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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
Eno River State Park With nearly 28 miles of trails, Eno River State Park in Durham, NC, provides hours of fun and adventure for you and Fido! Choose from pet-friendly trails that follow the Eno River or paths that take you deep into the forest. Dogs are allowed on all routes but must remain on a leash no longer than 6'. See Details
Broad River Greenway Pack up a lunch and take Fido for a hike at Broad River Greenway in Shelby, NC. This pet-friendly recreational area boasts more than ten miles of trails. Part of Broad River Greenway belongs to the Mountain Birding Trail, making this a great trip for wildlife viewing. Please keep Fido on a leash during your hike and be conscious of horse riders sharing the trails. See Details
Carvers Creek State Park Carvers Creek State Park in Spring Lake, NC, offers almost two miles of easy, pet-friendly trails through meadows and pine forests. The paths will lead to a 100-acre millpond, complete with an observation deck. Fishing is permitted at the millpond, but boats are not allowed. See Details
North Carolina