What is a vacation without your best furry friend? The mountains of Bryson City, full of great sticks, plenty of mud, squirrels and more, are sure to leave any pet’s tail wagging in excitement. While not everywhere in our backyard is Fido-friendly, there are a number of activities and areas pawfect for your four-legged companions. We’ve rounded up the best ways to make memories with your dog (or cat) in Bryson City!
Stay and Play at these Pet-Friendly Cabins
The first step to creating that perfect Bryson City getaway is finding a cozy home away from home, fit for people and pups. A number of our rentals, hotels, cabins and campgrounds are pet friendly! One charming spot ideal for a couple’s getaway with Rover or Whiskers in tow is the Tiny Home at Gina’s Great Getaways. Built long before today’s booming tiny house trend, this cozy cabin is tucked away in the Smokies, with a beautiful creek providing a little extra special ambiance. For a truly unique experience, you can also book a pet-friendly stay at Skyridge Yurts. This next-level glamping site gives you all the joys of camping, with some added comforts of home (like air conditioning)! Larger parties will love relaxing in a spacious home, like the gorgeous Cabin in the Clouds from Carolina Mountain Vacations. Close to the Almond Boat Dock on Fontana Lake, this spacious retreat is perfect for a vacation destined for aquatic fun! These and other spectacular pet-friendly accommodations are waiting for you.
“Woof” Down Our Best Chow
In Bryson City, our plethora of outdoor dining and patio options mean many of our wonderful restaurants and cafes are pet-friendly! One of the best and easiest places to grab a bite is from one of our many food trucks, like the ones conveniently situated right next to the patio space outside Bryson City Outdoors. The locally-owned store features a rotating line-up of food trucks to enjoy. Visit the impressive onsite taproom to enjoy a cold brew while feasting on tacos, sandwiches and more. Another great spot to bring your pet is Nate and Nick’s Pizza, a delicious restaurant with outdoor seating that overlooks the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s depot. Watch the trains come and go as you enjoy homemade pizza and more. Mountain Perks Espresso Bar and Cafe, located in downtown Bryson City, is one of many great pet-friendly locations to grab a coffee and a great breakfast. The cafe also offers wraps, salads, soups and more, perfect for a quick and easy lunch before exploring more of our area.
For an eatery that combines food and adventure, bring your pet up to Big Wesser Riverside Pub at the Nantahala Outdoor Center! Here, you can dine on delicious burgers and BBQ, while unwinding after a day of fun or enjoying the camp-like atmosphere of NOC. After your meal, explore the campus and watch white water rafters crush through the Nantahala Gorge waters or shop through the NOC’s outdoor recreation stores.
Fetch Adventure in Our Backyard
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park may not be pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean your activities are limited! Many of our outdoor adventures are ready to welcome you and your furry friend, including nearby hiking trails. While you may not be able to trek the park, you and your pet can get those miles in by embarking on the Cheoah Bald Hike, adventuring to Black Balsam Knob, exploring Devil’s Court House or splashing through the falls at Graveyard Fields, just to name a few.
Looking to make a splash on your trip? The Fingerlake Day Use area provides perfect access to beautiful Fontana Lake. You and your four-legged friend can splash into Fontana’s shores, take advantage of picnic areas and enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
In Cherokee, the Oconaluftee Islands Park and River Trail are both pet friendly. Islands Park, close to downtown Cherokee, is a lovely outdoor space to relax and enjoy beautiful Smokies days. Towering bamboo and the rushing Oconaluftee River give this area a unique ambiance to enjoy casual strolls, a picnic, fishing, tubing and more. The River Trail is one of only two walking paths in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park that are pet-friendly, with the second located across the state line in Tennessee. Starting at the Oconaluftee Visitors Center, this trail runs 1.5 miles along the namesake river, and is popular among elk spotters!
While we all love our pets dearly, sometimes we want a leash-free day of exploration! Bryson City has you covered there, too, with select boarding options. Whether you need your pet kept for just a day or a stretch longer, our professionals are here to help so you can enjoy your adventures.
Do these ideas have your pets drooling already? Get started on your perfect pet-friendly getaway to Bryson City and the Great Smoky Mountains, here: https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/.