Dog-Friendly Activities in East Flat Rock, NC

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.

Grandad’s Apples ‘N Such is a family-owned apple orchard and farm in Hendersonville, NC, offering seasonal apple picking and lavender farm, a pumpkin patch, corn maze, apple cannon, bakery, and country store on more than 120 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open seasonally spring through fall (and special holiday hours), leashed dogs and visitors can enjoy fresh-picked apples, hot cider donuts, pies, cookies, fresh cider, and apple cider slushies while taking part in family-friendly farm activities. Whether you choose to pick your own apples from the orchard or select your favorite variety of pre-picked apples, your dog is welcome to join in on the fun! There's a bakery on site and a farm store that also welcome Fido inside.

Burntshirt Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC. Dogs are welcome on Burntshirt’s walking trails, gardens, and in the tasting room but not on tours or in the vineyard. All of their wine is made from local, Blue Ridge Appalachian Mountain fruit and the high elevation produces grapes perfect for varietals not typically grown in the United States, like Gruner Veltliner. Enjoy a wine tasting, glass or bottle of wine on their verandah overlooking the vineyards. The Vintner’s Table next to the tasting room. features specialty menus for lunch and dinner.

Justus Orchard in Hendersonville, NC, is pet friendly. It's been a great spot for picking apples for over 100 years. The orchard offers you and Fido the chance to meet the owner's dog, too, while you're picking your own fruit. They're not only known for their apples, but blackberries Asian pears and blueberries, too! There's also a bakery and taproom on site. Keep in mind, they operate seasonally; check their website for hours of operation.

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.

Saint Paul Mountain Farms in Hendersonville, NC is dog friendly! It's a family-owned winery located on acreage that has been farmed by their family for more than nine generations. Dogs are welcome in the tasting room with both indoor and outdoor seating with spectacular views of the vines. Be sure to try the hard apple cider named after the vineyard dog, Wallace.

Point Lookout Vineyards is a pet-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC, with 30-mile views. Visit the Tasting Room, tour the Vineyard, and check out the Wine Cellar. Dogs are welcome inside and out, year-round. Small plates available as well as food truck on site some days.

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.

Walk around outside with Fido at the pet-friendly Tanger Outlets in Asheville, NC. This open-air lifestyle destination includes nearly 75 stores and eateries, featuring some of the most popular brand names. This location also hosts Asheville’s first Pet Way Station. In a grassy area located near the West Elm entrance, pet owners can take their dogs for a cool drink of water and to enjoy the facilities. Bags and a receptacle are provided, along with their very own “fire hydrant.” Keep in mind that each store will have their own dog-entry policy.

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.

Leashed dogs allowed to explore the extensive grounds and roam through the more than 250 acres of landscaped gardens at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Fido is also welcome to join you at several restaurants with dog-friendly, outdoor seating in Antler Hill Village. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside any buildings. Open daily throughout the year. Hours vary by season and admission rates vary by month; visit website or call for specific information.

Whether you're a water sports expert or novice, non-stop action is waiting for you at the pet-friendly Lake Lure Adventure Company in Lake Lure, NC. Dogs are welcome to accompany you on the pontoon boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards. Strap your four-legged sidekick into a doggie life vest and enjoy the views from the lake with Fido! Each of the certified instructors will be more than happy to show you the ropes to ensure your lake experience is a safe one. Dogs are allowed to play in the water as long as they're closely monitored.

Bold Rock Mills River Cidery in Mills River, NC, is a pet-friendly cidery located just outside of Asheville. The high-quality apples grown in the area help to create award winning ciders. Dogs are welcome outside in the expansive yard area and deck, as well as inside the tasting room. Guests can enjoy tastings, pints and flights! They have live music throughout the week and food truck on site. Check their website for current event schedule.

Oklawaha Brewing Company is a dog-friendly nano brewery in Hendersonville, NC, committed to brewing high quality beer while maintaining a strong sense of community and environmental responsibility. Fido can join you on the sidewalk patio. Their taps are dedicated to seasonally-inspired flavors and will at times incorporate produce from local farms. Check their social media for special events.

Burning Blush Brewery is a dog-friendly brewery in Mills River, NC. Their focus is on highly crafted beer integrated with genuine customer service. A place where traditional beer treads on experimental. You're welcome to bring your family and your pups to the taproom where you can enjoy a large, climate-controlled indoor area or a spacious, outdoor biergarten. They do not serve food, but food trucks can sometimes be found onsite. Check their website for current schedule.

Guidon Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, American/German ex-military, family-owned brewery and taproom in Hendersonville, NC. Their goal is to provide guests with good beer, good food, and Gemütlichkeit. Food and live entertainment available throughout the week; check their website for current schedule. Dogs are welcome both inside and in their outdoor courtyard.

Southern Appalachian Brewery is a pet-friendly brewery in Hendersonville, NC. You and Fido are welcome to sit inside the tasting room or outside on the patio or courtyard. Enjoy a delicious house-brewed beer, including styles like Blonde Ales, Pale Ales, IPAs Stouts, and more. Be sure to check the food truck and live music calendar!

Whistle Hop Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, train themed destination brewery and playground for all ages in the beautiful mountain setting of Fairview, NC. Drink outside the box with flavorfully hand-crafted ales and lagers. Their taproom and outdoor grounds are family and pet friendly.. They also offer a full wine, cider, craft soda and snack selection.

Parker-Binns Vineyard in Mill Spring, NC is pet friendly. This vineyard and tasting room in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains welcomes dogs inside and out. Come join the fun and taste some wine with your pooch.

Stone Ashe Vineyards is a dog-friendly winery in Hendersonville, NC, where Fido can join you in the expansive, outdoor area. The estate is surrounded by the beautiful North Carolina mountains and offers flights, glasses, and bottles of wine. Outside food and alcohol is not permitted, but they do offer a small selection of snacks to pair with your wine. Guests must be 21+ years of age to visit.