Dog-Friendly Activities in Cherokee, NC

The Oconaluftee River Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Cherokee, NC, and is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This pet-friendly trail is a 1.5 mile one-way. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest along side the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful views of the river. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

Mingo Falls is a must-sniff stop for waterfall-loving pups and their people in Cherokee, NC. One of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, this spectacular cascade tumbles down a dramatic rock face into Mingo Creek below. The dog-friendly trail to the falls is short but steep, with a quarter-mile climb and 161 steps leading to a wooden viewing bridge where Fido can pose in front of the misty masterpiece. Local Cherokee residents and visiting hikers alike flock to this scenic spot, so keep your pup leashed and camera-ready.

Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg, TN, is a dog-friendly industrial moonshine maker. This great spot offers indoor and outdoor tours, tastings, and even live music events for you and Fido to attend. As there's no food prepared on the premises, you can bring them inside and out to enjoy the festivities and the numerous spirits available, including moonshine, whiskey, and twists on classics like root beer. Dogs are served pup cups!

Located next to the famous Pancake Pantry and Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen, The Village is a collection of 27 unique specialty stores in the heart of Gatlinburg, TN. The wooded outdoor areas around the shops are great for taking Fido for a stroll, and be sure to stop by the pet-friendly Simply Animals store to pick up a toy or treat for your pet. Dogs should remain leashed and under your control at all times while roaming through The Village.

Home to more than 20,000 salt and pepper shaker sets from around the globe, The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, TN, is a one-of-a-kind, dog-friendly attraction. Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the collection alongside their owners, and the museum has even hosted cats, parrots, and iguanas in the past. Be sure to call ahead or visit their website for the most up-to-date hours.

Located in the heart of downtown, Tennessee Cider Company is Gatlinburg’s first true cidery and is also dog friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome inside while you enjoy a tasting or explore The Old General Store which stocks locally made ciders and a selection of branded merchandise.

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a dog-friendly craft brewery in Franklin, NC, known for its mountain-town atmosphere, rotating lineup of craft beers, and community-focused events. Fido is welcome inside the taproom and on the patio! The brewery is host to food trucks and special events throughout the week; just check their website for a schedule.

The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two pet-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN. The trail extends 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city. Hikers will see beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River and come across foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the way.

You and Fido are invited to embark on an unforgettable nightly ghost tour with pet-friendly US Ghost Adventures, available year-round in Gatlinburg, TN. Dive deep into the eerie history of the area with expert local guides on a 1-mile route leading you through the city’s most haunted and historic spots with your leashed pup, including the Gatlinburg Space Needle, the First United Methodist Church, White Oak Flats Cemetery, and the Mountain Mall.

Old Mountain Wine Company in Gatlinburg, TN, is a pet-friendly winery offering a variety of wines, fortified wine, mead and hard cider. Part of the Gatlinburg Wine Trail, guests can enjoy tastings indoors or on the year-round outdoor patio with fire pits.

Ole Smoky Moonshine welcomes leashed dogs inside their pet-friendly Gatlinburg, TN distillery. The distinct smell of cooking and fermenting grains takes over your senses at this true moonshine experience. Here, you’ll see authentic-working moonshine stills and take in the entire process. The eager distillers like to visit with folks. They’ll be glad to answer your questions about the history and lore of moonshining in East Tennessee. After you see, smell and hear about the process, treat yourself to $5 samplings of homegrown shine.

Dogs are allowed to join their owners at the pet-friendly Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC. People and pooches flock from all around the world to check out everything they have to offer at this outdoor center, including tons of outdoor activities. Feel free to plod along the hiking trails with your four-legged friend. Generally, guests enjoy hanging out by the river when their furry friends are around. It is shallow enough beside Big Wesser Riverside for pups to get their paws wet and cool off!

Dogs are welcome to join their owners on a couple of the tours that Rolling Thunder River Company has to offer. They serve up two pet-friendly boating adventures, the Nantahala River Trips and the Toccoa River Trips. Depending on what you're looking for, you can take to the waters on a raft or canoe with your pooch.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners for a tasting inside Tennessee Homemade Wines, a pet-friendly business in Gatlinburg, TN. The wines are homemade right in the middle of Gatlinburg and include peach, blackberry and grape varieties. The unique wooden building that houses this winery is worth checking out even if you're not having a tipple.

You and your pooch can jump on a pontoon together with the Almond Boat & RV Park Boat Rental in Bryson City, NC. Located on Fontana Lake, there are 42 miles of pet-friendly trails around the lake, so you and your poochy pawty can drop the anchor and go for a wander in the surrounding forest. Pontoons are two dogs max, with a 40 pound weight limit.

Mountain Mall is a pet-friendly premier shopping experience in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg, TN. Your leashed four-legged family member can join you inside as you walk around their six floors of locally owned shops after hitting the Gatlinburg Trail within walking distance. Most businesses welcome your furry companion.

Byrd's Famous Cookies is a dog-friendly gourmet food and snack shop in Gatlinburg, TN. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you browse their selection of cookies, biscuits, crackers, and gift tins. Be sure to try the Scotch Oatmeal cookies, because they helped to get the business off the ground in 1924.

Gatlinburg Dog Park in Gatlinburg, TN is a fenced off-leash area for Fido. The grassy park has two separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, shade, and convenient pet waste stations.

Savannah Bee Company is a chain store with a pet-friendly location in Gatlinburg, TN. Well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join you inside to browse a range of bee products or check out the honey bar, mead bar and observation hive.

Take a ride with Fido to the top of the mountain at Gatlinburg SkyPark, a pet-friendly attraction in Tennessee. The only way to access the top of the mountain with your dog is via the yellow SkyLift chairs, and Fido is welcome as long as he is well-behaved, leashed at all times, and held on to by his owner. When you get to the top, stroll along the SkyBridge which offers great views across the Tennessee and North Carolina Smoky Mountains landscape.