Dog-Friendly Activities in Zirconia, NC

SkyTop Orchard is a dog-friendly seasonal attraction in Zirconia, NC. Perched in the mountains of Western North Carolina, SkyTop Orchard is a "pick-your-own" orchard offering a wide variety of apples, grapes, pears, and pumpkins. They also offers bags of pre-picked fruit as well as apple treats, cider, honeys, jams, gift boxes, and more. Visitors to Skytop are welcome to explore the grounds which include ponds, a bamboo forest, and plenty of barnyard animals. Leashed pets are welcome to join in on the fun! Check their website for opening and closing dates in summer and fall.

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The trails are rated easy to difficult, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them. Dogs are not, however, allowed in any of the buildings and some of the gardens. An entry fee does apply to visitors.

Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, NC, is pet friendly. It's been a great spot for picking apples for over 100 years. The orchard offers you and Fido the chance to meet the owner's dog, too, while you're picking your own fruit. They're not only known for their apples, but blackberries Asian pears and blueberries, too! There's also a bakery and taproom on site. Keep in mind, they operate seasonally; check their website for hours of operation.

Triple Falls and High Falls Trails in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog friendly. It's a moderately easy, 2.6-mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. Although this trail may be short, it will certainly take you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the leaves are changing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting allowed by permit on certain days.

Chimney Rock State Park is a 1,000 acre scenic attraction located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Chimney Rock, NC. The park features dog-friendly hiking trails and amazing 75-mile views. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a beautiful hike to take with your leashed dog at any time of year. The 1.4 mile round trip leads visitors to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Magnificent views await those who take this gently rolling trail with gradual, moderate uphill sections, rocky terrain, and a small staircase at the base of the falls. The hike should take 45 minutes to an hour. Picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are located at several points along the trail.

Walk around outside with Fido at the pet-friendly Tanger Outlets in Asheville, NC. This open-air lifestyle destination includes nearly 75 stores and eateries, featuring some of the most popular brand names. This location also hosts Asheville’s first Pet Way Station. In a grassy area located near the West Elm entrance, pet owners can take their dogs for a cool drink of water and to enjoy the facilities. Bags and a receptacle are provided, along with their very own “fire hydrant.” Keep in mind that each store will have their own dog-entry policy.

Whether you're a water sports expert or novice, non-stop action is waiting for you at the pet-friendly Lake Lure Adventure Company in Lake Lure, NC. Dogs are welcome to accompany you on the pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Strap your four-legged sidekick into a doggie life vest and enjoy the views from the lake with Fido! Each of the certified instructors will be more than happy to show you the ropes to ensure your lake experience is a safe one. Dogs are allowed to play in the water as long as they're closely monitored.

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such is a family-owned apple orchard and farm in Hendersonville, NC, offering seasonal apple picking and lavender farm, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple cannon, bakery, and country store on more than 120 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open seasonally spring through fall (and special holiday hours), leashed dogs and visitors can enjoy fresh-picked apples, hot cider donuts, pies, cookies, fresh cider, and apple cider slushies while taking part in family-friendly farm activities. Whether you choose to pick your own apples from the orchard or select your favorite variety of pre-picked apples, your dog is welcome to join in on the fun! There's a bakery on site and a farm store that also welcome Fido inside.

Burntshirt Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC. Dogs are welcome on Burntshirt’s walking trails, gardens, and in the tasting room but not on tours or in the vineyard. All of their wine is made from local, Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountain fruit and the high elevation produces grapes perfect for varietals not typically grown in the United States, like Gruner Veltliner. Enjoy a wine tasting, glass or bottle of wine on their verandah overlooking the vineyards. The Vintner’s Table next to the tasting room. features specialty menus for lunch and dinner.

Southern Appalachian Brewery is a pet-friendly brewery in Hendersonville, NC. You and Fido are welcome to sit inside the tasting room or outside on the patio or courtyard. Enjoy a delicious house-brewed beer, including styles like Blonde Ales, Pale Ales, IPAs Stouts, and more. Be sure to check the food truck and live music calendar!

Whistle Hop Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, train themed destination brewery and playground for all ages in the beautiful mountain setting of Fairview, NC. Drink outside the box with flavorfully hand-crafted ales and lagers. Their taproom and outdoor grounds are family and pet friendly.. They also offer a full wine, cider, craft soda and snack selection.

Saint Paul Mountain Farms in Hendersonville, NC is dog friendly! It's a family-owned winery located on acreage that has been farmed by their family for more than nine generations. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views of the vines. Be sure to try the hard apple cider named after the vineyard dog, Wallace.

Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC is dog-friendly. This 12 acre horticultural education center and public botanical garden provides hands-on education to students, youth clubs & adults. It's also a place where visitors can stroll the grounds, enjoy the gardens and find a peaceful spot to relax. Leashed dogs are welcome on the property and water is provided beside the gift shop.

Point Lookout Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC. This vineyard has 30-mile views. Visit the Tasting Room, tour the Vineyard, and check out the Wine Cellar. Relax and enjoy mountain views and delightful wine. Dogs are welcome inside and out, year-round. Small plates available as well as food truck onsite some days.

Dogs are welcome to join you at Lakeview Putt & Play in Arden, NC. This pet-friendly attraction features 18 holes of challenging mini golf in a beautiful lakefront setting. You and your dog can also enjoy the outside patio area with shaded seating and snacks from the snack bar.

Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile stretch of scenic byway extending from Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC. This popular dog-friendly route connects Shenandoah National Park (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Milepost 469). Blue Ridge Parkway is broken down into four regions; Ridge, Plateau, Highlands, and Pisgah. Visitors to Pisgah, the southern most region beginning at milepost 340, will encounter numerous stopping points offering expansive valley and mountain views. Photograph seasonal foliage at the shaded Chestnut Cove Overlook or admire the ever-changing terrain from Bad Fork Valley Overlook. You will see a gradual elevation gain the farther south you venture along Blue Ridge Parkway so pull into Devil's Courthouse and take in the sights at 5,720ft above sea level.

Fido is welcome to join you on the covered, outdoor patio at the pet-friendly Wellborn Winery in Travelers Rest, SC. Enjoy a variety of small-scale craft wines with your furry friend by your side. Sip their award-winning wines by the glass or in a tasting while you take in the beautiful garden view.

Mills River Dog Park is a great spot for Fido to run and play off leash in Mills River, NC. It features a smaller area for 25 lb dogs and a larger area for larger, 25 lb and over dogs. It is grass-covered with benches, water access, and trash receptables.

Fido can play off leash at Landrum Community Dog Park in Landrum, SC. The park is located behind Stone Soup restaurant and features a separate enclosed area for small dogs, benches and pet waste stations.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Mills River, NC is dog friendly! Dogs are welcome on the Back Porch, Lower Park, and in certain areas of Upper Park, but not in any of the buildings. Enjoy craft beers and delicious appetizers outside in the gorgeously designed gardens. There are fire pits, corn hole games, and occasional live music. Stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up Sierra Nevada dog treats, dog collars with beer openers attached, or a squeaky Pale Ale dog toy for your pup.