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Oconaluftee River Trail

The Oconaluftee River Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Cherokee, NC, and is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This pet-friendly trail is a 1.5 mile one-way. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest along side the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful views of the river. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists. Visit Website

Reviews

BringFido Guest Rating
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Oconaluftee River Trail has received a rating of 4.3 out of 5 bones by 9 canine critics on BringFido and 4.5 out of 5 by 54 guests on TripAdvisor.

  • KIMBERLY A
    Nov 6, 2023
    Ok

    Just a trail along a river. It is ok.

  • Maria
    Aug 4, 2023
    Great walk by the river

    we loved this trial. Oreo had lots of fun. She is not into water; however it was a great place to swim in the river and chill with the dog.

  • Shannon
    Jul 15, 2023
    Nice Walk Along the River

    Nice walk along the river with our pup. It's an easy walk for both you and your dogs. The only downfall is dogs cannot walk through the Indian Village but you do walk by as you make your way to the river walk.

  • Nancy
    May 20, 2023
    Perfect dog trail

    We loved this trail. It’s an easy walk but very peaceful and beautiful. Loved seeing the elk. Wish there were a couple of trash cans for poop disposal. We will be back for sure.

  • Heather
    May 14, 2023
    Great trail

    Good even trail. Many areas that the dogs can stop and put their feet in the river and get a drink. We also saw several elk in the river and in the woods. One of the only trails in the area to take dogs in the Smokey Mountains but worth it. We will be back!

  • Anber
    Feb 23, 2023
    Nice and easy Hike

    This is a very easy and flat hike. Got to see Elk. The children and the dogs were able to go on an "adventure to the river" . The dogs were able to get water. There are no trash cans on trail so we carried the poop bags out no big deal. There are benches along the trail to rest and watch the river. We will do this one again.

  • Kathleen
    May 23, 2022
    Nice hike

    Nice easy hike, shaded and follows river. Plenty of places for pup to get a drink. Would have given 5 bones for trash receptacles somewhere along the route. Enjoyed some ice-cream in Cherokee before hiking back. Yum

  • Emily
    Oct 31, 2021
    Best dog trail in the Smokies

    We loved this trail! There is lots to see and there are plenty of animals to see on the trail. We 100% rather this trail over the Gatlinburg Dog Trail.

  • Kathy
    Apr 10, 2021
    River trail

    We thoroughly enjoyed our walk along this 3 mile round trip path. The path is clean and easy to use. There were spring flowers everywhere. A herd of Elk were within 20 feet of us. There are sign to not get within 50 yards of the Elk but it was obvious that the Elk were not paying attention to the signs. We stopped walking and they kept coming to right in front of us to get into the river. There are information signs written in English and Cherokee.
    Because it is one of the few National Park trails that allow dogs there were MANY people with dogs but to us that just made it more fun. A road is also nearby, however the wild Elk made it SO special

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Oconaluftee River Trail