Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Little Switzerland, NC

There are 19 dog-friendly hiking trails within 20 miles of Little Switzerland. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Little Switzerland.

Pet Friendly Catawba Falls Trail
Catawba Falls Trail *Closed thru Spring 2023* Catawba Falls Trail is a pet-friendly trail in Old Fort, NC. This wonderful trail has multiple bridges and a stream crossing that ends at a beautiful waterfall where both you and your dog can play. See Details
Pet Friendly Pisgah National Forest
Pisgah National Forest Pisgah National Forest is a pet-friendly natural area in Barnardsville, NC. Dogs are allowed on all hiking trails in Pisgah National Forest if they follow the leash law. Known as a land of mile-high peaks, cascading waterfalls, and heavily forested slopes. The forest huge, spanning half a million acres in total. The trails that weave around the area go through hardwood forests and alongside waterfalls. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess left behind to preserve the cleanliness of the area. See Details
Craggy Pinnacle Trail Craggy Pinnacle Trail is a moderately easy dog-friendly trail in Black Mountain, NC. The 1.4 mile hike will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. Although the Catawba rhododendron blooms in mid to late June are a must see, this trail is great throughout the season for its views of Craggy Pinnacle. Winter conditions can cause the access road to close, so call the parkway's phone number for automated conditions before heading out. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Grandfather Mountain State Park Grandfather Mountain is a pet-friendly landmark in Linville, NC. Whether you prefer a more leisurely stroll along one of the many nature trails through gentle forests and meadows or love hiking in the backcountry, you and Fido will find plenty of beauty to savor as you explore the breathtaking wonder of Grandfather Mountain. Pets must be leashed at all times and are not permitted inside any building or in the Animal Habitats area. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. See Details
Mount Mitchell State Park Nestled in the Black Mountains, Mount Mitchell State Park in Burnsville, NC, provides nearly 2,000 acres of tranquility and natural beauty for you to enjoy with Fido by your side. At an elevation of 6,684, Mount Mitchell rises above the surrounding landscape and, as the highest point east of the Mississippi, provides stunning, one-of-a-kind views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the summit. You and your pup can enjoy a picnic before setting off on a short stroll or a more extensive hike through the forests of Mount Mitchell. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times and may never be left unattended. They are not permitted in any park buildings, rental boats, swimming beaches, rinsing stations, changing stations, or cabins. See Details
Crabtree Falls Loop Trail Bring Fido for a walk on the pet-friendly Crabtree Falls Loop Trail in Burnsville, NC. It's a moderately difficult, 2.5 mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete with Fido. This lovely trail, popular for its waterfall, is best spring through fall since the road to the campground is closed October through May. Day hiking is free, and an honor payment system is in place for tent and RV camping. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Linville Falls Linville Falls is a pet-friendly hike in Newland. Flowing from its headwaters high on the steep slopes of Grandfather Mountain, the Linville River flows cascades through two falls on its way to a beautiful gorge. Linville Gorge was America's first officially designated wilderness area. Enjoy the towering hemlocks, dense stands of rhododendron, and native wildflowers on the trails that surround the falls with your leashed pooch. See Details
High Bluff and Rhododendron Gardens Trails Bring Fido for a hike on the dog-friendly High Bluff and Rhododendron Gardens Trails in Bakersville, NC. They're a moderately easy, 3.5 mile hike on Roan Mountain that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. You will need to visit this trail April through November, since that is when the road to the gardens is open, but the best time is mid to late June when the Catawba rhododendrons are in bloom. See Details
Flat Rock Loop Trail Flat Rock Loop Trail welcomes leashed dogs on a hike through beautiful North Carolina. This trail is under a mile and leads to great views across the forested area. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. The trail can be accessed every day of the week from sunrise to sunset. See Details
Mount Mitchell Trail Mount Mitchell Trail is pet-friendly. Hike up the highest peak east of the Mississippi River on Mount Mitchell Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park. This 12-mile out-and-back trail offers views for miles from the top. The trail is rated difficult and will take all day to complete. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after. See Details
