Dog-Friendly Activities in Cullowhee, NC

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail in Asheville, NC, is pet friendly. Bring Fido on the moderately easy, 1.4 mile hike that will take about 1 hour to complete.. Set out on this trail that is only a few feet short of being the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The elevation makes it a nice, cool hike during the summer. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Western Carolina University’s Campus Recreation & Wellness (CRW) Fields at Camp is a pet-friendly outdoor facility in Cullowhee, NC. This 7.5-acre site features lighted intramural fields and a 0.5-mile gravel running track (not fully fenced). Dogs must remain leashed during sporting events. Visitors need a parking pass; details are available on the university website.

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 Lake Junaluska Walking Trail in Lake Junaluska, NC, is pet friendly. Dogs are welcome on the two paved walking trails at Lake Junaluska Retreat and Conference Center. Choose between a 2.3-mile loop around the lake or a longer, 3.8-mile trail. All visitors are welcome, not just those staying at the United Methodist retreat near Asheville.

Dry Falls is a pet-friendly trail in Highlands, NC. This popular hike and waterfall is located a few miles outside of Highlands and gives you the rare chance to walk safely behind the water flow. The 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (ish). Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Waterrock Knob Trail in Sylva, NC, is pet friendly. It's a difficult, 1.2-mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. With the steep elevation on this trail you will want to be sure your dog can climb and maneuver over large rocks. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

The dog-friendly Gorges State Park is perfect for those looking for a challenge in Sapphire, NC. Most of the trails in Gorges State Park are labeled as strenuous, but can offer rewarding panorama of Lake Jocassee or waterfalls. Trails range from half a mile to fourteen and a half miles, so be sure to check out the parks website to figure out what trail meets your needs. Leashed dogs are always welcomed!

Bring Fido to Currahee Brewing Company in Franklin, NC! This pet-friendly brewery invites leashed dogs are welcome to relax on Currahee's outdoor patio, which borders the water. Dogs are not allowed inside the Brewing Company. Currahee's menu includes year-round brews such as the Frankenstark, Wayah Lager, and the Garand IPA, as well as seasonal and limited release beers. The Franklin location of Currahee has a food truck on site, seven days a week, from open to close.

Whiteside Mountain National Recreation Trail is a pet-friendly hike in Nantahala National Forest in Cashiers, NC. The hike is nearly 2 miles long and will take you to beautiful wildflowers along the way. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are cleaned up after and remain on a leash.

Highlands Biological Station is a dog-friendly activity in Highlands, NC, with flat trails for owners and their dogs to walk along. The 12-acre botanical garden features native azaleas, plants of the Cherokee, mosses and liverworts, wildflowers, butterfly-pollinated species, and rock outcrop species. At 3,800 feet, it's the highest public native plant botanical garden in the east. The HBS Gardens and grounds are open year-round, dawn to dusk, and are free of charge. Please keep Fido on a leash while visiting.

Bring Fido to Angry Elk Brewing Co. in Whittier, NC. This dog-friendly brewery invites two and four-legged friends to sit together outside at one of the picnic tables on the covered patio with fans. Visitors can sip on in-house brewed tap beers, wines, ciders, meads, or soft drinks while listening to local bands on the weekends. If you're feeling peckish, check out the daily rotating food truck options.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans at the quintessential Mast General Store located in downtown Waynesville, NC. Bring Fido as you shop for unique home decor, outdoor clothing, hiking and camping gear, candy by the pound, gifts, and souvenirs. They even have a pet section with leashes/collars, toys, locally-made treats, and water bowls.

Sam Knob Summit and Flat Laurel Creek Trail is a pet-friendly hike in Canton, NC. It's a moderately easy, 3.6 mile trek that will take about 2.5 hours to complete with Fido. These two trails combine for a nice loops hike that leads you out to a picturesque lookout. The trail itself is gorgeous with wildflowers and berries to enjoy in spring, and colorful leaves in the fall. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under voice control at all times.

Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park is a dog-friendly place in Highlands, NC. The park is a retreat for workers and visitors by day and a space for concerts, ice skating, arts and crafts, markets, and festivals by night. Dogs must be cleaned up after and leashed during their visit to Kelsey-Hutchinson. Dog pickup stations and trash bins are scattered throughout the park.

Tractor Supply Co. is a dog friendly store in Clyde, NC. Bring your dog to shop with you for outdoor living essentials, hardware, tools, gardening supplies, pet food, and more. Your pup might even receive a treat at checkout!

Jackson County Greenway is a pet-friendly trail that's perfect for enjoying a walk with Fido in Sylva, NC. This one-mile paved trail along the Tuckasegee River offers scenic views and sitting benches. Bring your leashed pup along for some exercise and fresh air at this popular recreation area.

Highlands Dog Park is a fully-fenced park for dogs to run and play in Highlands, NC. It has a separate area for small, skittish, or elderly dogs. The park base is mulch and the park has a covered areas and water for dogs.

Franklin Dog Park is a great place to bring your pooch to play off-leash in Franklin, NC. Featuring two fenced areas for large and small dogs, there's space for all sizes of pups to play. Take a walk around the trail that surrounds the fenced space with your leashed pooch after a game of fetch in the park. Public restrooms are also available, as well as dog waste stations to pick up after your pet. Franklin Dog Park is open every day of the week from 7am to 10pm.

Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is a pet-friendly attraction in Waynesville, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this farm to help choose the tree for your home this Christmas. Whether you're looking for a huge tree or a smaller pine, you'll find something that fits at this well-stocked Christmas tree farm. Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is typically open late November through mid-December.

Pet-friendly Darnell Farms in Bryson City, NC, invites Fido to join you on the farm for hay rides, seasonal pumpkin picking and fresh produce. The farm features a farmer's market and picnic area. Check out their website for updates on their festivals and events.