So, you’re bringing your furry friend along the ride to your mountainous vacation. When it comes to the best pet-friendly destinations and locations, we all have questions. If you’re looking for the answers to those questions, we have just what you need!
Here’s how to enjoy a pet-friendly vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains:
Where Should You Stay?
Huckleberry Ridge
Sleeps 8, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Pets Allowed
You’re in the mountains. Odds are, you want a scenic view to enjoy. Huckleberry Ridge has mountaintop views, a hot tub, a large wrap-around porch, an outdoor fire pit, and plenty of space for you, the family, and your furry friend.
Pet Policy:
- $80 + tax per pet fee
- pet breed restrictions: American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers
Browns Bear Den #235
Sleeps 6, 2 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Pets Allowed
This pet-friendly cabin offers the best of the outdoors in Gatlinburg. Play a round of pool or two, site by the fireplace, play foosball, sit in the large and luxurious soaking tub, and roam around with your best friend. Pets will love this vacation rental and so with the whole group.
Pet Policy:
- $75 + tax non-refundable pet fee
- maximum limit 2 dogs
- maximum weight per dog 40 pounds
Knotty ‘n Nice
Sleeps 5, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, Pets Allowed
If a rental with epic views is what you prefer, Knotty n Nice offers just that. This pet-friendly cabin has a pool table, a gas fireplace, a jetted tub, and a charcoal grill. Not only can you and your pet relax with some incredible views, but you can roam about in the Great Smoky Mountains together.
Where Should You Eat?
The Fox & Parrot Tavern
1065 Glades Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-0677
See Website
You won’t have to worry about which restaurants to go with when you have your pup along. The Fox and Parrot Tavern is known to be one of the best dog-friendly restaurants in the Smokies. Pet lovers will be welcomed with open arms by all staff members here, and you won’t regret coming for the delicious food. Menu items include welsh rabbit, spotted dick, and chicken pie.
Wild Plum Tea Room
555 Buckhorn Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-3808
See Website
For a unique dining experience in Gatlinburg, there’s nothing quite like the Wild Plum Tea Room. You’ll find menu items here like sandwiches of the day, chicken salad, and delectable soup favorites. When it comes to pets, this eatery is extremely welcoming. If you have some time, this is a definite stop.
Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery
1359 East Pkwy #F, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-325-1210
See Website
Spend some time on the patio with your pup or pet at Three Jimmy’s Good Time Eatery. This Gatlinburg restaurant has delicious comfort foods like award-winning chicken and juicy burgers. Not to forget to mention, the staff here will make you and your pet feel extremely comfortable and welcome.
Where Should You Go Exploring?
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park
765 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
865-436-4307
See Website
At the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, you can take a walk with your pet while you look down upon all of downtown Gatlinburg. Your pet must be leashed at all times while trekking this area, however, and they must be securely held while riding on the SkyLift. This is a great way of doing some exploring with your pet in the city.
Sevierville Unleashed PetSafe Dog Park
815-817 Park Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
865-453-5441
See Website
Photo Credit by @lollygaglauren on Instagram
There’s dog agility equipment, there’s a small dog park, there’s the large dog park, and there’s plenty of water and shade. Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park has just what you need when you and the pup need to go running around in the park after exploring the city or dining at your favorite pet-friendly restaurant.
Oconaluftee River Trail
Oconaluftee River Trail, North Carolina 28719
GPS Directions Here
Go on a trail and explore the trees while you’re in the Smoky Mountains. The Oconaluftee River Trail is 3 miles of easy trailing. There’s only a 70 ft elevation gain, with plenty of river sights and strolling grounds to enjoy. Pass by the dogwood and maple trees as you walk alongside your furry friend. Don’t forget to leash your animals.
Gatlinburg Trail
916 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
GPS Directions Here
Like the Oconaluftee River Trail, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. This Gatlinburg Trail is a great other option for those who want to go strolling with fido. This 3.8 mile roundtrip trail takes roughly about an hour to complete with an elevation gain of 177 feet. There’s plenty of shade through the bankside forest and you’ll get to pass a stunning footbridge along the way.
Pisgah National Forest
GPS Directions Here
In North Carolina, there’s another national forest that you can enjoy with your pet. Pisgah National Forest has plenty of trails like the Appalachian Trail, the Daniel Boone Scout Trail, and the Sam Knob Trail. Walk alongside the waters, explore in the woods, and enjoy the shaded areas of these trails.
There you have it. Now go out, run around in the parks, and treat your pet to the best vacation in the Great Smoky Mountains!
