Dog Friendly Activities in North Carolina

Don’t leave Fido in the hotel room when you’re on vacation. Get out and play! No matter where you’re headed in North Carolina, we can point you towards the nearest off-leash dog park, the most popular dog beach, a really great hiking trail, and lots of other places to play with Fido.

Pet Friendly Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock State Park Chimney Rock State Park is a 1,000 acre scenic attraction located in the Hickory Nut Gorge of Chimney Rock, NC. The park features dog-friendly hiking trails and amazing 75-mile views. Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a beautiful hike to take with your leashed dog at any time of year. The 1.4 mile round trip leads visitors to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Magnificent views await those who take this gently rolling trail with gradual, moderate uphill sections, rocky terrain, and a small staircase at the base of the falls. The hike should take 45 minutes to an hour. Picnic tables, benches, and resting areas are located at several points along the trail. See Details
Pet Friendly Wright Brothers National Memorial
Wright Brothers National Memorial Bring your leashed pup to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, and see the site of the first successful airplane flights. While there, you can fly kites, visit the beginning and end locations of the first flight, see the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings and visit the Wright Brothers National Monument. The area is dog-friendly, but Fido must be leashed at all times and is not permitted inside any buildings. See Details
Freeman Park The dog-friendly Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC, welcomes dogs on a leash from April 1 to September 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under voice command and their owner is near. Owners must carry a minimum of two suitable plastic or paper waste containers until it can be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle. The bags must be produced and shown upon request. See Details
Fort Macon State Park Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC. This state park includes an Antebellum-era fort, nature trails, a protected swim area, guided tours and a refreshment stand. Situated on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, the park offers undisturbed natural views of salt marshes, estuaries and dune fields. Your pup must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in historic buildings. See Details
Biltmore Estate Leashed dogs allowed to explore the extensive grounds and roam through the more than 250 acres of landscaped gardens at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Fido is also welcome to join you at several restaurants with dog-friendly, outdoor seating in Antler Hill Village. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. Open daily throughout the year. Hours vary by season and admission rates vary by month; visit website or call for specific information. See Details
French Broad Outfitters Dog-friendly French Broad Outfitters offers three float trips for you to enjoy with your friends, family members, and Fido in Asheville, NC. The River Arts District trip is a six-mile urban float that takes you through one of the most creative neighborhoods in Asheville. Float through the gorgeous Biltmore Estate on the Historic Biltmore tour on a full-day float that also takes you through the River Arts District. The Tube Trip is very popular, relaxing two-hour float through Asheville. Dogs are welcome into the shop at any time. If they have been in a canoe/kayak before, they are welcome to join you on our river trips. Please mention your dog in your reservation. Tours depart from different locations; inquire as to specific address of your tour. See Details
Dry Falls Dry Falls is a pet-friendly trail in Highlands, NC. This popular hike and waterfall is located a few miles outside of Highlands and gives you the rare chance to walk safely behind the water flow. The 75-ft. tall waterfall in the Nantahala National Forest flows over a cliff, allowing you to walk behind the falls and stay dry (ish). Dogs are welcome on a leash, as long as they are cleaned up after. See Details
Bodie Island Light Station Bodie Island Light Station in Nags Head is pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the grounds of this historic lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed inside anymore, despite the lighthouse once being the stomping ground of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Chess who used to climb the tower every day with his owner, the last civilian-era keeper of the lighthouse. See Details
North Carolina Arboretum The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of dog-friendly hiking and biking trails adjacent to the Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Asheville, NC. The trails are rated easy to difficult, and leashed dogs are allowed on all of them. Dogs are not, however, allowed in any of the buildings and some of the gardens. An entry fee does apply to visitors. See Details
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Mills River, NC is dog friendly! Dogs are welcome on the Back Porch and in certain areas of Upper Park, but not inside any of the buildings. Your dog can join you as you sample some of the craft beers and delicious appetizers outside in the gorgeously designed gardens. There are fire pits, corn hole games, and occasional live music. Stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up Sierra Nevada dog treats, dog collars with beer openers attached, or a squeaky Pale Ale dog toy for your pup. See Details
Bald Head Island Beaches Bring Fido to play in the sand at the dog-friendly Bald Head Island Beaches in Bald Head Island, NC. You and your pup can explore 14 miles of pristine beaches. You'll need to take a pet-friendly ferry to get there (from Southport), but once you arrive, you'll find that dogs are allowed off-leash on any of them year-round. The only exception to this is in turtle nesting season when dogs must be leashed from sunset to sunrise. South Beach features long stretches of sand and calmer waters, while East Beach is better for boogie boarding and surfing. If you don't want to bring beach gear along with you on the ferry, you can rent everything you'll need from Riverside Adventure Company. See Details
Lake Lure Adventure Company Whether you're a water sports expert or novice, non-stop action is waiting for you at pet-friendly Lake Lure Adventure Company in Lake Lure, NC. Dogs are allowed to accompany you on the pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Strap your four-legged sidekick into a doggie life vest and enjoy the views from the lake with Fido! Each of the certified instructors will be more than happy to show you the ropes to ensure your lake experience is a safe one. Dogs are allowed to play in the water as long as they are closely monitored. See Details
Doggos Dog Park & Pub Dogs can join their 21+ owners at this dog park in Greensboro, NC. This is a place for dogs and humans alike, with 10,000 sq ft of space for pups to play off-leash and a large selection of adult beverages for their owners. A day, monthly, or annual pass must be purchased to visit, and registration before arriving is required. Take a look at their website for a full list of details, rules and regulations. See Details
Justus Orchard Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, NC, is pet friendly. It's been a great spot for picking apples for over 100 years. The orchard offers you and Fido the chance to meet the owner's dog, too, while you're picking your own fruit on-site. Keep in mind, they operate seasonally; check their website for opening day. See Details
Cape Hatteras National Seashore Take your four-legged companion for a splash at the pet-friendly Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Manteo, NC. This recreation area allows leashed dogs on all beach areas except those stated as swimming beaches. Pups are also allowed on the grounds surrounding the Bodie Island Lighthouse, the boardwalk and the nature trail. Note that dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. See Details
New Belgium Brewery Dogs are welcome to join their owners at the pet-friendly New Belgium Brewing in Asheville, NC. This popular brewery is a pretty spot to take Fido for a cold one. Situated next to the river, Fido can sit beside you on the outdoor patio or around the fire pit. There's no food on site, but you may bring your own or order from one of the visiting food trucks. See Details
Dog Park at George Poston Park Locals rave about the fenced off-leash dog park in Gastonia, NC! This recreation area is located on five acres within George Poston Park. The dog park includes a one-acre run for small dogs and a 4.5-acre site for large dogs. Visitors will find waste bags and trash receptacles present. See Details
Riverwalk Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along the pet-friendly Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The Riverwalk runs for nearly two miles along the bank of the Cape Fear River, from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes Bridge on the North. Paid parking areas are located along the boardwalk. See Details
Lake Norman State Park The dog-friendly Lake Norman State Park is a great place to hike and explore with Fido in Troutman, NC. There are several trails to hike on with your furry friend ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Parkgoers can also enjoy a picnic, boating, swimming, and fishing, among other activities. Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas but are permitted everywhere else as long as they remain leashed. See Details
Malaprop's Bookstore The region's largest locally-owned independent bookstore, Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, NC is dog-friendly. Malaprop's welcomes leashed dogs in the book section of its store; however, they are not allowed in its cafe. Malaprop's Bookstore sells a carefully selected array of books, gifts, and educational items for customers of all ages and backgrounds. See Details
North Carolina