Are you bringing your furry friend with you on your Smoky Mountain vacation? Gatlinburg is a pet-friendly town with endless paw-ssibilities! From shopping together to exploring a hiking trail, there are plenty of pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg! Keep reading to find out more about how you and your dog can have a great time in this mountain town during your vacation.
1. Hike the Gatlinburg Trail
One of the best pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is hiking the Gatlinburg Trail! This is one of only two trails in the entire Great Smoky Mountains National Park that allows dogs. You and your four-legged friend will love getting out in the fresh mountain air and enjoying the beauty of nature together. The Gatlinburg Trail is an easy, relatively flat trail that follows alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. There are two trailheads, one at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and one right off River Road at the edge of downtown, and you can start from either one. The trail is 1.9 miles each way, but you can turn around to end your hike at any point.
2. Visit Mills Park
Are you looking for a place where your dog can run off leash? Take your pet to Mills Park! This park is located just a few miles outside of downtown Gatlinburg off of East Parkway/US Highway 321. Mills Park is home to the Gatlinburg Dog Park that provides a fenced-in area where you can let your furry friend off their leash so they can run and play. There are also walking trails where you can walk your dog on a leash to get in some exercise and enjoy the scenery.
3. Go Shopping
One of the great pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is shopping! Take your dog for a stroll along the main strip in downtown Gatlinburg to see how many pet-friendly shops you can find. Stop by Bonediggity Barkery and Gifts in The Village to find gourmet dog treats, toys, and accessories for your furbabies. If you like moonshine, you can bring your dog with you to Ole Smoky Moonshine or Sugarlands Distillery. Make your way over to the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community to find more pet-friendly shops, such as Holly & Willow Pet Barn.
4. Eat at a Pet-Friendly Restaurant
When you’re ready to take a break and grab a bite to eat, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants in Gatlinburg! There are a lot of restaurants with outdoor patios where you can dine with your furry friend by your side. Some great pet-friendly restaurants include Crystelle Creek, Fannie Farkle’s, Fox & Parrot Tavern, Tom & Earl’s Back Alley Grill, Best Italian, Split Rail Eats, and more! Make sure you save room for dessert so you can bring your pup by Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts. This ice cream and donut shop has picnic tables and water bowls outside as well as doggie treats and toys for your four-legged friend!
5. Explore the Gatlinburg SkyPark
One of the best and most surprising pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg is visiting the Gatlinburg SkyPark! This popular attraction welcomes dogs free of charge. Hold your dog on the ride up the SkyLift and keep them leashed while you explore the mountaintop together. You can take a stroll across the SkyBridge and enjoy beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains all around! This is a great place to capture spectacular and unique photos with your furbaby!
6. Stay at a Pet-Friendly Cabin
After a long day of exploring all the pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg, you can retreat back to the comfort of a pet-friendly cabin. You and your furry friend can unwind in your own space with all the comforts of home and more. Your pet can take a nap while the humans enjoy all sorts of fantastic amenities, such as a game room, theater room, fully equipped kitchen, hot tub, fire pit, or even access to a community swimming pool!
Are you ready to start planning your pet-friendly vacation to the Smoky Mountains? Take a look at our selection of pet-friendly cabins in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to find the perfect place to stay with the whole family!
