Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in Loudoun County, VA
Loudoun County is one of the most dog-friendly corners of Northern Virginia, and it backs that reputation with a growing network of off-leash dog parks spread from Ashburn to Leesburg, Aldie, Purcellville, and Lovettsville. Whether your pup wants acres of open grass, a dedicated small-dog run, or agility equipment next to a picnic pavilion, there is a fenced park here built for it. This guide walks you through the best off-leash spots in Loudoun County, with the rules, parking, and pro tips you need before you let your dog off the lead.
Waggertail Dog Park: Ashburn's Beloved Off-Leash Favorite
Location: 21500 Windsor Dr, Ashburn, VA 20147
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Waggertail is Loudoun County's crown jewel of dog parks and one of the most visited off-leash parks in all of Northern Virginia. The fenced space is split into separate large-dog and small-dog areas, giving every pup a safe place to run without worry. You will find water stations for thirsty dogs, agility equipment for the athletic set, and a well-drained surface that drains quickly after summer storms.
What really sets Waggertail apart is the community. An active volunteer group organizes regular cleanups and dog-friendly events, so on a good weekend the large-dog run is full of friendly regulars. It is free, open daily from dawn to dusk, and parking is plentiful. Arrive in the morning on weekends for the liveliest crowd, or stop by on a weekday for a quieter, more relaxed run.
Good to Know
- Keep your dog leashed between your car and the gate, and only let them off inside the fenced area.
- Use the separate small-dog area (under 25 lbs) so shy or tiny pups have their own space.
- Bring your own water bowl; the on-site water stations are shared, so a clean bowl for your own dog is the courteous move.
Leesburg Dog Park at Olde Izaak Walton Park
Location: 850 Davis Court SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
Right in the heart of historic Leesburg, this town-run dog park is tucked into Olde Izaak Walton Park and offers a fenced off-leash area with a dedicated section for dogs under 25 pounds and a roomier large-dog run. Water is available on site, and benches line both the inside and outside of the fence, so owners can sit comfortably while their dogs play.
Its central location makes it a handy stop before or after exploring Leesburg's walkable downtown. Park at the paved lot off Davis Court, cross to the fenced area, and you are set. It is free and open every day from dawn to dusk, which makes it one of the most convenient off-leash options in the county's seat.
Dulles Gateway Dog Park in Sterling
Location: 21430 Beaumeade Circle, Sterling, VA 20164
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
If you live or work along the Dulles corridor, Dulles Gateway is the park to know. This fenced off-leash park offers separate areas for large and small dogs, shade structures for those hot summer afternoons, and easy parking right at the gate. It is a favorite quick stop for Sterling, Ashburn, and Herndon residents who want a solid off-leash session with minimal fuss.
The surface is well-kept and the park never feels as crowded as Waggertail, so it is a good choice if your dog prefers a calmer playmate crowd. Bring water, as the on-site amenities can be limited, and you will have an easy, no-stress visit.
Franklin Park Dog Park in Purcellville
Location: 17501 Franklin Park Dr, Purcellville, VA 20132
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
For dogs and owners who want more than a square of grass, Franklin Park in western Loudoun is the answer. This large regional park is home to its own off-leash dog area, but it also connects to miles of on-leash walking trails, open meadows, and picnic spots. You can tire your pup out on the trails first, then reward them with a fenced off-leash session so they can burn off the last of their energy.
It is further out than the Ashburn parks, so it draws a smaller, mostly local crowd. That makes it a calm, scenic choice for a weekend outing from Leesburg, Purcellville, or anywhere in western Loudoun. Bring water, since the on-site amenities may be limited, and take advantage of the surrounding trails.
Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park in Aldie
Location: 22831 Hanson Park Dr, Aldie, VA 20105
Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
Cost: Free
On the southern edge of Loudoun near the Aldie community, Hal & Berni Hanson Regional Park pairs a dedicated off-leash dog area with nature trails and picnic pavilions. It is a fantastic stop if you are already heading out toward the wineries or the bucolic farmland of southern Loudoun and want a quick, social off-leash break along the way.
The park's setting is quieter and more rural than the Ashburn parks, which many dogs love. Combine a fenced play session with a stroll on the park's looping trails, then grab a bite or a glass of wine at one of Loudoun's many dog-friendly spots nearby.
More Off-Leash Spots Worth Knowing
Loudoun's off-leash lineup keeps growing. In Ashburn, both Evermoore Neighborhood Park (22395 Foundation Drive) and Potomac Green Neighborhood Park (20750 Marblehead Drive) include small neighborhood dog areas, and the private One Loudoun community park adds separate large- and small-dog runs right by the town center. Farther north, Lovettsville Community Park (39550 Lovettsville Park Drive) offers an off-leash area inside a roughly 90-acre park with room to roam. These are generally quieter, community-run spaces, perfect for a low-key visit.
Practical Tips for Loudoun County Dog Parks
"Loudoun County pairs some of Northern Virginia's best off-leash parks with its wine country, trails, and friendly small-town downtowns, so a great dog day here is never hard to plan."
Loudoun County Dog Parks, At a Glance
GG is a lifelong dog lover and Associate Broker with eXp Realty in Northern Virginia. She created Dog-Friendly NOVA to help fellow pet owners discover the best dog-friendly trails, parks, restaurants, and day trip destinations across the region. She lives in Prince William County with her family and two rescue dogs.