Mill Creek Dog Park, leashed hikes at Rainbow Mountain and the greenways, Galaxy of Lights dog nights, and Madison's leash and dog license rules.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. Rules and details come from the City of Madison, the Land Trust of North Alabama and each venue’s own pages, linked below. We list a patio or shop as dog-friendly only when it says so on its own website.

Madison has one city dog park, four greenways and a mountain preserve where leashed dogs are welcome. The rules are simple: leash on everywhere except inside the dog park, pick up after your dog, and keep a current city license and rabies tag.

Who to call

  • Madison Animal Control (Madison Police Department): 256-692-8364, 400 Celtic Drive
  • Dog park concerns: Parks and Recreation, 256-772-9300
  • Rainbow Mountain: Land Trust of North Alabama, 256-534-5263
  • Emergencies, dangerous animals: 911

Mill Creek Dog Park

The city’s dog park is at 38 Balch Road, on the Mill Creek Greenway.

  • Size: 1.43 fenced acres of gently rolling, grassy meadow with plenty of shade trees.
  • Layout: a 20-by-30-foot staging area at the gate where you unleash your dog, then two play areas: one for dogs 25 pounds or less, one for dogs over 25 pounds.
  • Amenities: drinking water for dogs and people, trash cans and waste bag dispensers.
  • Parking: the city’s trail map lists greenway parking at Mill Road and Balch Road, at Browns Ferry Road and Balch Road, and at the end of Spotted Fawn Road.

Walks and hikes with your dog

  • Rainbow Mountain Preserve, 230 Stoneway Trail: a little over three miles of rocky trail. The Land Trust says “pets are welcome but must be leashed at all times,” trails are open dawn to dusk, and hikers should check themselves and their pets for ticks, under its rules.
  • City greenways: Mill Creek (1.5 miles), Bradford Creek (2.3 miles) and Oakland Springs Branch (1 mile), plus the Indian Creek Greenway on the Huntsville line. Leash rules apply. See our walking and biking trails guide.
  • Neighborhood parks: open sunup to 30 minutes after sunset, with dogs on a leash.

The rules

From the city’s park rules:

  • Pets must be kept on a leash, and owners are responsible for disposing of pet waste.
  • No pets inside city recreation facilities (trained assist animals excepted), on the track or in pool areas.

License your dog. Animal licenses are sold at the Madison Police Department from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, by cash, check or card, with proof of rabies vaccination, according to the city:

License One year Three years
Spayed or neutered animal $10 $25
Unaltered animal $30 $65
Replacement tag $2 $2

A pet picked up by Animal Control and held at the shelter can be reclaimed at the Police Department on weekdays, with a $10-a-day redemption fee. Animal Control officers also handle ordinance complaints, cruelty reports and bite calls, the city says. The full ordinances are in the city’s code of ordinances.

Dog-friendly events

  • Galaxy of Lights Dog Walking Nights: on six walking nights between Nov. 13 and Dec. 31, 2026, dogs may walk the 1.75-mile light show route with their owners at Huntsville Botanical Garden; dog tickets are $5 in advance and $6 at the gate, per the garden’s 2026 calendar. Details on our holiday lights page.
  • Kids Read to a Therapy Dog: monthly Sunday afternoons at the Madison Public Library, 142 Plaza Blvd., per its calendar.

Where dogs are not allowed

  • Tate Farms pumpkin patch in Meridianville allows service animals only, according to our fall festivals page.
  • City pools, the Dublin Park track and recreation buildings, under the park rules above.

What this means for you

  • Bring a leash and bags everywhere; the dog park is the only off-leash spot.
  • Small dog? Use the 25-pounds-and-under side of the dog park.
  • Renew the city license with your dog’s rabies shot.

More guides: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the dog park in Madison, Alabama?

Mill Creek Dog Park is at 38 Balch Road on the Mill Creek Greenway. The 1.43-acre fenced park has a staging area at the gate and separate play areas for dogs 25 pounds or less and dogs over 25 pounds, with water, waste bags and shade.

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

Yes. City of Madison park rules say pets must be kept on a leash and owners must dispose of pet waste. Dogs run off-leash only inside the dog park’s play areas.

Do I need a dog license in Madison, Alabama?

Yes. The city sells animal licenses at the Madison Police Department, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with proof of rabies vaccination. A one-year license is $10 for a spayed or neutered animal and $30 for an unaltered one.

Can I take my dog hiking at Rainbow Mountain?

Yes. The Land Trust of North Alabama welcomes pets on its preserve trails, including Rainbow Mountain, as long as they are leashed at all times. Trails are open dawn to dusk.

Are dogs allowed at Galaxy of Lights?

Only on its six Dog Walking Nights. Dog tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the gate in 2026, according to Huntsville Botanical Garden’s calendar.