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Dog-Friendly Activities in North Carolina

Don’t leave Fido in the hotel room when you’re on vacation. Get out and play! No matter where you’re headed in North Carolina, we can point you towards the nearest off-leash dog park, the most popular dog beach, a really great hiking trail, and lots of other places to play with Fido.

Pet Friendly North Carolina Arboretum

North Carolina Arboretum

North Carolina Arboretum

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.

Pet Friendly U.S. National Whitewater Center

U.S. National Whitewater Center

U.S. National Whitewater Center

The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a dog-friendly non-profit on 400 acres of woodlands along the Catawba River in Charlotte, NC. Visitors can enjoy mountain biking, running trails, a climbing center, zip lines, high rope courses, and the multiple-channel, customized whitewater river. Leashed dogs are allowed on the grounds, outdoor restaurants, hiking trails, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards, but they cannot join you on the zip line, ropes courses or whitewater rafts.

Freeman Park

Carolina Beach, NC

The dog-friendly Freeman Park on Carolina Beach, NC, welcomes dogs on a leash from April 1 to September 30. From October 1 to March 31, dogs are allowed off-leash as long as they are under voice command and their owner is near. Owners must carry a minimum of two suitable plastic or paper waste containers until it can be disposed of in an appropriate receptacle. The bags must be produced and shown upon request.

Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.

Lazy Hiker Brewing Co.

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.

Bodie Island Light Station

Bodie Island Light Station

Bodie Island Light Station in Nags Head is pet-friendly. Dogs are welcome to join their owners in the grounds of this historic lighthouse. Dogs are not allowed inside anymore, despite the lighthouse once being the stomping ground of a Chesapeake Bay Retriever named Chess who used to climb the tower every day with his owner, the last civilian-era keeper of the lighthouse.

Carolina Beach State Park

Carolina Beach, NC

Carolina Beach State Park

Bring Fido to Carolina Beach State Park in Carolina Beach, NC. This pet-friendly public area features sandy trails among tall, Longleaf Pine Trees. It also provides great land for overnight camping. Just keep your pup on a leash at all times and clean up after them.

Chimney Rock State Park

Chimney Rock, NC

Chimney Rock State Park

Please note that the park is open with restrictions after Tropical Storm Helene and reservations are recommended to visit. The only open routes into Chimney Rock are NC 9 through Lake Lure and US 64 from Hendersonville. All other routes remain closed to non-local traffic, including US 74A from Asheville, and NC 9 from Black Mountain. 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.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Bring your leashed pup to the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, NC, and see the site of the first successful airplane flights. While there, you can fly kites, visit the beginning and end locations of the first flight, see the reconstructed 1903 camp buildings and visit the Wright Brothers National Monument. The area is dog-friendly, but Fido must be leashed at all times and is not permitted inside any buildings.

Justus Orchard

Hendersonville, NC

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.

Banner Elk Winery

Banner Elk Winery

Banner Elk Winery is a dog-friendly winery nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Fido is welcome to join you inside the tasting room or outside for a tasting or a tour. Enjoy stunning views and award-winning wines while you explore the property. Open seasonally. Check their website or call before visiting.

Swells'a Brewing Beer Company

Kill Devil Hills, NC

Swells'a Brewing Beer Company

Nestled in the Outer Banks, Swells'a Brewing Beer Company is a dog-friendly brewery in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Fido is welcome both inside the taproom and on the outdoor decks. Bring your friends, grab a beer, and play some cornhole! They have a rotating menu of snacks and allow outside food. Also, be sure to stop in for Mutt Mondays each week.

Outer Banks Distilling

Outer Banks Distilling

Outer Banks Distilling is the first legal distillery on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, making their mark by distilling small-batch rum from the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome inside this pet-friendly distillery, located in historic downtown Manteo. They offer Kill Devil Rum tastings and tours on site, where you can purchase your own bottle of our award-winning rum.

Grovewood Village

Grovewood Village

Located adjacent to the Grove Park Inn, Grovewood Village is a wonderland of creativity and history in Asheville, NC. Bring Fido along as you stroll through the pet-friendly sculpture gardens, visit a working artist's studio, learn more about Asheville's early history, explore a collection of rare automobiles, and browse an expansive collection of American craft. Grovewood features arts and crafts from over 500 artists located throughout the United States. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times.

Lookout Brewing Company

Black Mountain, NC

Lookout Brewing Company

Lookout Brewing Company is a dog-friendly spot in Black Mountain, NC. Grab a small batch craft brew and a plate of freshly popped popcorn and relax alongside your canine companion, as leashed and quiet dogs are welcome in its tasting room and on its outdoor patio. They even offer water bowls and treats to visiting four-legged friends. Mac's Burgers & Cheesesteaks is on site most evenings throughout the week.

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate

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.

Fort Macon State Park

Atlantic Beach, NC

Fort Macon State Park

Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, NC. This state park includes an Antebellum-era fort, nature trails, a protected swim area, guided tours and a refreshment stand. Situated on the eastern tip of Bogue Banks, the park offers undisturbed natural views of salt marshes, estuaries and dune fields. Your pup must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Dogs are not allowed in historic buildings.

Doggos Dog Park & Pub

Doggos Dog Park & Pub

Dogs can join their 21+ owners at this dog park in Greensboro, NC. This is a place for dogs and humans alike, with 10,000 sq ft of space for pups to play off-leash and a large selection of adult beverages for their owners. A day, monthly, or annual pass must be purchased to visit, and registration before arriving is required. Take a look at their website for a full list of details, rules and regulations.

Riverwalk

Leashed dogs are welcome to stroll along the pet-friendly Riverwalk in historic downtown Wilmington, NC. The Riverwalk runs for nearly two miles along the bank of the Cape Fear River, from the foot of Nun Street on the South to the Isabel Holmes Bridge on the North. Paid parking areas are located along the boardwalk.

Malaprop's Bookstore

Malaprop's Bookstore

The region's largest locally-owned independent bookstore, Malaprop's Bookstore in Asheville, NC is dog-friendly. Malaprop's welcomes leashed dogs in the book section of its store; however, they are not allowed in its cafe. Malaprop's Bookstore sells a carefully selected array of books, gifts, and educational items for customers of all ages and backgrounds.

Round Peak Vineyards

Round Peak Vineyards

Round Peak Vineyards in Mount Airy, NC, is dog friendly! Leashed pups are welcome anywhere on the property, including the patio with long-range views of the mountains and vineyard. A small, fenced-in, off-leash area is also available for pets to stretch their legs. Their hours vary seasonally, so wine-lovers should check the website or call ahead before planning their outing.

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