Dog-Friendly Activities in Elf, NC

Anna Ruby Falls is a beautiful waterfall near Helen, GA. Located in the heart of the Chattahoochee National Forest, this picturesque spot can be accessed from a pet-friendly, half-mile trail within Unicoi State Park. The short hike is fairly steep, but the view of the falls is worth it. Dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after.

Murphy River Walk is a 3.4 mile moderately trafficked dog-friendly trail located near downtown Murphy, NC. It features a walk along two rivers and their convergence point. It is a good trail for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of interesting overlook spots and signage. Dogs are able to use this trail so long as they remain on-leash and are cleaned up after.

Crane Creek Vineyards in Young Harris, GA, is a local, dog-friendly vineyard with a great variety of wines. Leashed dogs are welcome both outside and inside the tasting room. Tasting flights, and wine by the glass and bottle are available. A small selection of cheese and snacks is available for purchase, but you are also welcome to bring your own picnic. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Leashed dogs can visit the pet-friendly Vogel State Park in Blairsville, GA. This local recreation area offers an array of amenities for parkgoers, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, a playground and more.

Rufus Morgan Falls Trail in Franklin, NC, is pet friendly. It's a moderately easy, 1 mile hike in Nantahala National Forest that will take about 40 minutes to complete with Fido. This little out of the way trail is a lovely spot that has soft ground and several water sources for Fido. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under control at all times.

Snowbird Mountains Brewery is a pet-friendly taproom in Andrews, NC. Bring Fido for a day out at Heritage Park and head over to grab a cold beverage inside or outdoors. They offer a wide selection of craft beers in a scenic town.

Buck Bald Brewing in downtown Murphy, NC, offers favorites like Hollerin' Man Pale Ale, Big Frog IPA and Ragin' Red Ale, plus exclusive location-only brews. With a welcoming vibe and a spacious outdoor patio, it's a great place to relax or socialize. Guests can bring friends, takeout food, and leashed dogs inside or outdoors at this pet-friendly taproom.

Dog-friendly Union County Farmers "Barket" Dog Park is located near the Farmers Market in Blairsville, GA. There are fenced areas for off-leash play and trails for humans to enjoy with their leashed canine companions. All dogs visiting the park must wear a collar with a valid license and have current vaccinations required by law. The dog park is open daily from dawn to dusk and closed on Wednesdays from 10am-2pm for maintenance.

Small, leashed pets or pets in carriers are permitted to visit the dog-friendly Hiawassee Antique Mall in Hiawassee, GA. With more than 10,000 square feet of shopping space, you are sure to spend a good bit of time when visiting this antique store. Make sure to pack a snack for Fido before you head to Hiawassee Antique Mall.

Lake Chatuge Recreation Area is a pet-friendly spot in Hiawassee, GA. Fido is welcome to tag along for a day out on the water to go kayaking or boating. A trail to visit with your furry friend is also on-site, about a mile long, and takes you around the lake.

The Nantahala Bikeway is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Bryson City! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Nantahala Bikeway. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Big Laurel Falls is a pet-friendly trail in Otto, NC. The hike is just over a mile roundtrip and will take you to a beautiful waterfall to view with your pooch. Leashed dogs are welcome on this scenic trail and can even enjoy a refreshing swim at the end. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind along the way. Due to seasonal road closures, this trail is generally inaccessible by vehicle from December 31 through April 1.

Furry friends may join their owners at the pet-friendly Grandaddy Mimm's Distilling Co. in Blairsville, GA. Dogs are welcome both inside the tasting room or outside on their patio. Their menu features a variety of fantastic libations, from moonshine flights and mixed drinks to full bottles of vodka and rum.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Wayah Bald Tower which offers a great pet-friendly hike in Franklin, NC. that leads to awesome view points of four different states. Along the way, you and your pooch will see the Wilson Lick Ranger Station, built in 1913. Continue another 3 miles to Wayah Bald which gives a gorgeous view of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

John C. Campbell Folk School Nature Trails is a dog-friendly folk school and trail in Brasstown, NC. If you follow the map to the Rivercane Walk, you will find interesting bridges and placards with information on Cherokee indigenous people and history, fire circle and clan totems. Please note that while dogs are allowed on the trails, they are not allowed inside any of the buildings.

Bring your pup to play off-leash at Union County Dog Park in Blairsville, GA. This dog park offers two small fenced sections with basic agility equipment and canine fountains. There are also a about a mile of wooded trails outside of the fenced area for you and Fido to explore. You can find this dog park across the road from Meeks Park near the Meeks Park Disc Golf Course and Senior Center.

Nantahala National Forest is a pet-friendly public area in Nantahala, NC. This national forest translates to Land of the Noonday Son in Cherokee. Located near the hip city of Asheville, the forest is full of trails that lead along babbling streams through tall trees. Dogs must be leashed within the forest and all mess should be cleaned up after them to preserve the cleanliness of the area.

Byron Herbert Reece Farm & Heritage Center is a pet-friendly attraction in Blairsville, GA, where Fido is welcome to explore with you. This historic farm welcomes pups throughout the grounds, but dogs are prohibited inside the gift shop. Explore this seasonal venue from April through November.

Bring Fido to Hightower Creek Vineyards in Hiawassee, GA. This dog-friendly winery invites two and four-legged friends to sit together on the covered deck or lawn seating area with a view of the mountains. Guests can order a glass of wine or enjoy a tasting while nibbling on small bites like meat and cheese with crackers. Visitors are also permitted to pack their own picnic to pair with Hightower's delicious drinks options.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the pet-friendly Minnehaha Falls Trail in Lakemont, GA. The trailhead is located off of Bear Gap Road, which is unpaved. This popular hike ascends a wooden staircase and heads southwest toward the waterfall, which offers spectacular views. Please remember to clean up after your pup throughout your hike.