Rock Hill's off-leash dog park is at Spencer Park. Leashed dogs can use the Catawba River Trail on a 3-foot leash, and two breweries welcome dogs on their patios.

Last checked Oct. 12, 2026. Park rules come from the City of Rock Hill’s Spencer Park page, its dog park regulations (PDF) and its trail pages; the leash law from the South Carolina Code, Title 47, Chapter 3; patios from each business’s own site.

Rock Hill’s fenced, off-leash dog park is at Spencer Park, 1036 Eastwood Drive, open dawn to dusk. Everywhere else, keep your dog leashed: the city allows dogs on the Catawba River Trail on a leash of 3 feet or shorter, and state law treats a dog off its owner’s property without a leash as running at large.

Who to call

  • Dog bites: York County Animal Control, 803-628-3190, and seek medical attention
  • Parks questions: Rock Hill Parks, Recreation and Tourism, 803-329-5620
  • Emergencies: 911

Spencer Park dog park

Spencer Park, 1036 Eastwood Drive, is a 9.8-acre neighborhood park with an off-leash dog park: one fenced area for small dogs (30 pounds or less) and one for dogs of all sizes, with dog water fountains and waste stations. The park also has a playground, basketball courts and a shelter. Open daily, dawn to dusk.

The city’s dog park regulations include:

  • Dogs stay leashed until they are inside the fence and go back on the leash before leaving.
  • Current rabies and license tags must be on the collar.
  • No more than two dogs per person; no puppies under 4 months.
  • No aggressive dogs, sick dogs or females in heat; leash and remove a dog at the first sign of aggression.
  • Children under 12 are not allowed inside the fenced area.
  • No dog toys and no food inside; owners stay in the fenced area and clean up after their dogs.

Trails and parks with your dog

  • Catawba River Trail, 3.35 paved miles from Riverwalk, 575 Herrons Ferry Road, to River Park, 1782 Quality Circle. Pets are allowed on a 3-foot leash, the city’s trail page says. Restrooms are at Riverwalk, River Park and the Catawba River Trailhead, 100 Celriver Road. The trail floods after heavy rain; check the city’s Park Status page.
  • Rock Hill Lake Park, 4037 India Hook Road. No pets on the beach or in the swim area, according to the city.
  • Other parks each post their own rules, linked from the city’s Parks and Facilities directory. Distances and trailheads are on our walking and biking trails guide.

Patios that welcome dogs

  • Off The Tracks Brewing, 502 Cherry Road, No. 106, 803-326-6882. Its site advertises a dog-friendly patio and says “dogs welcome.” Open from 11 a.m. daily.
  • Slow Play Brewing, 274 Columbia Ave., Suite 101. Visit York County’s patio guide says dogs are always welcome on the patio, and its brewery guide mentions a “pup cup.” Hours on the brewery’s site.

Restaurants decide their own patio policies, so ask before you sit down. Run a Rock Hill business that welcomes dogs? Tell us.

The leash law

South Carolina law defines a dog as running at large when it is off its owner’s or keeper’s premises and not under physical control by a leash or similar restraint. Where a county or city has adopted the penalty, allowing a dog to run at large is a misdemeanor with a $50 fine for a first offense, under Section 47-3-50. The City of Rock Hill’s own animal rules are in its Code of Ordinances.

Events for dogs

The city held Bark & Splash, a dog event, at noon Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, rescheduled from Aug. 2, according to its Parks, Recreation and Tourism calendar. Leave dogs at home for Red, White & Boom on July 4; organizers say it is not a pet-friendly event. See our Fourth of July page.

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

Frequently asked questions

Is there a dog park in Rock Hill?

Yes. Spencer Park, 1036 Eastwood Drive, has an off-leash dog park with separate areas for small dogs, 30 pounds or less, and for dogs of all sizes. It is open dawn to dusk and has water fountains for dogs and waste stations.

Are dogs allowed on the Catawba River Trail?

Yes, on a leash no longer than 3 feet, according to the City of Rock Hill.

Do dogs have to be on a leash in Rock Hill?

Off your own property, yes. South Carolina law treats a dog off its owner’s premises and not under physical control by a leash or similar restraint as running at large, and a first offense carries a $50 fine where a county or city has adopted the penalty.

Can I bring my dog to Rock Hill Lake Park?

Not to the beach or swim area; the city bans pets there. The park’s other areas follow the city’s posted park rules.

Which Rock Hill breweries allow dogs?

Off The Tracks Brewing, 502 Cherry Road, says dogs are welcome and has a dog-friendly patio, and Visit York County says Slow Play Brewing, 274 Columbia Ave., welcomes dogs on its patio.