Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in North Carolina

If your dog likes to ruff it, bring Fido hiking in North Carolina. Our dog friendly hiking section includes everything from easy one-hour walks to fantastic overnight trips in North Carolina that won’t be soon forgotten. Seriously, go take a hike!

Pet Friendly North Carolina Arboretum
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
Pet Friendly Bodie Island Light Station
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
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
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
Oconaluftee River Trail The Oconaluftee River Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Cherokee, NC, and is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This pet-friendly trail is a 1.5 mile one-way. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest along side the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful views of the river. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists. 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
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
North Carolina Museum of Art North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh, NC, is pet friendly! There are 2.2 miles of trails that weave around the hilly park. Along the way, you and your leashed pup will come across a number of interesting sculptures. In addition, there are several doggie waste stations and water fountains along the trails. 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
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
Murphy River Walk 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. See Details
Triple Falls and High Falls Trails Triple Falls and High Falls Trails in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog friendly. It's a moderately easy, 2.6-mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. Although this trail may be short, it will certainly take you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and fall when the leaves are changing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting allowed by permit on certain days. See Details
The Blowing Rock The Blowing Rock is the state's oldest travel attraction in Blowing Rock, NC. The 1/4-mile loop trail is dog-friendly with breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains. Be sure to keep Fido leashed at all times as there are several cliffs throughout the trail. See Details
Lake Junaluska Walking Trail The Lake Junaluska Walking Trail in Lake Junaluska, NC, is pet friendly. Dogs are welcome on the two paved walking trails at Lake Junaluska Retreat and Conference Center. Choose between a 2.3-mile loop around the lake or a longer, 3.8-mile trail. All visitors are welcome, not just those staying at the United Methodist retreat near Asheville. See Details
Bullington Gardens Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC is dog-friendly. This 12 acre horticultural education center and public botanical garden provides hands-on education to students, youth clubs & adults. It's also a place where visitors can stroll the grounds, enjoy the gardens and find a peaceful spot to relax. Leashed dogs are welcome on the property and water is provided beside the gift shop. See Details
The Arboretum The Arboretum in Greensboro, NC, is a pet-friendly 17-acre garden open to the public and their pets. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners in exploring the manicured grounds and trails. Note that the park is open year-round, but the hours change seasonally. See Details
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
McGalliard Falls Park McGalliard Falls Park is a beautiful dog-friendly recreation area in Valdese, NC. Commonly referred to as a hidden treasure, bring Fido to see the 40 ft. high McGalliard Falls and enjoy a hike or picnic along the way. See Details
Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves England's initial New World settlements in Manteo, NC from 1584-1590. You can bring Fido along while you explore the historic area, which features a 1.25-mile dog-friendly trail through a maritime forest with views of the Croatan Sound. Then, loop back via a short 0.3-mile loop to a sandy shoreline, which features interpretive signs about local history and Algonquian practices. See Details
Harris Lake County Park Fido is welcome to join you at Harris Lake County Park, a 680-acre park located in Holly Springs, NC. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, restrooms and picnic shelters. Dogs are welcome as long as they are restrained by a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pets! See Details
North Carolina