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Every pet lover wants to take their pets with them on vacation, including the Smoky Mountains and the Smoky Mountains National Park. However, only two trails inside the park allow pets: the Oconaluftee River Trail and The Gatlinburg Trail.
Luckily, a few trails just outside the park or nearby will allow you to take your furry friend with you. In the article below, we’ll give you six of the best dog-friendly trails in the Smoky Mountains and surrounding area.
The 6 Dog-Friendly Trails in the Smoky Mountains
1. The Oconaluftee River Trail
One of the only two trails inside the park dogs are allowed
Dogs must be leashed at all times; the leash must be no longer than 6 feet
5-mile trail with gorgeous views
The route is pretty flat, so a great choice for beginning hikers and their pets
Has gorgeous wildflowers during the summer, and the trail goes along the river
2. The Gatlinburg Trail
Considered to be easy to hike
Dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 feet at all times
9 miles of gorgeous scenery
One of the only two trails inside the park where dogs are allowed
Follows the river, and there are spots your dog can take a quick swim
3. Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge
Ideal trail for beginners
A 0.5-mile trail with several war memorials to see
Dogs much be leashed at all times
Follows the river as it snakes through town
Don’t forget to take your dog to see the historic Old Mill, built in the 1830s
4. Mynatt Park
Considered to be an easy hike
Dogs must be leashed at all times
Located right outside of the Smoky Mountains National Park
Features playgrounds, picnic tables, and a covered pavilion
Has a few scenic trails to walk your dog
5. Townsend Trail
🗺️ Address:
📍Townsend Tennessee
🕐 Open Times:
Year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
Has a 9-mile bicycle trail that serves as a dog-walking trail
Dogs must be leashed at all times
Just a short drive from Pigeon Ford
The route follows the Little River in Townsend and leads to the hub with restaurants, shops, and more
Located just outside of the Smoky Mountains National Park
6. Wear Farm City Park in Pigeon Ford
🗺️ Address:
📍Pigeon Ford, TN 37863
🕐 Open Times:
Year-round
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
No
This is a newly constructed park
Dogs must be on leashes at all times
An excellent place for dogs to get exercise
The park also has shelters, many walking trails, and playgrounds for pet owners
Gorgeous views
Conclusion
While there are only two trails where you can take your pet in the Smoky Mountains National Park, a few areas right outside the park allow pets. These parks and trails require that you keep your pet on a leash at all times, not only for their protection but the protection of others.
As with any park, trail, or any place that allows you to have your dog, make sure that you clean up after your dog and always take a leash with you so that these parks and trails will continue to be open for many years to come for you and your furry friend.
Featured Image Credit: knelson20, Shutterstock
Written by
Patricia is an experienced pet writer and lifelong animal lover. When she isn’t writing, Patricia enjoys spending time with her pets, cats Binx and Link and dog Mystery. Mystery and Link have been with her since birth. Binx was found under her house as a kitten and promptly welcomed into the family. Patricia enjoys volunteering at her local rescue shelter and sharing her extensive knowledge of pets.
