Dog-Friendly Activities in Sapphire, NC

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!

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.

Oconee State Park is a dog-friendly recreation site in Mountain Rest, SC. The 1,165 acres include two mountain lakes and a variety of recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy, including campgrounds, cabins, picnic areas and hiking trails. The park also serves as the western terminus for the 85-mile Foothills Trail, which crosses the state's crown and ends at Jones Gap State Park. Leashed pets are allowed in most outdoor areas. Pets aren't permitted in or around lodging facilities.

Pink Beds Trail in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog-friendly. It's an easy, 3.4 mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This loop trail is nice for all levels and ages, with its little elevation gain and foot-bridges for water crossing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under voice control at all times.

Headwaters Outfitters is a pet-friendly attraction in Rosman, NC. Take Fido out on the water on a canoe or kayak trip with Headwater Outfitters. Canoe and kayak trips offer plenty of river fun along the beautiful headwaters of the French Broad River. Choose from 3, 4, or 7-hour trips through the ever-changing river with gentle currents, fast-moving shoals, and sharp riverbend curves. Your dog is welcome to join you on all kayak and canoe trips as long as you transport him to and from the put-in/take-out in your own vehicle. Life jackets for humans, paddles, parking, river map, safety video, and instructions are all included in your rental. Make sure to bring snacks, beverages, and a lunch to enjoy on your trip.

Graveyard Fields Trail is dog-friendly and located in Canton, NC. The trail is a moderately easy, 3.4 mile hike in the Pisgah National Forest that will take about 2 hours to complete with Fido. This trail was named for the devastating fires in 1925 and 1942, but still offers plenty of beauty. The well-marked trails will bring you by two waterfalls, a river, blueberry bushes, and still offers cool temperatures in the summer. Please note that dogs must be on a 6-foot leash on National Park Service property.

Family-owned Jocasse Lake Tours is a pet-friendly water activity for Fido in Salem, SC. Bring Fido out for a day on the lake with some fun stops in between.

Secret Falls Trail Head is a pet-friendly trail in Highlands, NC. This 45 minute brisk walk leads to a 35 foot high waterfall and small lake below. Dogs are welcome, but owners are reminded to clean up after them and make sure they are leashed for other hiker's safety.

D.D. Bullwinkel's Outdoors is a dog-friendly outfitter in Brevard, NC. The store has every piece of gear you could possibly need for your next adventure. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you browse their selection of hiking, camping, climbing, and travel accessories.

Well-behaved, leashed dogs can join their owners at Finder's Keepers Antiques & Collectibles in Pickens, SC. This local shop offers a diverse array of unique products for visitors to browse, including antique furniture, vintage games, used home decor, and more.

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.

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.

Brevard Dog Park is a dog-friendly 2.7-acre park in Brevard, NC, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs. There is a shelter where people can sit while their dogs play, benches, shade trees, water fountains for pups and people, and dog waste bags. There is also a walking trail adjacent to the park. The park does sometimes have standing water, so be prepared if your dog enjoys getting excessively muddy! The park is still being developed and plans are being made to remedy the issue.

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.

Stroll the grounds of America's first school of forestry with a trip to the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest, NC. You and Fido can walk along the Biltmore Campus Trail and see such buildings as the schoolhouse, the ranger's house, Schenk's summer office, Black Forest Lodge, and more. In summer months, you may see crafts people in period clothing make the Biltmore Campus Trail come alive with a recreation of early homesteading skills. You can also enjoy a beautiful scenic walk along the Forest Festival Trail, where you and your pup can see an ozone garden, antique portable sawmill, and a 1915 Climax locomotive. Just keep your dog on a leash at all times and make sure to clean up after them.

Moore Cove Falls Trail is pet-friendly. This 1.2-mile trail leads to a 50ft high waterfall that pours over a rock overhang. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on this easy trail that has high and low options depending on the hiker. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

Transylvania Habitat for Humanity is a dog-friendly thrift store in Brevard, NC. With over 40,000 square feet of bargains, you will surely find a treasure in this wonderful store. Leashed dogs are welcome inside to shop alongside of you. Funds raised with your purchase helps Habitat for Humanity build homes for low income families in Transylvania County.

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.

Mount Pisgah and Buck Spring Lodge Trails are pet-friendly in Canton, NC. It is a difficult, 2.4 mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This trail involves a lot of climbing, so be sure you and your dog are in shape before heading out. The views from the summit of Mount Pisgah, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge range, are spectacular. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter.

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.