Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States. I know, I would have guessed Yellowstone too, but it’s true. Great Smoky is a great park to explore, especially in the spring or fall, but should you bring your dog(s) with you? Keep reading to find out, is Great Smoky Mountains National Park dog friendly?
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Is Great Smoky Mountains Dog Friendly?
Dog Friendly National Park Rating:
Where Are Dogs Allowed Inside The Park?:
As is the case in most National Parks –
- Leashed pets may join their people in the following areas:
- Along established roads or in parking areas
- In established campgrounds and picnic areas
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than six feet.
- Pets may not make noise that impacts visitors or wildlife.
- Pet owners must pick up and dispose of pet excrement in trash receptacles.
2 Dog Friendly Trails In The Park –
The Gatlinburg Trail
The Ocanaluftee River Trail
Check Out: The Best Dog Friends Hikes In The Smokies
Where & Why Are Pets Prohibited?:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was established in the 1930s. The park prohibits dogs on hiking trails for several reasons:
- Pets can carry and spread diseases to park wildlife, including the thriving black bear population.
- Dogs can disturb and enrage a bear, it may lead the angry bear directly to you.
- Pups also encounter insects that bite and transmit disease and plants that are poisonous or full of painful thorns and burrs.
- Dog can threaten wildlife. They often scare birds and other animals away from their nesting places.
- Did you know that dogs leave behind a ‘predator’ scent? They do, and the scent can linger, disrupting the native animals this park protects.
- Trust me, I know this is hard to believe, but not everyone loves dogs the way you do! Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs. And uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors.
Know Before You Go: Great Smoky Mountains Edition
- There is no entrance fee at Great Smoky Mountains
- Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, so make sure to check the forecast before you head out for the day
- There are elk on the North Carolina side of the park, they can usually be found near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Know Before You Go: Great Smoky Mountains Dog Friendly Edition
- You may not leave your pet unattended in vehicles if it creates a danger to the animal or if the animal becomes a public nuisance.
- Pets may not be left tied to vehicles, trees, or other objects.
- Pets are incredibly susceptible to overheating. Even in the mountains on mile days, temperatures inside vehicles rise quickly, and pets left in vehicles can overheat and die. Cracked windows provide very little relief.
- Pets are not allowed in any park visitor centers.
- Doggy daycare, boarding facilities, and veterinary clinics are available in nearby communities.
But What Can I Do With Pups?
It’s a general rule of thumb that state and national forests offer dog friendly trails and are usually pretty close by National Parks that do not.
There are actually a ton of options right outside the park here at Great Smoky Mountains. Check out Cherokee National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Pisgah National Forest for some ideas!
While Great Smoky Mountains may not be the most dog friendly National Park, there are so many things to do with your pups in the Smokies!
Packing List For The Dogs
- Extra Tags (incase you lose yours)
- Rabies Vaccines & General Vet/Vaccine Records
- Leashes
- Harnesses
- Hammock Seat Cover
- Dog Seat Belts
- Crate/Kennel
- Dog Bed (I usually bring one for the car)
- Food & Water Bowls
- Food & Extra Water
- Care Products – I always bring Benadryl, Famotidine, Nose & Paw Ointment
- Dog First Aid Kit
- Poop Bag Holder
- Biodegradable Poop Bags And THIS handy little thing
- Cleaning Supplies (at the very least carpet cleaner)
- Toys/Kong/Bones/Treats (Freya needs distractions on long road trips)
- Ball (its always a good idea to have at least a ball)
- 50 ft leashes for Airbnb yards
- Towels (esp if you have messy dogs like mine)
- A Current Photo (in case they get lost)
- Backpack
- Collapsible Water Bowl
Need A Packing Checklist For The Pups?
12 Things To Do With Pups Near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1. Drive Cades Cove Loop Road –
If you’ve read my Best
When you drive the 1.1-mile loop road, you can bring your pet with you! Pets are not allowed along the hiking trails or in any of the historic structures, but they can ride in the car along this scenic drive.
You can get them out to stretch their legs, get a drink, and snap some photos at the pull-offs. If you are driving through to take in the wildlife and that stunning natural beauty, then your pups would love the drive! Roll the windows down and enjoy that fresh air!
Tip – I would not suggest bringing your pups if it’s hot or if you want to check out any of the historical structures.
Tip – I highly recommend checking out Cades Cove at sunset for spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing. But consider yourself warned that it’s just as busy at sunset as it is during the day.
Check Out: Ultimate Guide To Cades Cove
2. Hike Mingo Fall In Cherokee, North Carolina –
- Distance: .3 miles
- Rating: Moderate
Mingo Falls was our favorite hike near to park. Also knowns as Big Bear Falls in Cherokee language, the falls lie on tribal lands and are dog friendly. This trail is .4 miles and appears misleadingly easy! Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely not a HARD trail but it is rated moderate because it is a straight incline that contains 161 stairs.
This waterfall cascades at nearly 200 feet and is gorgeous and pretty impressive after some rainfall! This hike offers a lot of bang for your buck. You don’t usually get to see a waterfall on such a short hike.