Roaring Fork Falls Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a hike at Roaring Fork Falls in Burnsville, NC. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail in the Pisgah National Forest is a popular area for birding, hiking and running. The terrain is mostly flat and offers wonderful views of the waterfall. This trail is open year-round, and there is a small parking area at the trailhead. See Details
Woods Walk Woods Walk is a dog-friendly trail loop within Grandfather Mountain State Park in Linville, NC. This short 0.4 mile trail has gradual grades and a wide path making it perfect for families with pets and those seeking a relaxed walk. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to identify 64 different flower and plant species in addition to 19 tree types. Woods Walk is the lowest trail in this mountainous area and ideal for a casual winter stroll. There are three exits leading to picnic spots in the upper portion of this trail and rest benches dotted along the route. See Details
Black Rock Trail Black Rock Trail is a mile long route beginning at the far end of Black Rock Parking Area at Grandfather Mountain State Park in Linville, NC. A great hike for families and casual trailblazers, you and your leashed dog are welcome to traverse this scenic trail packed with mountain views, rock formations and an abundance of woodland beauty. On your way to Black Rock, take a short detour to walk underneath a giant boulder known as Arch Rock. A loop at the end of this trail leads to a number of outcropping with expansive views across Blue Ridge Parkway toward Beacon Heights and Grandmother Mountain. Visitors should be prepared for changeable weather, bring suitable hiking shoes, and register their name on the sign-in board at the parking area. See Details
Tanawha Trail Tanawha Trail is a 13.5-mile trail on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Banner Elk, NC. The many accesses from the parkway let hikers choose as long a section as they like. To preserve this delicate area, stay on designated paths, bridges, and boardwalks. Marked with white blazes, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) runs jointly with Tanawha Trail. You will certainly get a workout on this trail, but you won't mind one bit when you see the views that are in store for you! This dog-friendly trail is best on a sunny, clear day in the fall. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet; to protect the fragile plant environment, dogs are not allowed on the section of the Tanawha Trail between Wilson Creek and Rough Ridge. See Details
Big Butt Trail Big Butt Trail is a pet-friendly trail in Blue Ridge Parkway headquarters in Black Mountain, NC. It's a difficult, 6 mile hike that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. Despite what one would think from the name of this trail, this hike is for those people and dogs in fit condition. It has some steep climbs in sections and doesn't have any regular water sources. Spring is the best time to visit, with wildflowers blooming in mid-April, however it is nice anytime from spring to fall. Please note that dogs must be on a leash on Blue Ridge Parkway property, and on U.S. Forest Service land and state game land, between April 1 and August 15. See Details
Lake James State Park Lake James State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area in Nebo, NC. It features 15 miles of trails to stroll through with Fido. The state park also has picnic sites, boat access, and swimming areas. Dogs are not allowed in swimming areas or beaches. See Details
Old Mitchell Trail Bring Fido out for a walk on the dog-friendly Old Mitchell Trail in Burnsville, NC. It's a difficult, 4.4 mile hike in Mount Mitchell State Park that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. Enjoy exploring the eastern United State's tallest peak at 6684 feet. The park itself is all above 6000 feet and offers a campground, picnic area, restaurant, and museum. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Sandy Cliff Overlook and Lake Channel Overlook Trails Sandy Cliff Overlook and Lake Channel Overlook Trails in Nebo, NC, are pet friendly. It's an easy, 2-mile hike in Lake James State Park that will take about 45 minutes to complete with Fido. This small park offers only four trails, but is a wonderful spot to take your dog to enjoy the lake in solitude. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details
Grandfather Mountain Trail Grandfather Mountain Trail is a popular pet-friendly trail in Linville, NC. This trail leads to great views of the mountain that has the appearance of an old man. The route follows the crest of Grandfather Mountain from the Swinging Bridge Parking Area out 2.4 miles to Calloway Peak. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail, as long as they are cleaned up after. See Details
Little Switzerland, NC, US