Dog-Friendly Activities in Green Mountain, NC

Bring Fido to roam through Emerald Village, a pet-friendly spot in Little Switzerland, NC. it's a group of gem, mining, and historical attractions nestled deep within the Blue Ridge Mountains. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome everywhere in Emerald Village, including the North Carolina Mining Museum and the historic Bon Ami Mine. Take a tour deep underground, pan for gold, and explore the Discovery Mill Building. Admission varies between activities, and Emerald Village is open seasonally. Dog owners can check out Emerald Village's website for more information on dates, rates, tours, and times.

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.

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.

Vance Birthplace is a dog-friendly attraction in Weaverville, NC. This pioneer farmstead, tucked in the Reems Creek Valley, features the birthplace of Zebulon Baird Vance. Vance's political career as Civil War officer, North Carolina governor, and U.S. senator is traced at the homestead. Also included is the history of Vance's famous mountain family. Dogs are welcome on the 7-acre property on a leash. Pets are not allowed inside the historic home or Visit or Center.

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.

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.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a hike at Roaring Fork Falls in Burnsville, NC. This 1.4-mile out-and-back trail in the Pisgah National Forest is a popular area for birding, hiking and running. The terrain is mostly flat and offers wonderful views of the waterfall. This trail is open year-round, and there is a small parking area at the trailhead.

Bring Fido for a hike on the dog-friendly High Bluff and Rhododendron Gardens Trails in Bakersville, NC. They're a moderately easy, 3.5 mile hike on Roan Mountain that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. You will need to visit this trail April through November, since that is when the road to the gardens is open, but the best time is mid to late June when the Catawba rhododendrons are in bloom.

Mount Mitchell Trail is pet-friendly. Hike up the highest peak east of the Mississippi River on Mount Mitchell Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park. This 12-mile out-and-back trail offers views for miles from the top. The trail is rated difficult and will take all day to complete. Leashed dogs are welcome, as long as they are cleaned up after.

Spruce Pine Dog Park is an outdoor recreation area at Brad Ragan Park in Spruce Pine, NC. The entrance to the fenced dog park is located behind the tennis courts. Amenities of the park include benches, agility equipment and trash receptacles. Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park area.

Persimmon Ridge Park is pet-friendly. Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners throughout this park and on the many trails that wind through the green space and woodland. The park features over 130 acres, biking and hiking trails, and the Lost State Scenic Walkway to explore together. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind.

Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is pet-friendly. This park sprawls over 2,076 acres near Asheville, NC. Leashed pets are welcome to join their owners on the trails in the park, as long as they are well-behaved and all mess is cleaned up after them. Lamar Alexander Rocky Fork State Park is open every day of the week from 11:00am to 4:30pm.

Bring Fido along for a delightful time picking apples and enjoy country air at the Historic Orchard at Altapass in Spruce Pine, NC. At this pet-friendly orchard, you will find heirloom apples, a butterfly garden, trails, hay rides, a general store, free music programs, and plenty of history. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times and make sure to clean up after him.

Johnson City Dog Park is a member-run organization in Johnson City, TN. This off-leash area is fully enclosed and is approximately 1.8 acres. Water fountains, benches, and bone-shaped dog pools are available in warmer months. Please refer to their website to sign up.

Copper Creek Distillery in Marion, NC, is a craft distillery offering a variety of hand-crafted moonshines. Dogs are welcome both inside and outside, making it a pet-friendly attraction where you can enjoy unique spirits alongside two- and four-legged friends.

Buffalo Mountain Park in Johnson City, TN, is a 725-acre nature preserve offering a variety of hiking trails, scenic overlooks and a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. Leashed dogs are welcome, making it a great pet-friendly spot for hikers with pups.​

Little Switzerland Orchard and Winery is a dog-friendly winery dedicated to small batch wines, ciders, beer and meads in Spruce Pine NC. Bring Fido with you while you enjoy drinks at a table outside on the spacious property. Well-behaved pups are also welcome inside the tasting room. If you'd like to stay a little longer, there's even a campground and vacation rentals on site.

Leashed pets are welcome to visit Roan Mountain in Bakersville, NC. This pet-friendly recreation area is a five-mile-long ridge along the North Carolina-Tennessee border in the Unaka Range of the Southern Appalachians. Part of the Pisgah National Forest, it offers scenic views, rare species, and stunning rhododendron blooms in June.

Big Butt Trail is a pet-friendly trail in Blue Ridge Parkway headquarters in Black Mountain, NC. It's a difficult, 6 mile hike that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. Despite what one would think from the name of this trail, this hike is for those people and dogs in fit condition. It has some steep climbs in sections and doesn't have any regular water sources. Spring is the best time to visit, with wildflowers blooming in mid-April, however it is nice anytime from spring to fall. Please note that dogs must be on a leash on Blue Ridge Parkway property, and on U.S. Forest Service land and state game land, between April 1 and August 15.

Snowball Trail in Barnardsville, NC, is pet friendly. It's a difficult, 6 mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 4 hours to complete with Fido. Trek past white pines and wildflowers as you take in the gorgeous mountain views. Please note that dogs must be on a leash on Blue Ridge Parkway property, and under control on U.S. Forest Service and North Carolina Game Lands property.