Bring Your Dog to Bryson City!
Pet Friendly Activities
When visiting the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains, bring your four-legged friend along to explore the natural beauty of the area. Bryson City is a dog-friendly haven where your pet can enjoy miles of mountain trails, splash in rivers and streams, and take in all the fresh air smells the Smokies have to offer. It’s truly the ultimate adventure for your furry companion—a chance to live their best life!
In Bryson City, you’ll find welcome signs, bowls of fresh water waiting outside shops, and plenty of friendly pats on the head for your visiting pup. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or just strolling through town, you and your dog will feel right at home.
Explore Dog-Friendly Activities
Pets are restricted in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to protect the natural habitat and wildlife . However, there are three exceptions where pets are welcome within the Park:
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Oconaluftee River Trail: A scenic, pet-friendly trail perfect for a leisurely walk alongside the river.
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Deep Creek Picnic Area: While pets are not allowed on the trails here, the picnic area is a great spot for a relaxing outing.
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Gatlinburg Trail: Another beautiful trail where pets can join in the fun.
Luckily, there are plenty of options outside the park where your dog can run, hike, and explore to their heart’s content:
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Nantahala National Forest - With miles of trails weaving through lush forests and alongside rivers, this area offers an abundance of pet-friendly adventures.
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Tsali Recreation Area - Famous for its mountain biking trails, Tsali is also a fantastic destination for hiking with dogs. Explore well-maintained paths with gorgeous lake views—perfect for active pups.
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Blue Ridge Parkway - This iconic scenic drive offers numerous overlooks and trailheads where pets are welcome. Stop at any of the dog-friendly spots along the way for stunning vistas and memorable walks.
Ready to plan your trip? Check out our full guide to dog-friendly trails and activities in Bryson City!
Bryson City Warmly Welcomes Pets!
Enjoy a "Four Paw" Vacation in Bryson City
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…
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Pet Friendly Vacations
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Visitor Guide
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Newsletter
Sign up for Bryson City's official tourism e-newsletter to get the latest…
Visitor Centers
We welcome you with two visitor centers in the area; one in downtown at the Swain…