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May 19, 2025

Paws on the Trail: The Best Dog-Friendly Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Planning a trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your furry friend? While many trails restrict dogs, the Smokies still offer several dog-friendly hikes and scenic drives perfect for adventurous pups and their humans. From easy riverside walks on the Oconaluftee River Trail to scenic drives like Cades Cove Loop Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, this guide covers the best pet-friendly trails and outdoor experiences to help you explore the Smokies together. Discover insider tips, local spots, and must-visit places to make your Smoky Mountains dog adventure unforgettable!

Hi! I'm Vanessa, a 30 something, sunset chasing traveler. I'm here to inspire you to travel wherever, whenever, and with whoever you can. My Huskies, Loki and Freya are usually along for the ride. I have a soul that likes to wander, a desire to experience the unknown, and a curiousity to discover things off the beaten path. I hope you'll stick around for awhile!

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Some places don’t just check a box, they shift som Some places don’t just check a box, they shift something in you. Which one is already on your list? 👇

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#NationalParks #FindYourPark #roadtripusa  #nationalparkgeek

national parks usa · national park travel · usa travel · road trip usa · nature travel · dog friendly travel · travel inspiration · national park bucket list · outdoor travel · usa adventure · hiking usa · nature lover · public lands​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
Stop going to the Grand Canyon in summer ☀️ I’m se Stop going to the Grand Canyon in summer ☀️ I’m serious! 

Snow-dusted red rocks, practically empty viewpoints, and sunrises that hit completely different when it’s 30 degrees on the rim. Don’t even get me started on the prickly pear margaritas and chilaquiles 🤤😍

This 3-4 day road trip takes you from Phoenix through Flagstaff’s ponderosa pines, down the stunning Oak Creek Canyon drive into Sedona, and finally to the South Rim. 

Winter means you can actually drive Hermit Road yourself (no shuttle needed), find parking without losing your mind, and have viewpoints practically to yourself.

The full guide is on the blog, everything from where to stop, where to eat, what to pack, and how to split your Grand Canyon visit across two days. Link in bio! 

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a millennial nomad chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to your own adventure! 

#onlyinarizona #visitarizona #roadtripusa #roadtriparizona #thewellwornshoes
Honest question: why is nobody talking about Bryce Honest question: why is nobody talking about Bryce Canyon the way they talk about Zion? 👀

Bryce Canyon at sunrise is the kind of thing that makes you forget you’re tired. The hoodoos go from grey to gold to full fire orange in minutes, and if you time it right with the Navajo Loop to Queens Garden after, you’ve just had the perfect morning in one of the most underrated parks in the country.

Sunrise Point → Navajo Loop → Queens Garden. 3 miles. 4 hours. Zero regrets.

Save this for your Utah road trip 🔖

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a millennial nomad chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to your own adventure!
I don’t plan for golden hour. I just never stop lo I don’t plan for golden hour. I just never stop looking for it. 🌅

Something about the way light moves right before it disappears makes me feel like the whole world is trying to tell you something. I don’t know what it is. I just know I’m not ready to stop chasing it.

This is my Roman Empire. This has always been my Roman Empire.

No notes. No regrets. Just light.

🌻 Save this for your next golden hour reminder.

👋 Hi, I’m Vanessa @thewellwornshoes - a millennial nomad chasing National Parks, dog-friendly trails, and golden hour from the road! I share the hidden gems and real side of life so you can skip the guesswork and get straight to your own adventure! 

🔍 golden hour | travel aesthetic | road trip vibes
Montana sunrises and sunsets hit different ☀️🌅 I Montana sunrises and sunsets hit different ☀️🌅

I haven’t been super inspired to post lately, just being honest. But then I started scrolling through my camera roll from Montana and remembered why I do this.

These golden hours from Pray and Yellowstone had me standing outside, coffee getting cold, just…staring. No filter needed when the sky looks like that.

Sometimes just showing up and letting the light do its thing is the best thing 🧡

Save this if Montana’s on your list. You’re gonna want to chase golden hour there!!
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