Dog Friendly Hiking Trails in Cosby, TN

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is a dog-friendly attraction in Sevierville, TN. Fido is welcome to traverse the Bridge to Prosperity, the second longest suspended bridge in the U.S. Once across the bridge, hike up to Lost Mine Falls where you'll see beautiful scenery and have an opportunity to admire a waterfall. The trail is a little rugged but doable for most. Please note that property dogs are there, who may say hello.

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.

The Gatlinburg Trail is one of only two pet-friendly trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg, TN. The trail extends 1.9 miles one-way from the Sugarlands Visitor Center to the outskirts of the city. Hikers will see beautiful views of the Little Pigeon River and come across foundations and chimneys of several old homesites along the way.

The Oconaluftee River Trail is a dog-friendly trail in Cherokee, NC, and is one of two walking paths on which visitors can walk dogs and bicycle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This pet-friendly trail is a 1.5 mile one-way. It is relatively flat, but does have a few small hills. The trail runs through the forest along side the Oconaluftee River and offers beautiful views of the river. The Oconaluftee River Trail is frequently used by joggers, walkers, and bicyclists.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, TN offers two trails that are dog friendly. Gatlinburg Trail (a 1.9 mile hike from the Sugarland Visitor Center to the outskirts of Gatlinburg, TN) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (a 1.5 mile hike from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the outskirts of Cherokee, NC). Please note that dogs aren't permitted on any other trails within the park. Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please clean up after your pet.

Mynatt Park is a pet-friendly recreation area right outside the bustle of downtown Gatlinburg, TN. You can bring Fido with you for a leisurely stroll along the paved walkways, weaving through grassy lawns, wooded areas, over bridges and along streams. There's also several picnic spots scattered throughout, along with grills, water fountains and restrooms. Please remember to leash and clean up after your pet during your visit.

Newport Riverwalk Park is a scenic riverside green space along the Pigeon River in Newport, TN. Popular for walking, fishing, and picnicking, it offers peaceful views of the Smokies and East Tennessee. This location also frequently hosts community events and live music.

The Max Patch Loop, located in Del Rio, TN, is a moderately easy, 3.5-mile hike in the pet-friendly Pisgah National Forest that will take about two hours to complete with Fido. It is not easy to get to this trail over the bumpy forest service roads, but the trail is still quite popular. The beauty makes the trek all worthwhile. Please note that dogs must be on a leash.

Mingo Falls is a must-sniff stop for waterfall-loving pups and their people in Cherokee, NC. One of the tallest waterfalls in the southern Appalachians, this spectacular cascade tumbles down a dramatic rock face into Mingo Creek below. The dog-friendly trail to the falls is short but steep, with a quarter-mile climb and 161 steps leading to a wooden viewing bridge where Fido can pose in front of the misty masterpiece. Local Cherokee residents and visiting hikers alike flock to this scenic spot, so keep your pup leashed and camera-ready.