A great time to visit is before 9:00 am and after 9:00 pm, when most of the unfenced Park landscapes are available for owners to walk and play with their dogs off-leash. In between those hours, dogs must be on-leash in the Park — home to 23 designated “dog-friendly” areas. These are popular gathering spots for owners and their dogs to mingle and meet.

The Park offers dog owners some particularly scenic areas to take their pets on-leash this time of year, with fall’s golds and reds. Central Park’s native species are planted and preserved across 136 acres of woodlands, as well as in our wildlife corridors, meadows and regular landscape plantings. It all provides for beautiful seasonal views, and the Park’s staff encourages visitors to take advantage of them — though their dogs must be on-leash at all times.

Other great pockets of the Park where dogs are welcome, but must be on-leash at all times, include Conservatory Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Bridle Path, Cedar Hill, Kerbs Boathouse Plaza (at the model boat pond), Arthur Ross Pinetum, Turtle Pond, and The Peter Jay Sharp Children’s Glade. The Children’s Glade might pose some confusion for dog owners, since it neighbors Great Hill, home to one of the Park’s many dog drinking fountains. But the area indeed requires that dogs be leashed, since the sensitive landscape can be damaged by the thousands of paws that regularly come trotting through the park.

There are some spots where dogs are not allowed: Playgrounds, display fountains, bodies of water, ballfields, the Elm Islands at the Mall, Sheep Meadow, East Green, and any areas where signs are posted.

Thirsty dog owners are more than welcome to use one of the standard drinking fountains. Their thirsty canines? We ask they take advantage of the 16 special dog fountains that dot the 843-acre Park. While it may be tempting to allow your pooch to drink from or dip in any of the Park’s water bodies, remember — they’re filled with fish, turtles, and waterfowl. To help preserve the Park’s wildlife, we ask that you keep to the dog fountains or bring your own receptacle.

The Park’s stretches of road also offer a great place for owners to take their dogs on a city stroll, with just over six miles of roadway that wind through the lush space. But be attentive — the roadways are also popular with pedestrians, cyclists and skaters. To prevent accidents, keep your dog on a short leash when crossing the drives.

As always, don’t forget to curb and clean up after your dog. Your fellow dog owners and Park users will thank you for it.

For information about dog runs and park rules Citywide, contact the Department of Parks & Recreation through 311, or visit www.nyc.gov/parks/dogs.

Want your bark heard? Central Park PAWS is an organization of dog owners who work with the Central Park Conservancy to address dog issues in the Park and produce programs and events involving dogs and their owners. Visit http://www.centralparkpaws.org/ to join.