By Julie Matthews
Pets are often loved like family members and travelers enjoy including their pets in their vacation plans. Because it is a national park and for safety reasons, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has restrictions on where dogs are permitted, nonetheless, there are many opportunities to spend quality time with your furry friend while visiting the Tennessee Smokies.
In the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the only two paths where dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash that does not exceed 6 feet in length, are the Gatlinburg Trail (from the Sugarland Visitor Center) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center). In addition, dogs are permitted while on a leash in campgrounds and picnic areas, and along roads. For more information visit NPS.gov/GRSM/PlanYourVisit/Pets.htm.
Other dog-friendly areas and activities in the Smokies to consider include the following:
Go for a scenic drive. Cruise around the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop in the valley of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and enjoy the interesting sights, including phenomenal wildlife viewing, with your dog in your vehicle.
Experience outdoor adventures. Journey to Gatlinburg SkyPark with your dog and soak in the breathtaking views. Owners must keep their dogs leashed during their visit, and hold onto them while riding the SkyLift. Or join up with Smoky Mountain River Rat and go tubing on the river with your dog. Be sure to read about the dog passes and policies ahead of time.
Enjoy area attractions. Strolling around The Island in Pigeon Forge—a premier entertainment destination featuring restaurants, shopping, events and even amusement rides—is a fun way to spend time with your dog. As long as dogs are leashed, they are welcome to walk the property with their owners.
Dine on outdoor patios. The Tennessee Smokies has a number of restaurants that allow dogs to hang out with their owners in outside sections of their establishments. Some of the restaurants at The Island in Pigeon Forge permit dogs on their outdoor patios, and the Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge and the Fox and Parrot Tavern in Gatlinburg are both very dog friendly. If dining in Sevierville, check out the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill as well as the Chop House.
Shop at markets. Great Smokies Flea Market, which has more than 1,000 vendors, welcomes dogs to stroll the aisles of the market with their owners. Grab your pal and search for bargains at one of the most popular flea markets in Tennessee.
Unleash energy at dog parks. Let your dog run free at one of the region’s dog parks. They can socialize with other pups and get exercise at Gatlinburg’s Mills Dog Park or Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park.
Drop off your dog at Doggywood. While the rest of the family spends the day experiencing top-notch entertainment and award-winning rides at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, dogs can stay at Doggywood just steps away from the park’s entrance.
Discover dog-friendly accommodations. The Tennessee Smokies has a variety of dog-friendly accommodations including hotels, cabins, campgrounds and more. As with any travel planning, it is best to research options before going on your trip. Get started today!
Whatever your plans entail, be sure to follow the pet rules and regulations so you have a positive experience vacationing with your pet in the beautiful Tennessee Smokies.
