We're Jaime and Mike, and every one of our five cabins welcomes dogs, so "where can we hike with the dog?" is one of the questions we hear most. Here's the honest answer: Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows dogs on just two trails. The good news is that one of them is a short drive from our cabins, and there's plenty more dog-friendly fun just outside the park.
The rules for dogs in the national park
The park's rules are simple, and rangers do enforce them:
- Dogs are allowed on only two trails: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
- Everywhere else, dogs can be in campgrounds, picnic areas and along the roads, but not on other trails or in the backcountry.
- Keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Never leave your dog alone in the car.
- Bag the waste and give wildlife plenty of room. Yes, that includes the bears.
The park sums this up in its BARK Ranger pledge, a fun one to read with the kids before you head out.
Gatlinburg Trail: the best dog hike near Pigeon Forge
This is the one we send most guests to. It runs about 4 miles round trip between the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the edge of downtown Gatlinburg, following the Little Pigeon River through hardwood forest.
- Difficulty: Easy. The path is mostly flat and wide, with a couple of short steeper spots, roots and rocks.
- What you'll see: The river, spots where dogs can cool their paws, and old stone chimneys left from homes that once stood here.
- Where to start: Park at Sugarlands Visitor Center and walk behind the building, past the restrooms and the brick headquarters building. You can also start from the Gatlinburg end and do an out-and-back as long as your pup likes.
- Good to know: Parking anywhere in the park for more than 15 minutes needs a park parking tag, so buy one before you go. The trail is also open to bikes, so keep your leash short.
Oconaluftee River Trail: worth it on a day trip to Cherokee
The park's other dog-friendly trail sits on the North Carolina side, next to the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. It's an easy riverside walk, and you'll often spot elk in the fields nearby (keep your distance and your leash short). It's a long scenic drive over Newfound Gap from our cabins, so plan it as part of a full day exploring the North Carolina side.
Outside the park: more places to walk the dog
Sevierville has some great options that don't involve the park's rules at all:
- Sevierville City Park (1005 Park Rd): A leashed walk along the river trail on the West Prong Little Pigeon River, with picnic areas and a playground for the kids.
- Sevierville PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park (815-817 Park Rd): In the corner of City Park. It's fenced and off-leash, with separate areas for small, large and mixed breeds, agility equipment, water fountains and shaded benches. Perfect for burning off energy before a long car ride.
- Douglas Lake: Over 30,000 acres with about 550 miles of shoreline, much of it public. Water-loving dogs can swim from shore spots like Sevier County Park.
- Pigeon Forge Greenway at The Island: An easy, flat stroll with plenty of people-watching. Dogs are welcome on the walkways.
Dog-friendly patios for after the hike
- Margaritaville, Pigeon Forge: A dog-friendly patio along the river.
- Gatlinburg Brewing Company, Sevierville (870 Winfield Dunn Pkwy): A big outdoor patio where dogs are welcome, plus trivia, live music and movie nights.
- Tanger Outlets Sevierville: Dogs can walk the outdoor walkways with you, though most stores don't allow them inside. Chop House and The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery nearby have dog-friendly patios.
Policies change, so it's always worth calling ahead to make sure your pup is welcome.
Our tips for hiking with dogs in the Smokies
- Bring more water than you think, plus a collapsible bowl. Even short hikes get warm in summer.
- Go early. Trails and parking fill up by late morning, especially on weekends and in October.
- Check paws after rocky stretches, and pack a small towel for muddy river stops.
- Bring a backup leash. Retractable leashes can run longer than the 6-foot limit.
Where to stay with your dog
All five of our cabins welcome dogs. Barkin' at the Moon is our dog lover's cabin, with a private yard and a heated indoor pool for you after the hike, about 10 minutes from Pigeon Forge. Its twin, Howlin' at the Moon, sits right next door if you're traveling with a bigger group. Staying closer to the Gatlinburg Trail? Bear Moon Rising is about 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg.
Want more local ideas? See our favorite local spots, or check availability and book direct with us.