheepdog Trials and Dog Festival: Nov. 14-15, 2026, at Historic Rural Hill, 4431 Neck Road, with herding trials, dog demonstrations and vendors. Dogs are welcome, Rural Hill says. Details on our fall festivals page.
  • Not for dogs: the Carolina Renaissance Festival says “No Pets Please.”

More: parks and trails and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Does Huntersville have a leash law?

Yes. The town’s Animals Ordinance treats a dog off its owner’s property as a stray unless it is under restraint: on a leash or chain, in a vehicle, in a secure enclosure or under the immediate and effective control of a competent person.

Where is the dog park in Huntersville?

At Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane, a town park that also has a playground, a shelter, a walking trail and greenway access.

What are the rules at Mecklenburg County dog parks?

County dog parks are open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset. Dogs need current rabies (with tag number), DHLPP and Bordetella vaccinations, and children under 12 are not allowed inside.

Is Birkdale Village dog-friendly?

Yes. Birkdale Village calls itself a dog-friendly property, and its Concierge desk gives water and dog treats to visiting dogs.