Check Out: Cherokee Nation: History Nugget
3. Sips Some Moonshine With The Pups –
While it may not technically be inside the park this still counts as Great Smoky Mountains
Sugarland Distilling Co –
- 805 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Ole Smoky Moonshine –
- 903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
4. Get Some Fresh Treats At Bonediggity Bakery –
- 716 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
- 11 am – 7pm 7 Days A Week
Bonediggity Barkery is a pet-friendly bakery. Bring your leashed pup(s) along to sniff out the snacks at this dog-centric bakery full of delicious treats for four-legged customers. They also sell gifts and apparel for dogs, including leashes, collars and more.
5. Head To Dollywood/Doggywood For In Pigeon Forge –
- 1020 Dollywood Ln, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Although dogs are not allowed in the Dollywood amusement park, visitors traveling with their dogs can leave them at Dollywood’s very own kennel, Doggywood, for the day while they visit the park. The kennel even has a few individual cottages for dogs needing a little extra privacy. Keep in mind this is not an overnight facility.
6. Go Tubing With The Pup(s) In Townsend –
Smoky Mountain River Rat Tubing
- 205 Wears Valley Road, Townsend, TN 37882
- Rental Cost:
- $17.99 All Day Pass
- Dogs Float For Free
Smoky Mountain River Rat offers river tubing and kayaking on the Beautiful Little River,and they are pet friendly! Bring the pup(s) and make sure no one misses out on this River adventure. Dog owners are encouraged to rent a tether for $5 if they want a separate tube for their pooch. Dogs over 60 lbs are discouraged due to tube popping.
7. Grab A Coffee With The Pup(s) At The Dancing Bean –
- 7138 E Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
- Monday through Thursday: 9am to 3pm
- Friday through Sunday: 9am to 6pm.
The Dancing Bean Coffee House at Apple Valley Mountain Village is dog-friendly. Dogs and their owners can head inside this quaint cafe and order lattes, smoothies, Kombucha, beer, lunch, pastries, and scones from the menu.
They even offer complimentary puppy whipped cream treats for dogs. And bonus: to work off those extra puppy biscuit calories, you can take the pup(s) for a walk on the 10 mile bike & walking path that’s winds through the little mountain town. It even circles under the highway and back to the store.
8. Head To Sevierville’s Off Leash Dog Park –
- 1005 Park Road, Sevierville, TN 37862
- Open Daily
Take the pup(s) to play off-leash at this fully fenced dog park located within Sevierville City Park. It features separate small and large dog areas, dog wash station, and agility equipment. Keep in mind that owners need to clean up after their dogs and follow all posted rules.
9. Check Out Nantahala National Forest –
- Driving Distance: 1 hr 15 mins from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Hike Suggestions:
Dry Falls Trail
- Distance: .3 Miles
- Rating: Easy
- This is a waterfall hike where you can walk under the falls. And, yes, it’s dog friendly! Warning – it gets incredibly busy so it’s best to do this right away in the morning.
Tip – the roads in Nantahala are incredibly windy and there are a lot of hairpin turns. It’s not for the faint of heart but you will be fine, I promise!
Rufus Morgan Trail
- Distance: 1 Mile
- Rating: Moderate
- This is another waterfall hike that is dog friendly. It’s just the right length to get out and stretch your legs and bonus, you get to see a waterfall!
Pickens Nose Trail
- Distance: 1.4 Miles
- Rating: Easy
- This hike is all about the wildflowers and views and its dog friendly!
Another place you may want to stop is Winding Stairs Gap on U.S. 64. It’s a pulloff and chances are you’ve seen photos of this if you’ve been looking into visiting the area.
10. Head To Pisgah National Forest –
- Driving Distance: 1 hr 39 mins from Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Pisgah National Forest is all about the waterfall hiking! There are a ton of dog friendly options to choose from.
Suggested Hikes:
Triple Falls & High Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Rating: Easy
- This is a
dog friendly waterfall hike that offers beautiful colors in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the leaves are changing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under the control of the owner.
Linville Falls
- Distance: .9 miles
- Rating: Easy
- This is a dog friendly easy waterfall hike!
Wiseman’s View
- Distance: .4 miles
- Rating: Easy
- This dog friendly walk takes you to a very cool overlook.
Looking Glass Falls
- Distance: .3 miles
- Rating: Easy
- This easy dog friendly waterfall gets incredibly crowded so make sure to go early.
Catawba Falls
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- This dog friendly waterfall hike is one of the most popular hikes in this area. Make sure to do this early or later in the day to beat crowds.
Crabtree Falls
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Rating: Moderate
- This dog friendly waterfall is stunning and a must see!
Toms Creek Falls Trail
- Distance: .7 Miles
- Rating: Easy
- This easy dog friendly waterfall hike is really close to Crabtree Falls so if that hike is too crowded for you this is a great option.
11. Stop At Sierra Nevada Brewing Co –
- 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 28732
Dogs are welcome on the Back Porch at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co and in certain areas of Upper Park. They are not allowed inside any of the buildings. Your dog can join you as you sample some of the craft beers and delicious appetizers outside in the beautifully designed gardens. There are fire pits, corn hole games, and even occasional live music. You can stop by the Gift Shop on your way out to pick up Sierra Nevada dog treats or a dog collars with beer openers attached.
12. Check Out The Biltmore Estates While You Are Close To Asheville –
- 1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
Asheville in general is very dog friendly! But did you know that the Biltmore Estate is
Mapping Out Dog Friendly Great Smoky Mountains:
As you can see there are so many fun things to do with your pups in the Smokies! So, if you are wondering if you should bring them on your next trip, YES! Bring them and you guys will have the best time!
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