Brookdale Dog Park

Spanning over 1.2 acres within the scenic borders of Brookdale Park, the Brookdale Dog Park is widely celebrated as one of the finest off-leash facilities in Northern New Jersey. Located in Montclair (and shared with Bloomfield), this massive park offers what city runs simply cannot: room to truly run. The large dog section alone is nearly an acre of crushed stone dust surface, providing ample space for greyhounds to sprint and retrievers to play endless games of fetch. A separate, generously sized area for small dogs ensures that petite pups can play safely without being overwhelmed.\n\nAmenities are plentiful, including agility equipment for training, multiple water stations to keep pups hydrated, and time-out enclosures for cooling down over-stimulated dogs. The park is nestled in a wooded area, offering a 'nature getaway' feel despite being in a suburban setting. Regulars praise the active community and the cleanliness maintained by the county. Access requires navigating to the park's interior loop, but the destination is well worth the drive. Many visitors combine their trip with a leashed walk around the beautiful 1.5-mile loop of Brookdale Park itself, which features a stunning rose garden and lush lawns. Be sure to check Essex County requirements for permits to ensure full compliance during your visit.