7 Dog-Friendly Things To Do in the Great Smoky Mountains
Nestled between rolling hills and misty blue peaks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the United States, and for good reason!
We first found ourselves here by happy accident back in 2020, when a last-minute Airbnb search landed us in a dreamy mountain cabin near Bryson City. What started as a one-month stay turned into two, with our pup Lincoln leading the way on daily adventures to nearby waterfalls, forest trails, and the Deep Creek area.
Since then, we’ve learned exactly where dogs are welcome (and where they’re not), which scenic drives are best for pup-friendly exploring, and how to make the most of your visit together.
Here’s everything we wish we’d known before that first Smoky Mountains summer—our guide to the best dog-friendly things to do in and around Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Grab your leash and let’s hit the road!
Table of Contents Show
1. Hike the Gatlinburg Trail
The Gatlinburg Trail is one of two dog-friendly hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so let’s start here.
Beginning at the Sugarlands Visitor Center, the Gatlinburg Trail is an approximately 4-mile out-and-back forest trail near Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s an easy, family-friendly hike with minimal elevation.
There’s not a ton to see on this hike if you’re looking for big attractions or scenic mountain vistas. However, this is a relaxing, dog-friendly hike through the woods, with various creek access points, and as one of only two dog-friendly hikes in the park, it’s a great option for anyone traveling with a dog! It’s incredibly peaceful and the perfect morning stroll or afternoon adventure.
RTL Note on Hiking with Your Dog in the Smokies: Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers the largest protected bear habitat in the East. This means you may see the “symbol of the Smokies” (aka the American Black Bear) at various times throughout your visit.
Jon just about made eye contact with a bear on the Gatlinburg Trail when one walked right by us! It was off to the side of the trail, hidden by the trees, until we got close. It scared me, but the bear didn’t react to us (or Lincoln) at all.
I may have hopped, skipped, and hurled myself and Lincoln as far away as quickly as possible… which is the opposite of what you’re supposed to do in these situations… but it was one of our first bear encounters and good encouragement to watch a whole bunch of ‘Alone’ to feel better prepared for the bear encounters we’d have in Alaska a few years later 😅
We also saw a bear during our drive to the Sugarlands Visitor Center, which was enough of a bear sighting for me, but Jon spent most of his walk through the woods wishing to see one more. He got what he asked for, being just about an arm’s length away from this bear toward the end of our hike!
Encounters like that are a good reminder that in the Smokies, you’re a guest in bear country, so keep your dog leashed, stay alert on trails, and give wildlife plenty of space to move on their way.
Lincoln cooling off along the Gatlinburg Trail.
Picture it… 15 seconds ago, we were walking on the trail where the bear is now, and the bear was hidden in the bushes and trees just to our side!
2. Hike the Oconaluftee River Trail
The second dog-friendly trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Starting at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and heading toward the outskirts of Cherokee, NC, this approximately 3-mile trail follows the Oconaluftee River. It’s another relatively flat trail that offers lots of river access points and is mostly shaded, making it a great summer afternoon trail for both you and your dog.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has one of the best collections of historic buildings on the East Coast, including houses, barns, outbuildings, churches, and schools. Oconaluftee is one of the best places to see some of these buildings—you’ll see them as you walk from the Visitor Center to the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Other great places to see these buildings include Cades Cove, Cataloochee, and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. (Just a heads up that not all of these areas are dog-friendly.)
The Oconaluftee River Trail was one of our favorite things to do during our stay in the Smoky Mountains!
We visited weekly during our two months in the area and had many fun life conversations along this trail. (You know how 2020 gave us an unexpected prompt for personal reflection? Almost all of our reflecting conversations took place while walking the Oconaluftee River Trail, so it holds a special place in my heart!)
By the Oconaluftee Visitor Center, near the start of the Oconaluftee River Trail.
The river is to the right of the trail in this photo and offers many places for your dog to cool off. We loved this one a lot and visited weekly!
3. Hike the Pinnacle Trail near Sylva, NC
Sylva, NC, is about 20 minutes from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and here, you’ll find the challenging Pinnacle Trail.
