Hills Bark Park at H.P. Thomas Park is Bowling Green's off-leash dog park. City leash rules, dog-friendly trails at Lost River Cave and where to ask about patios.

Last checked Oct. 16, 2026. Rules come from Bowling Green Parks and Recreation’s park rules and the city’s Code of Ordinances; places are listed only where their own pages say dogs are welcome. Bowling Green Parks and Recreation: 270-393-3249.

Bowling Green’s city dog park is Hills Bark Park on Cave Mill Road; Warren County’s Phil Moore Park has another fenced dog park. Leashed dogs are welcome in the city’s other parks and on its greenways. Here is where to go and the rules that apply.

The rules in one box

  • Leash: 6 feet or shorter in city parks, except in the dog park (park rules).
  • Off your property: on a lead or leash and under a responsible person’s control, the city code says, except inside the H.P. Thomas Bark Park.
  • Clean up after your dog. Do not tie it to trees, fences, benches or shelters.
  • Loose or nuisance animal? City of Bowling Green Citizen Information and Assistance, 270-393-3444.

The dog park: Hills Bark Park

Hills Bark Park sits inside H.P. Thomas Park, 850 Cave Mill Road. Established in 2007, it covers about 4.5 acres of the 17-acre park, with one section for small dogs and one for large dogs, multiple shade trees and a dog fountain, according to Bowling Green Parks and Recreation. H.P. Thomas Park also has a playground, a grill, a soccer field and a shelter.

  • Hours: the dog park is locked at dusk (park rules).
  • Off leash only inside the fence: the city code’s leash exception covers the enclosed area only.

Phil Moore Park, 7101 Scottsville Road, a Warren County park, also has a fenced-in dog park, along with Drakes Creek access, disc golf and a playground, according to the visitors bureau listing. 270-843-6665.

Walks with your dog

Leashed dogs are welcome across the city’s parks and greenways:

  • The Riverwalk at Mitch McConnell Park, 426 E. Riverview Drive, along the Barren River and the College Street pedestrian bridge.
  • Kereiakes Park, 1220 Fairview Ave., with a 1.25-mile trail, and Preston Miller Park, 2303 Tomblinson Way, with a 1-mile trail.
  • Fort C.F. Smith Park on Reservoir Hill, 900 E. Main Ave., with views over the city.
  • The BikeWalkBG greenways through Hobson Grove, James Hines, Roland Bland and Weldon Peete parks.

Trail lengths and addresses are in our walking and biking trails guide and our parks and trails guide. Parks with lights are open sunrise to 11 p.m., and parks without lights close at dusk.

Lost River Cave, 2818 Nashville Road, welcomes pets on a leash in the park and on its trails, including the paved Greenway Trail above the valley, according to its website. Pets are not allowed on the boat tour, there are no kennels, and the cave asks visitors not to leave pets in a car in summer.

Where dogs are not allowed

  • Jackson’s Orchard: no pets or comfort animals, only ADA-defined service animals (FAQ).

Service animals are allowed in city park facilities under state law (KRS 258.500). Under the park rules, emotional support and therapy animals follow the same rules as pets.

Patios and breweries

Patio rules vary from one restaurant to the next, so ask before you go. We list a business here only when its own page says dogs are welcome; send us one through our contact page.

White Squirrel Brewery, 302 State St., held a Community Dog Show benefiting the Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society in May 2026 (listing). Call 270-599-1559 to ask about dogs on the beer garden.

Adopt or volunteer

The Bowling Green-Warren County Humane Society, 1925 River St., holds adoption events such as dog yoga classes with adoptable dogs (listing).

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Bowling Green, Kentucky?

Yes. Hills Bark Park, about 4.5 acres inside H.P. Thomas Park at 850 Cave Mill Road, has separate areas for small and large dogs, shade trees and a dog fountain. It is locked at dusk.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Bowling Green parks?

Yes. City park rules require pets to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, except in designated off-leash areas such as the dog park. Owners must clean up after their pets and may not tie them to trees, fences, benches or shelters.

What is the leash law in Bowling Green?

Under section 5-1.08 of the city code, any animal off private property must be on a lead or leash and under the control of a responsible person, except inside the enclosed area at the H.P. Thomas Bark Park.

Can I bring my dog to Lost River Cave?

Leashed pets are welcome on the grounds and trails at Lost River Cave, but not on the boat tour, and the cave has no kennels. Clean up after your dog and do not leave it in the car in summer.

Are dogs allowed at Jackson’s Orchard?

No. Jackson’s Orchard allows only ADA-defined service animals, not pets or comfort animals, to protect the animals on the farm.