Dog-Friendly Activities in Pisgah Forest, NC

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.

Pink Beds Trail in Pisgah Forest, NC, is dog-friendly. It's an easy, 3.4 mile hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This loop trail is nice for all levels and ages, with its little elevation gain and foot-bridges for water crossing. Please note that dogs must be on a leash between April 1 and August 15, but must be under voice control at all times.

Hooker Falls Trail of DuPont State Forest in Pisgah Forest NC, is dog friendly. It's an easy, 0.75-mile hike in DuPont State Forest that will take about 20 minutes to complete with Fido. This fabulous state forest has 10,400 acres of lush forests, waterfalls, lakes, rivers, wildflowers, and more. Please note that dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times; Hunting by permit on certain days.

Stroll the grounds of America's first school of forestry with a trip to the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah Forest, NC. You and Fido can walk along the Biltmore Campus Trail and see such buildings as the schoolhouse, the ranger's house, Schenk's summer office, Black Forest Lodge, and more. In summer months, you may see crafts people in period clothing make the Biltmore Campus Trail come alive with a recreation of early homesteading skills. You can also enjoy a beautiful scenic walk along the Forest Festival Trail, where you and your pup can see an ozone garden, antique portable sawmill, and a 1915 Climax locomotive. Just keep your dog on a leash at all times and make sure to clean up after them.

Pack up the whole family for a trip to Sliding Rock, a popular swimming hole in Pisgah Forest, NC. The area features a natural rock water slide that is a part of the Chattooga River in the pet-friendly Pisgah National Forest. Please note that Sliding Rock is a popular destination and can get busy during the summer months and weekends. Visitor limits are enforced. Dogs are allowed in the area but must be on a leash and cannot slide.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Leashed dogs are welcome to explore the Western North Carolina Air Museum, the state's first air museum in Hendersonville, NC. This dog-friendly attraction features an impressive collection of restored, replica, and vintage airplanes, models, engines, and aviation memorabilia. Housed in two large hangars, visitors can explore aircraft such as the E-2 Cub and J-3 Cub, and even view cockpits up close. The museum is staffed by passionate volunteer pilots, and provides free admission and parking. Operating hours vary seasonally, with extended hours from April to October.

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.

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.

Dogs are welcome to join you at Lakeview Putt & Play in Arden, NC. This pet-friendly attraction features 18 holes of challenging mini golf in a beautiful lakefront setting. You and your dog can also enjoy the outside patio area with shaded seating and snacks from the snack bar.

Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile stretch of scenic byway extending from Waynesboro, VA to Cherokee, NC. This popular dog-friendly route connects Shenandoah National Park (Milepost 0) with Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Milepost 469). Blue Ridge Parkway is broken down into four regions; Ridge, Plateau, Highlands, and Pisgah. Visitors to Pisgah, the southern most region beginning at milepost 340, will encounter numerous stopping points offering expansive valley and mountain views. Photograph seasonal foliage at the shaded Chestnut Cove Overlook or admire the ever-changing terrain from Bad Fork Valley Overlook. You will see a gradual elevation gain the farther south you venture along Blue Ridge Parkway so pull into Devil's Courthouse and take in the sights at 5,720ft above sea level.