Oconaluftee River Trail
Reviews
Visitors generally have positive experiences on the Oconaluftee River Trail, praising its beautiful scenery, easy terrain, and ample opportunities to observe wildlife like elk. Some travelers note that the lack of trash receptacles and signage along the trail could be improved.
AI-generated from the text of reviews
- TracyMay 21, 2024Easy trail by the river
Flat gravel trail shaded by trees. No poop bags provided or trash cans so there was a fair amount of poop (and bags) along the trail. So easy to fix that.
- StephanieApr 16, 2024Beautiful hike!
We hiked this trail yesterday and it was beautiful. This is one of two dog-allowed trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a very easy hike—almost totally flat. You can park at either end, but if you park at the Ocanoluftee Visitor Center inside the park, you will need to buy a parking pass ($5 for the entire day gets you parking anywhere in the park). The drive to the visitor center is very scenic. Just a couple of cautions: First, part of the trail is covered with crushed rock, so if your dog isn’t accustomed to a surface like that, I recommend shoes. Second, the trailheads are well-marked, but there is almost no signage on the trail. The trail itself is well-defined, so it’s not a huge deal, but we’re new hikers and it would have been nice to have a sign or two. Dogs aren’t allowed inside the visitor center, but there are a few vending machines for drinks and a water-bottle filler near the restrooms, and you can access these with your pup in tow.
- KIMBERLY ANov 6, 2023Ok
Just a trail along a river. It is ok.
- MariaAug 4, 2023Great 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.
- ShannonJul 15, 2023Nice 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.
- NancyMay 20, 2023Perfect 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.
- HeatherMay 14, 2023Great 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!
- AnberFeb 23, 2023Nice 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.
- KathleenMay 23, 2022Nice 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
- EmilyOct 31, 2021Best 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.
- KathyApr 10, 2021River 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
Location
Traveler Photos
We dug up 10 pictures of dogs at Oconaluftee River Trail.
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