This approximately 7.5-mile loop makes you work for it, but leads to GORGEOUS summit views. This was a very challenging hike for Jonathan and me, but it led to some of my all-time favorite photos of Lincoln!!
I get such a kick out of thinking about this hike because Jonathan found it and told me this was “a 3.5-mile slow, relaxing walk through the woods”. (And I quote.)
We arrived at the trailhead to find a steep uphill climb to kick off our trek. I begin questioning Jonathan’s definition of “relaxing” (granted, we were moving slowly)… and then we pass a young kid moving much more swiftly than we were. He told us we were “almost there,” but apparently his definition of “almost” is as accurate as Jonathan's “relaxing”.
Because, in truth, we were absolutely NOT almost there. This is a 3.5-mile *one way* hike with 2400 feet of elevation. There were a whole lot of breaks and minutes to go before we’d arrive at the top. (This trail reminded me of the time we finished the Devil’s Thumb hike in Colorado in the dark because a local told us it was a flat, easy walk. So, you know, we started that 7.5-mile, 2200-foot climb after work 🥴)
Anyway, the summit on this one truly is stunning. So, if you’re up for a dog-friendly trail that’s also a great workout, with great views, and more challenging than the two in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, don’t miss the Pinnacle Trail in nearby Sylva.
Heads up: Recent hikers have mentioned overgrown spots along the East Fork Trail and recommend taking East Fork up and West Fork down. Bring hiking poles, as this is a very rocky trail.
The summit of the Pinnacle Trail near Sylva, NC.
4. Scenic Driving
Driving through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the best ways to see the park when road-tripping alongside your dog.
Scenic drives, in general, are probably our favorite way to experience as much of a park’s beauty as possible and to do so at our own pace, especially when Lincoln is with us!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park has several scenic drives; here are a few popular ones to consider.
Newfound Gap Road
The most popular scenic drive through the Smokies is Newfound Gap Road, which runs for 33 miles between Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Cherokee, North Carolina.
This scenic drive offers stunning views of the park's mountains, forests, and streams and includes several pull-offs and overlooks where you (and your dog) can stop to take in the scenery.
RTL Tip: You can hike the Oconaluftee Trail, drive Newfound Gap Road, and then hike the Gatlinburg Trail… all during the same drive!
Clingmans Dome Road
About halfway between Cherokee, NC, and Gatlinburg, TN, you’ll find Clingmans Dome Road. Clingmans Dome Road takes you to the highest peak in the Smokies: Clingmans Dome.
Along this road, you’ll find numerous scenic pull-offs with valley views, and at the end of this road, you’ll find a parking area with a short trail to an observation tower at the “top of old Smoky.” (Heads up: This observation tower trail is not dog-friendly.)
Note: Clingmans Dome Road is closed from December through March.
Cades Cove Loop
Cades Cove Loop Road is another beautiful drive through Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a one-way 11-mile loop great for exploring historic homes, churches, and more.
Cades Cove also offers some of the best opportunities for wildlife viewing in the park!
You can purchase a self-guided tour booklet at the road’s entrance. (There’s only one entrance, off Laurel Creek Road.)
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail
Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is a 5.5-mile drive that starts just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It’s named after the Roaring Fork stream that runs alongside the road; Roaring Fork is one of the larger and faster-flowing streams in the Smokies.
One of the highlights of the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is the abundance of mountain streams and historical sites.
Note: This narrow, winding, one-way road is closed in winter. Buses, RVs, and large trucks are prohibited. Click here for directions to Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
5. Drive Tail of the Dragon
I’m going to start with a warning and let you know: I’m only recommending this one if your dog does well in the car because there are a LOT of turns!
You’ll find the Tail of the Dragon on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. It’s one of the most exciting roads in the United States, featuring 318 curves in just 11 miles. The Tail of the Dragon is known for its twists and turns, making it a bucket-list adventure for automotive enthusiasts.
While this drive isn’t likely to be your dog’s favorite activity of the trip (see: 318 curves in 11 miles), if it’s on your bucket list, you can turn this excursion into a dog-friendly day trip that (hopefully) makes you and your dog happy.
Start by driving the Tail of the Dragon, then head to the Sugarlands Visitor Center to hike the Gatlinburg Trail.
