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!

Broad River Greenway

Shelby, NC

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

Spring Lake, NC

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

Riverwalk

Wilmington, NC

Riverwalk Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along the pet-friendly Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The Riverwalk runs for nearly two miles along the bank of the Cape Fear River, from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes Bridge on the North. Paid parking areas are located along the boardwalk. See Details

Craggy Pinnacle Trail

Black Mountain, NC

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

Linville, NC

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

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. See Details

Rufus Morgan Falls Trail

Franklin, NC

Rufus Morgan Falls Trail 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. See Details

Falls Lake Trail (Mountains-to-Sea Trail)

Wake Forest, NC

Falls Lake Trail (Mountains-to-Sea Trail) The Falls Lake Trail is a pet-friendly part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail in Wake Forest, NC. This hiking path in the Falls Lake State Recreation Area can be easily accessed at the Falls Lake Dam information center, Blue Jay Point County Park, Shinleaf access, the Falls Lake Park office and Rolling View access. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details

Hanging Rock State Park

Danbury, NC

Hanging Rock State Park Located in Danbury, NC, Hanging Rock State Park is a pet-friendly recreation area boasting beautiful walking trails for you and Fido. While leashed pets are allowed in the park and at campsites, they are prohibited from the swim beach, inside buildings or in vacation cabins. Enjoy sweeping views at the summit, or let your dog cool off in one of the many waterfalls. See Details

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail

Cullowhee, NC

Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail Richland Balsam Nature Loop Trail in Asheville, NC, is pet friendly. Bring Fido on the moderately easy, 1.4 mile hike that will take about 1 hour to complete.. Set out on this trail that is only a few feet short of being the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The elevation makes it a nice, cool hike during the summer. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details

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. See Details

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

West Jefferson, NC

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area Mount Jefferson is a great place to have a scenic picnic near the summit with your dog in West Jefferson, NC. This pet-friendly state park also has a couple of great hiking trails. The Lost Province Trail is 3/4 mile long and is moderate in difficulty. The Rhododendron Trail is just over one mile long and is strenuous in difficulty. Dogs are allowed but must remain leashed. See Details

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. See Details

Dog Park at Azalea Park

Asheville, NC

Dog Park at Azalea Park Bring Fido out to the dog park at Azalea Park in Asheville, NC! The area is mulched and features two separate fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Convenient parking is also close by. There is a gazebo and benches for you to sit and watch your pup play. See Details

Craggy Gardens

Asheville, NC

Craggy Gardens Craggy Gardens is a pet-friendly stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC. There's plenty of natural wonder to enjoy including violets, blackberries, Turkscap lilies, May Apples, along with a variety of birds and other fauna. One of the popular hiking trails, Craggy Pinnacle, winds through a tunnel of rhododendrons and leads the hiker to gorgeous 360-degree views at the summit. This hike is only a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, making it a relatively easy walk for you and your pup. Visitors to Craggy Gardens can also enjoy the Visitors Center where books, souvenirs, and CDs are available for purchase. See Details

Halyburton Park

Wilmington, NC

Halyburton Park Halyburton Park in Wilmington, NC is pet friendly. This expansive park features a 1.3-mile nature trail that is paved and mostly shaded. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners on this trail for an afternoon stroll. The park also includes a doggie water fountain, picnic areas, and a children's playground. See Details

Waterrock Knob Trail

Sylva, NC

Waterrock Knob Trail Waterrock Knob Trail in Sylva, NC, is pet friendly. It's a difficult, 1.2-mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. With the steep elevation on this trail you will want to be sure your dog can climb and maneuver over large rocks. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. See Details

​Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve

Charlotte, NC

​Reedy Creek Nature Center and Preserve Reedy Creek Park and Nature Preserve has 10 miles of trails offering hikers and nature enthusiasts the opportunity to explore a variety of terrains while enjoying scenic views of the small lakes, forests, fields and streams. This pet-friendly preserve also has a dog park where pups can play off-leash. Dogs are welcome on preserve trails but must always remain on a 6-foot or shorter leash. See Details

Price Lake Loop Trail

Blowing Rock, NC

Price Lake Loop Trail Price Lake Loop Trail is an easy, 2.3 mile hike at Price Lake Campground in Blowing Rock, NC. It'll take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This trail will take you around the pristine Price Lake located on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From May through October you can camp in one of the 180 sites in this scenic park. Enjoy the picnic area, fishing, and non-motorized boating. Please note that dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There is also a campground fee to camp overnight. See Details

Pulliam Creek Trail

Saluda, NC

Pulliam Creek Trail Pulliam Creek Trail in Saluda, NC, is dog friendly. It's a moderately difficult, 6.5 mile-hike that will take about 3 hours to complete with Fido. Your dog will appreciate you taking him on this trail. Visit in spring to see the wildflowers in full bloom. The trailhead is on Big Hungry Road, not far past its intersection with English Heifer Cove Road. There is a green ribbon tied around a pole and a Wild Trout Waters sign with a small parking area. See Details