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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!

November 2, 2021

The Eerie Ghost Town In The Smokies

In the lush valley, where Jake’s Creek and the Little River meet, you can find the magical Daisy Town…

July 27, 2021

11 Must See Waterfalls In The Smokies

Looking for a waterfall hike in the Smokies? Check out these 11 Must See Waterfalls In Great Smoky Mountains…

July 20, 2021

14 Fun Things To Do In Cades Cove

14 Fun Thing To Do In Cades Cove! Including to where to stay, where to eat, and what to do on your visit to Cades Cove…

May 11, 2021

Roaring Forks: 11 Reasons To Visit

There are so many reasons to visit Roaring Forks Motor Nature Trail on your next trip to the Smokies…

April 6, 2021

Is Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dog Friendly?

Find out if Great Smoky Mountains is dog friendly and 12 fun things to do with your pups near the park…

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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  • The 15 Best Hikes In Utah
  • One Day At Zion National Park
  • Zion National Park Guide
  • 15 Epic Things To Do In Vermont In The Fall

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I thought I came for Zion… but I left with hoodo I thought I came for Zion… but I left with hoodoo-shaped hearts in my eyes 😍

But it’s no secret my favorite of the Utah Big 5 Is…
Bryce Canyon wasn’t the park I was most excited for—but it blew me away. The orange spires, the quiet of the rim trail at sunrise, the way the light changed every 5 minutes like it was putting on a show. 

It’s otherworldly. Dramatic. Intimate. And I’d go back in a heartbeat. I actually can’t wait to go back with @that_nomad_brian! 

📸 Tell me—have you ever been surprised by a park you didn’t expect to love?
One state. Five parks. Endless dusty bootprints. H One state. Five parks. Endless dusty bootprints. Here’s 1 trail in each of Utah’s Big 5 you can squeeze into a 5-day road trip👇

🥾 Zion: Emerald Pools – Beautiful, breezy, and won’t leave you gasping for air
🥾 Bryce Canyon: Navajo Loop & Queen’s Garden – The must-do hoodoo hike
🥾 Capitol Reef: Cohab Canyon Trail is like Capitol Reef’s secret passage tucked between sandstone walls and golden light, it feels like hiking through nature’s own slot canyon speakeasy.
🥾 Arches: Delicate Arch – Iconic for a reason. Go at sunrise or sunset for max wow - Arches is on a reservation system so make sure you grab a time slot! 
🥾 Canyonlands: Mesa Arch – A quick walk for a massive reward

🎒 Bonus tip: Start EARLY. Like, “Why is it still dark?” early.

👉 Save this for your Utah adventure or send it to your most outdoorsy friend!
Yes, it’s possible. Yes, it’s epic. And yes, Yes, it’s possible. 
Yes, it’s epic. 
And yes, your legs might cry a little.

Interrupting Maine content for my Utah trip at this time a few years ago! 

Here’s how I tackled all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks in just 5 days—and loved (almost) every dusty, jaw-dropping minute.

📌Save this if a Mighty 5 blitz is on your bucket list!

Pro Tips: American The Beautiful Pass, Early Starts, Sunset Hikes 🧡
Note to self: Bring a jacket. And don’t wear cha Note to self: Bring a jacket. And don’t wear chacos 😂 
Actual events:
– Checked weather? Nope.
– Dressed like it was beachy coastal Maine, not wind-whipping mountain Maine? Absolutely.
– Regretted it? Only until the sky did this.

It was the kind of cold where you move around to keep warm and your nose runs faster than your legs. 

But then, started setting behind Eagle Lake and it lit up like the sky was saying “thanks for showing up anyway.”

And honestly? I’d trade warm toes for this kind of golden hour every time.

👉🏼 Save this for the days you need a reason to go anyway… even when you’re underdressed 😂

💬 Tell me I’m not the only one who never dresses right for mountain weather 😅
Shouting 🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉 to Maine’s newe Shouting 🎉CONGRATULATIONS🎉 to Maine’s newest registered sea kayak guide @that_nomad_brian!

So proud of you 🍻 Cheers to an amazing summer 💚
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