Dog-Friendly Activities Near Sunset Rock, Highlands, NC, US

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Glen Falls Trail is a pet-friendly hiking destination in Highlands, NC. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you on the trail, but please note that the elevation change may not be suitable for all dogs. During your journey, you'll find many viewpoints of the waterfall, and it's highly recommended to visit after rainfall.

Mountain Waters Scenic Byway is a pet-friendly activity in Highlands, NC. This sixty-mile drive leads through National Forest's two river gorges, hardwood forests and countryside. It's ideal for dogs who don't enjoy hiking, although you can stop along the way and get out for a walk at certain spots.

Yellow Mountain Trail is a pet-friendly trail in Highlands, NC. This one's for more experienced canine hikers as it is rated difficult. Grab your supplies and stride out on a trail that leaves to astonishing views from the top of a mountain. Take pause at the fire tower at the top and enjoy the natural show. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Check out Spartina 449, a pet-friendly shop in Highlands, NC. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you in the store while you browse their selection of upscale women's clothing, purses, jewelry and travel gear.

Take Fido for a leisurely stroll to Pinky Falls, a moderate waterfall in Highlands, NC. After parking, it is only a short jaunt down to the creek. Pinky Falls is an easy and relaxing pet-friendly stop to add to your itinerary. There are opportunities to enter the water, but dogs must remain on a leash in the area.