Dog-Friendly Activities in Balsam, NC

Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a dog-friendly craft brewery in Franklin, NC, known for its mountain-town atmosphere, rotating lineup of craft beers, and community-focused events. Fido is welcome inside the taproom and on the patio! The brewery is host to food trucks and special events throughout the week; just check their website for a schedule.

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.

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.

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.

Bring Fido to Currahee Brewing Company in Franklin, NC! This pet-friendly brewery invites leashed dogs are welcome to relax on Currahee's outdoor patio, which borders the water. Dogs are not allowed inside the Brewing Company. Currahee's menu includes year-round brews such as the Frankenstark, Wayah Lager, and the Garand IPA, as well as seasonal and limited release beers. The Franklin location of Currahee has a food truck on site, seven days a week, from open to close.

Bring Fido to Angry Elk Brewing Co. in Whittier, NC. This dog-friendly brewery invites two and four-legged friends to sit together outside at one of the picnic tables on the covered patio with fans. Visitors can sip on in-house brewed tap beers, wines, ciders, meads, or soft drinks while listening to local bands on the weekends. If you're feeling peckish, check out the daily rotating food truck options.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join their humans at the quintessential Mast General Store located in downtown Waynesville, NC. Bring Fido as you shop for unique home decor, outdoor clothing, hiking and camping gear, candy by the pound, gifts, and souvenirs. They even have a pet section with leashes/collars, toys, locally-made treats, and water bowls.

Headwaters Outfitters is a pet-friendly attraction in Rosman, NC. Take Fido out on the water on a canoe or kayak trip with Headwater Outfitters. Canoe and kayak trips offer plenty of river fun along the beautiful headwaters of the French Broad River. Choose from 3, 4, or 7-hour trips through the ever-changing river with gentle currents, fast-moving shoals, and sharp riverbend curves. Your dog is welcome to join you on all kayak and canoe trips as long as you transport him to and from the put-in/take-out in your own vehicle. Life jackets for humans, paddles, parking, river map, safety video, and instructions are all included in your rental. Make sure to bring snacks, beverages, and a lunch to enjoy on your trip.

Graveyard Fields Trail is dog-friendly and located in Canton, NC. The trail is a moderately easy, 3.4 mile hike in the Pisgah National Forest that will take about 2 hours to complete with Fido. This trail was named for the devastating fires in 1925 and 1942, but still offers plenty of beauty. The well-marked trails will bring you by two waterfalls, a river, blueberry bushes, and still offers cool temperatures in the summer. Please note that dogs must be on a 6-foot leash on National Park Service property.

Sam Knob Summit and Flat Laurel Creek Trail is a pet-friendly hike in Canton, NC. It's a moderately easy, 3.6 mile trek that will take about 2.5 hours to complete with Fido. These two trails combine for a nice loops hike that leads you out to a picturesque lookout. The trail itself is gorgeous with wildflowers and berries to enjoy in spring, and colorful leaves in the fall. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under voice control at all times.

Tractor Supply Co. is a dog friendly store in Clyde, NC. Bring your dog to shop with you for outdoor living essentials, hardware, tools, gardening supplies, pet food, and more. Your pup might even receive a treat at checkout!

Jackson County Greenway is a pet-friendly trail that's perfect for enjoying a walk with Fido in Sylva, NC. This one-mile paved trail along the Tuckasegee River offers scenic views and sitting benches. Bring your leashed pup along for some exercise and fresh air at this popular recreation area.

Franklin Dog Park is a great place to bring your pooch to play off-leash in Franklin, NC. Featuring two fenced areas for large and small dogs, there's space for all sizes of pups to play. Take a walk around the trail that surrounds the fenced space with your leashed pooch after a game of fetch in the park. Public restrooms are also available, as well as dog waste stations to pick up after your pet. Franklin Dog Park is open every day of the week from 7am to 10pm.

Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is a pet-friendly attraction in Waynesville, NC. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at this farm to help choose the tree for your home this Christmas. Whether you're looking for a huge tree or a smaller pine, you'll find something that fits at this well-stocked Christmas tree farm. Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm is typically open late November through mid-December.

No Taste Like Home welcomes you and your well-behaved dogs to book a private, dog-friendly, 1.5-hour wild food stroll or a 3-hour foraging tour around the greater Asheville area. Tours must be pre-arranged, as dogs are not permitted on the company's public tours. On the wild food stroll, you'll meet to learn about 10-12 of the most common wild foods that grow in the region. On the foraging tour, you'll also enjoy a cooking demo, tasting, and the option to have your finds prepared at one of Asheville’s top restaurants.

The Innovation Station is Innovation Brewing's production space and dog-friendly taproom located along the railroad tracks in Dillsboro, NC. Fido is welcome inside the taproom, as well as the covered patio and outdoor creek side seating areas. They serve 25+ beers on tap, plus cider, wine, and non-alcoholic options. They frequently also host food trucks. Check their website for a list of current events.

Canton Dog Park is a great place for dogs to play off-leash in Canton, NC. This clean, mulch covered park is divided into one area for big dogs and a separate space for small dogs. Dogs can rehydrate at the water stations and there are trails surrounding the park which you can explore with your leashed pooch. Canton Dog Park is open every day of the week from dawn until dusk.

Cold Mountain via Art Loeb Trail is a pet-friendly hike in Burnsville NC. It's a difficult, 10.6 mile trek in Pisgah National Forest that will take about 7 hours to complete with Fido. Although this trail is one of the easiest for exploring the 6030 foots summit of Cold Mountain, it is only for those people and dogs who are experienced and in fit condition. Please note that dogs must be leashed between April 1 and August 15, and under voice control; leashing dogs is strongly recommended in wilderness areas year-round.

Devils Courthouse and Little Sam Trail is dog-friendly in Balsam Grover, NC. It's a difficult, 4.2 mile hike in the Pisgah National Forest that will take about two hours to complete with Fido. When you pull into the parking lot you will be staring up at an impressive rock face standing 5760 feet. Please note that dogs must be on a leash on National Park Service property.

Ten Acre Garden is a pet-friendly seasonal attraction in Canton, NC. Your leashed four-legged family member is welcome to tag along to explore the grounds from April through October. Activities include seasonal fruit and vegetable pickings, flowers, and fresh, creative pizzas nestled within the Great Smoky Mountains.