Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Marion, NC

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.

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Catawba Falls Trail

Old Fort, NC

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.

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Mount Mitchell State Park

Burnsville, NC

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.

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Crabtree Falls Loop Trail

Burnsville, NC

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.

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Linville Falls

Newland, NC

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.

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Mount Mitchell Trail

Burnsville, NC

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.

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Roaring Fork Falls

Burnsville, NC

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.

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Catawba River Greenway

Morganton, NC

Catawba River Greenway

The Catawba River Greenway is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Morganton! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Catawba River Greenway. 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.

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Lake James State Park

Nebo, NC

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.

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Old Mitchell Trail

Burnsville, NC

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.

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Sandy Cliff Overlook and Lake Channel Overlook Trails

Nebo, NC

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.

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Oak Hill Community Park and Forest

Morganton, NC

Oak Hill Community Park and Forest

Oak Hill Park, provided by Foothills Conservancy of North Carolina, is a free community recreation area with 5 miles of multi-use trails and 2.5 miles of hike-only trails in Lenoir, NC. This pet-friendly park is situated just 10 minutes from downtown Morganton and serves as a central hub for outdoor activities, education, agriculture, and archaeological exploration, benefitting both residents and visitors.

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