Next, drive Newfound Gap Road, one of the most scenic drives in the Great Smoky Mountains, to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. There, you can hike the dog-friendly Oconaluftee River Trail. A win-win day for both you and your dog!
6. Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee to Asheville
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic byway that stretches 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
It’s one of the most beautiful drives on the East Coast and a great place for both you and your dog to enjoy the mountains for a day!
Begin your drive at Cherokee (Milepost 469) and head toward Asheville (Milepost 382). This drive alone will take about three hours, but of course, you’ll want to do more than just drive as you traverse one of the most gorgeous highways in the world. Stop and smell the roses, and hop out of your car to explore on foot as you go.
Here are some dog-friendly stops to consider along the Blue Ridge Parkway:
Oconaluftee Visitor Center (Milepost 469): Provides information about the surrounding area and is the start of the Oconaluftee River Trail
Waterrock Knob (Milepost 451.2): The highest visitor center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus home to a short, steep, dog-friendly hike
Richland Balsam Overlook (Milepost 431): Home to the Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail, a dog-friendly hiking trail that leads to the summit of Richland Balsam Mountain. (Great for you and your dog if you want to get into the woods and love the smell of pine!)
Cowee Mountains Overlook (Milepost 430.7): This overlook offers sweeping views of the Cowee Mountains and the surrounding countryside. It's a serene spot for picnicking and is one of the few overlooks that provide you with unobstructed 180-degree views.
Devil's Courthouse (Milepost 422.4): A short but steep dog-friendly trail leads to the summit of Devil's Courthouse, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. On a clear day, you can see as far as four states from this overlook (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee).
Graveyard Fields Overlook (Milepost 418.8): This overlook is a great spot to take in the Blue Ridge Parkway's rolling landscape and scenic beauty, making this stop particularly great for viewing fall foliage. Here you’ll also find the Graveyard Fields Loop Trail, a 3.2-mile dog-friendly loop that takes you through a unique high-elevation meadow, past waterfalls, and along the banks of streams.
Looking Glass Rock Overlook (Milepost 417): This is one of the best places to view Looking Glass Rock along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Asheville (Milepost 382): Check out dog-friendly Asheville before turning around to head back into the Smoky Mountains.
Lincoln along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Cherokee, NC.
7. Swim at Deep Creek and Fontana Lake
Although pets are not allowed on trails at Deep Creek (nor can they go tubing with you, unfortunately!), they are welcome along the road and in picnic areas.
Fontana Lake is another more dog-friendly option for getting you and your dog to the water. Dogs are allowed in certain areas of Fontana Lake, including the designated recreation areas and campgrounds around the lake, and many of the rental options along the lake have pet-friendly options. (Check out Fontana Marina, located on the southern shore of Fontana Lake.)
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this section are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. We only share places and products we truly love.
FAQ: Dogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Are dogs allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, but with limits. Dogs are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads (including pull-offs, overlooks, and paved paths). They must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times. Most hiking trails in the park are off-limits to pets to protect local wildlife and your dog’s safety. But there are two great options in the park (see below).
What trails can I hike with my dog in the national park?
There are two official pet-friendly trails in the park:
Gatlinburg Trail (Tennessee side): 1.9 miles one way from Sugarlands Visitor Center to Gatlinburg. It’s mostly flat, runs alongside the river, and passes old homestead remains.
Oconaluftee River Trail (North Carolina side): 1.5 miles one way from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to Cherokee. Also flat, shaded, and scenic.
Both trails are paved or packed dirt, ideal for an easy walk with your pup.
Where are pet-friendly places to stay in the Smokies?
When we stayed in the Smokies in summer 2020, we unexpectedly spent two months living next door to the park at a pet-friendly cabin near Bryson City. We originally booked a one-month stay, but loved this dreamy mountain cabin so much that we extended another month.
🎯 RTL Tip: If you’re traveling with your dog, the North Carolina side (around Bryson City and Cherokee) is ideal for fewer crowds, pet-friendly cabins, and easy access to Deep Creek and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Here are more dog-friendly places to stay in the Smoky Mountains:
The park has 10 front-country campgrounds; Cades Cove and Smokemont run year-round. Others open seasonally. Dogs (on leash) are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads. Elkmont Campground is a favorite, especially for firefly viewing in late spring. Learn more about camping in Great Smoky Mountains National Park here.
