Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Asheville, NC

There are 7 dog-friendly hiking trails in Asheville. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Asheville.

Pet Friendly 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. See Details
Pet Friendly Dog Park at Azalea Park
Dog Park at Azalea Park Bring Fido out to the dog park at Azalea Park in Asheville, NC! The area is mulched and features two separate fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Convenient parking is also close by. There is a gazebo and benches for you to sit and watch your pup play. See Details
Craggy Gardens Craggy Gardens is a pet-friendly stop off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, NC. There's plenty of natural wonder to enjoy including violets, blackberries, Turkscap lilies, May Apples, along with a variety of birds and other fauna. One of the popular hiking trails, Craggy Pinnacle, winds through a tunnel of rhododendrons and leads the hiker to gorgeous 360-degree views at the summit. This hike is only a 1.5-mile round-trip hike, making it a relatively easy walk for you and your pup. Visitors to Craggy Gardens can also enjoy the Visitors Center where books, souvenirs, and CDs are available for purchase. See Details
Carolina Mountain Trail Carolina Mountain Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Asheville, NC. It's an easy, 2.4-mile trek in the North Carolina Arboretum that will take about one hour to complete with Fido. This gentle trail is perfect for those looking for a nice stroll through the woods with their pup. It starts behind the education center. Dogs are not allowed inside the center. Dogs must be leashed at all times. See Details
Pack Square Park Explore the more than 6 acres of Pack Square Park in Asheville, NC with Fido by your side. This stunning, dog-friendly, public park has a large open green space, three water features, original art by regional artists, native trees and greenery, ample seating, a veteran's memorial, and public restrooms. Just remember to keep your pup on a leash and clean up after them. See Details
Asheville Hiking Tours Asheville Hiking Tours in Asheville, NC offer a variety of pet-friendly guided hikes in the surrounding area. Sign up for the Waterfalls and Blue Ridge Parkway Tour to see three waterfalls, learn about local history and sniff out native edible plants along the way. Leashed and well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their owners on private tours with approval. See Details
Carrier Park Carrier Park in Asheville, NC is dog friendly. Located along the French Broad River, Carrier Park is one of Asheville’s premier parks. Amenities include a velodrome for cycling, large picnic shelter, greenway access, river overlooks, wetland interpretive trails, restrooms and parking. Dogs should be leashed at all times. See Details
Pisgah National Forest 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. See Details
Craggy Pinnacle Trail 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. See Details
Mount Mitchell State Park 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. See Details
Pink Beds Trail 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. See Details
Bullington Gardens 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. See Details
Moore Cove Falls Trail Moore Cove Falls Trail is pet-friendly. This 1.2-mile trail leads to a 50ft high waterfall that pours over a rock overhang. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on this easy trail that has high and low options depending on the hiker. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess that is left behind. See Details
Graveyard Fields Trail 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. See Details
Pine Tree Loop Trail The dog-friendly Pine Tree Loop Trail is located in Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Avery Creek, NC. It's an easy, 2-mile hike that will take about 1 hour to complete with Fido. This popular trail is wide enough to let bikers easily pass and offers plenty of stream crossings for your dog to splash in. Come during the week, or the off season, to avoid the larger crowds. See Details
Mount Pisgah and Buck Spring Lodge Trails Mount Pisgah and Buck Spring Lodge Trails are pet-friendly in Canton, NC. It is a difficult, 2.4 mile hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with Fido. This trail involves a lot of climbing, so be sure you and your dog are in shape before heading out. The views from the summit of Mount Pisgah, one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge range, are spectacular. Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash or shorter. See Details
Mount Mitchell Trail 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. See Details
Jump Off Rock Jump Off Rock offers three dog-friendly, shaded, moderate trails taking anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes to complete. The boulder rocks make for a perfect workout for both small and large Fido’s. The view is spectacular and at the end of the trail there are benches under the trees to rest, as well as a hand-pump water station for Fido to have a fresh drink of mountain water. See Details
Cradle of Forestry 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. See Details
Big Butt Trail 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. See Details
Asheville, NC, US