Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Hayesville, 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.

The Tsali Recreation Area in Robbinsville, NC is pet friendly. It has 4 trails, totaling over 36 miles which are used for mountain biking and horse back riding. The trails alternate between the two, so you can always take your dog on a trail where bikes are not. The trails are easy and well maintained. The area is beautiful and there are frequent creek crossings for your pet to get water. Be mindful of hunting season.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nantahala River Ferebee Memorial Picnic Area is a pet-friendly picnic place located about 2.75 miles downriver from the Nantahala River Launch site in Bryson City, NC. Ferebee Memorial offers picnic area with tables and charcoal grills, and serves as another launch and take out area. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Take Fido for a leisurely stroll that ends at a view! Cupid Falls, located in Young Harris, GA, offers a short, even, pet-friendly trail that is perfect for young children and dogs, making this a great stop for the whole family. The trail leads to a small waterfall. There is an area where you may enter the water to cool off.

Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center is a pet-friendly attraction located within the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests in Hiawassee, GA. Pets are welcome on the shuttle that takes you up to the visitor center, the highest point in Georgia at 4,784 feet above sea level, but note that pets aren't permitted inside the visitor center. Enjoy exploring various trails with your leashed pup. The entry fee allows access to the day-use area and visitor center shuttle.