Deep Creek Campground & Tube (in the Bryson City area) is a popular, dog-friendly option just outside the park.
Cherokee KOA offers pet-friendly cabins (Deluxe Cabins, lofts, cottages) with full bathrooms and kitchenettes.
Gatlinburg: Hilton Garden Inn Gatlinburg or SpringHill Suites in nearby Pigeon Forge
Asheville: Consider Aloft Asheville Downtown (we love staying at Aloft when traveling with a dog) or Grand Bohemian Lodge.
Bryson City: Check out Watershed Cabins in nearby Bryson City. (We stayed here for two months during our 2020 Travels, and it was an absolute mountain cabin dream!)
Note: We’re partial to Marriott, so that’s the brand we tend to recommend when it comes to hotels. One of our top tips for planning road trips is to take advantage of loyalty programs, so even if Marriott isn’t your choice, we recommend sticking to one brand as much as possible.
Is it worth it to explore Great Smoky Mountain National Park with your dog?
Absolutely, it’s one of the most dog-friendly regions in the country, especially for road trippers on the East Coast. While the national park itself has some restrictions (dogs are only allowed on a few trails, in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads), the surrounding towns—like Bryson City, Cherokee, and Gatlinburg—offer endless options for dog-friendly adventures, cabins, and scenic drives.
Our own Smoky Mountains experience actually happened by happy chance. In 2020, while pivoting our travel plans for the year, Jon had an idea to see if we could find somewhere to stay in the mountains. It was almost May, and we’d spent two months in Virginia Beach, one month longer than planned. We were antsy to get out of the city and the small Airbnb we were renting.
After looking at a few different options from North Carolina to Vermont, Jon found Watershed Cabins. The timing and location were just right, and we’d soon find out this was our dream cabin in the mountains of North Carolina. We saw a gorgeous, private oasis that’d be perfect for some R&R. We didn’t realize it was also next door to the most popular national park in the United States!
In total, we spent two summer months in the Smokies. I’ve always wanted to extend a stay because I just wasn’t ready to leave, and I can technically cross this off my bucket list because we originally booked one month, then extended our stay for another.
During our two months in the Smokies, we took daily walks to an on-site waterfall, accidentally drove the Tail of the Dragons (while Jon was attempting to work from the car… yikes!), found the only two dog-friendly hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (and proceeded to hike them weekly), took ourselves on one of the hardest hikes we’d done up to that point (and were rewarded with an all-time favorite photo of Lincoln), and enjoyed many refreshing summer days at Deep Creek. We even took ourselves on a half-day Blue Ridge Parkway excursion to Asheville to pick up some of our favorite ciders.
While we didn’t intend to scope out all the Great Smoky Mountains has to offer, a happy chance booking led us to this popular, gorgeous area anyway… and we’re so glad it did!
Where else can I road trip with my dog?
For more road trip ideas in North Carolina, check out our Peaks, Pints, and Fireflies: 7-Day NC Road Trip through Charlotte, Asheville, and Bryson City. Or browse all of our road trip itineraries here.
What are some other dog-friendly national parks to visit?
The most dog-friendly national parks we’ve visited with Lincoln include Acadia National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and White Sands National Park.
The front of the most perfect mountain cabin!
Check out a full tour on our Instagram highlights here!!!
Save this itinerary for a future road trip
Hover over the image below and click on the red “Save” button that pops up in the upper lefthand corner of the image to save this road trip itinerary on Pinterest for later. (If you’re on mobile, you may have to tap the image first to see the red ‘Save’ button.)
Plan Your Trip
Not sure what to pack? Check out our Road Trip Packing List for the exact things we use and love on every trip.
Want to plan another adventure? Explore our Free Resource Library for road trip itineraries, planning guides, and stories from the road.
And if Yellowstone’s on your list, don’t miss our Yellowstone Travel Guide: your step-by-step companion to planning an unforgettable trip to Yellowstone National Park!