The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, TN offers two trails that are dog friendly. Gatlinburg Trail (a 1.9 mile hike from the Sugarland Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg, TN) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (a 1.5 mile hike from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the outskirts of Cherokee, NC). Please note that dogs are not permitted on any other trails within the park. Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.
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Great Smoky Mountains National Park has received a rating of 3.3 out of 5 bones by 54 canine critics on BringFido and 5.0 out of 5 by
2,419 guests
on TripAdvisor.
Travelers generally found the Great Smoky Mountains National Park beautiful but frustrated by extremely limited dog-friendly trail options, with only two trails allowing leashed pets near park entrances. Some visitors appreciated the park's safety considerations regarding bears and wildlife, while others felt the dog restrictions were overly restrictive and diminished their hiking experience.
We dug up 38 pictures of dogs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
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We love to visit the Great Smokey Mountains and surrounding area during the Fall. It is a popular area to see beautiful colors as the leaves change. Tasia enjoyed the view as I took some photos, and this is one of my favorites.
The Gatlinburg Trail at the Great Smoky Mountains was the perfect trail for our pooch. We loved taking in the gorgeousness of the mountains, and he loved making lots of friends along the way.
Had a great time hiking on the Gatlinburg trail. One of two trails that alloy dogs. Was a beautiful day!!
Posted September 6, 2018
Posted September 6, 2018
Kayaking in the Smoky Mountains
Two kayakers brave the rapids in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Credit: iStock/wbritten.
Posted July 16, 2017
Posted July 16, 2017
Great Smokey Mountains.
It is smokey out here.
Posted March 29, 2017
Posted March 29, 2017
Peek-a-Boo Bear
I volunteer in the back country for the GSMNP. This bear followed me for over a mile on The Little River Trail up past the Husky Branch. He was close but not aggressive. He was checking out my pack but I discouraged him. Imagine if I had had a small dog on a leash with me. We call them bear bait. FYI, Since 2010, over 50 % of all bear attacks in the USA have involved a dog. Love your dog ? Then leave him at home. Especially when the sows leave the den with new cubs and during mating season when males become very territorial.
