We are dog people! We have always had a dog or 3 in our home… we currently have Luke – his registered name is “The force is strong” – he is a Brittany, 9 years old and still acts like he is 2! And Bella, a beautiful Australian Shepherd who is full of sass and keeps this house in line! 2 of our current cabins, Barkin’ at the Moon & Howlin’ at the Moon are dog friendly! The Ramblin’ Moon, ready in early 2023 and Moondance – an Airstream Trailer that will be live in a few weeks at the same property as Barkin’ and Howlin’… I just dropped a little surprise for those of you reading this!
Sooo, we love the pups and it is sometimes challenging to find friendly places to be tourists with your dogs in the Smokies! Here is a quick guide to some cool places that love the dogs too!
Hiking: That’s why we all come to the Smokies, right? There are 2 trails where you can hike with your dog. Just remember, pickup after them!
The Gatlinburg Trail - Gatlinburg Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) This is a pretty short & easy trail that runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. There are several old homesteads, in varying degrees of disrepair, as well as a cool foot bridge over the river near the Sugarlands Visitor Center. This trail also allows for bicycles.
The Oconaluftee River Trail - Oconaluftee River Trail - Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) This is another short trail, but this one runs you out towards Cherokee, NC. It is a great little trail for those with bikes and dogs!
Your dog can ride in the car with you on any National Park road, but they can’t get out.
Not officially in the park, but just outside in the cute town of Townsend – is the Townsend River walk & arboretum. They are totally dog friendly and super cute. Townsend River Walk & Arboretum Trail Map
Sevierville has an unleashed dog park that is the best! There is a small and large area, as well as agility and WIFI! City of Sevierville - PetSafe Unleashed DogPark (seviervilletn.org)
Places to hang out:
The Island in Pigeon Forge is always great. Shopping, eating, drinking, carnival type rides and games and of course, people watching! The outdoor courtyard there is open and they are dog friendly!
The Village Shops in Gatlinburg, another awesome and cute little shopping area. They have the best pancake restaurant in the Smokies – if you ask me, the Pancake Pantry. You can’t take pets in to eat – but you could order it and eat it in the Village!
Does Fido love the water? Do you love to tube? Did you know that you can both go tubing – TOGETHER?!?! What??? I just learned this – check out our friends at Smoky Mountain River Rats and take your dog tubing! Tubing in the Smoky Mountains - Important Tips | River Rat (smokymtnriverrat.com)
Gatlinburg’s Sky Lift Park is dog friendly too! They are adding more dog friendly places in there as well! It is always fun to see the pups up there walking in the sky! Best Smoky Mountain Views and Lift Ride | Gatlinburg SkyLift & SkyBridge, Tennessee
The Hard Rock Café in Pigeon Forge is dog friendly on their patio. Pigeon Forge Restaurant and Live Music Dining | Hard Rock Cafe Pigeon Forge
Applewood Farmhouse in Sevierville has a great dog friendly patio, and their food is delicious! The Apple Barn and Cider Mill, Inc. (applebarncidermill.com)
Dick’s Last Resort in Pigeon Forge, has a friendly patio as well. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before heading over here! Pigeon Forge - (dickslastresort.com)
Mad Dog Creamery & Donuts – in Pigeon Forge & Gatlinburg, has the best donuts & ice cream! And, they love dogs too! This is a must stop, every trip! www.maddogscreamery.com
Howards Steakhouse in Gatlinburg is dog friendly! A steakhouse? Holy cow. We haven’t tried it yet but have heard it is really good! www.howardsrestaurantgatlinburg.com
Things do change, so always check in with the locations before you bring your pup along. Tell us your favorite places to take your dog in the Smokies!
It is almost time for the fall colors to show their beauty! Book your stay today! www.moonrisevacationproperties.com
Be well,
Jaime