BringFido’s Best of North Carolina

Posted by Lauren Barker

Looking for the dog-friendliest things to do in North Carolina? Well, you've come to the right place. The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the most dog-friendly places to visit in the Tar Heel State, as well as the rest of the country. In the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, you'll find our collection of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. You can order a copy today for just $10.00 (a savings of 63% off the retail price) when you use the discount code BEST.

Read on to learn about some of the North Carolina attractions that rose to the top of our list this year.

Best Dog-Friendly Brewery

Photo by @gonehoneymooning

Wicked Weed Brewing, the best dog-friendly brewery in North Carolina, is located in downtown Asheville, one of the most pet-friendly cities in America, and is a big hit among BringFido users who visit the mountain town. Find a table in the huge outdoor space under the shade of an umbrella and order a refreshing brew so your dog doesn’t have to drink his bowl of water alone. Recognizable hoppy beverages to sample include Dr. Dank IPA, Pernicious IPA and Fresh Pressed Wheat Ale. Gather around the fire pit with your Frenchie and order artisanal cheese or steak frites to pair with your pint of choice.

Reserve a room at Aloft Asheville Downtown and discover why four-legged tourists rave about this city.

Most Dog-Friendly State Park

Photo by @joyfuljosie

Take your sandy paws for a stroll along the 1.1-mile Basin Trail boardwalk over a salt marsh at Fort Fisher State Park, the most dog-friendly state park in North Carolina. Along the way, you can admire sound-side flora and fauna and the Maritime Forest. Afterward, make your way to the five miles of pristine beach and let your leashed pup play in the sand and surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Just be on the lookout for – and make sure not to disturb – Loggerhead sea turtles nesting along the shore. Anglers should bring a rod and reel to snag a speckled trout for Fido’s dinner.

Enjoy your dinner from the balcony overlooking the beach at Vitamin Sea.

Most Dog-Friendly Attraction

Photo by @eden_the_golden

The US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte offers numerous outdoor adventures, whether you're on two legs or four, making it the most dog-friendly attraction in North Carolina! Dogs aren’t allowed on the rafts or zip lines for safety reasons, but water-loving pups can join you on a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard trip down the scenic Catawba River. Snag a ‘Flatwater Kayaking and SUP Pass,' or opt for a full-day, all-access pass. Land lovers enjoy complimentary access to hike, bike, or run with Fido on over 20 miles of trails. Doggos are always welcome at special events, festivals, Family Camping Weekends, and concerts held throughout the year. So, be sure to check the center’s online calendar before planning your visit. For refreshments, head to the facility’s outdoor restaurant and biergarten, where you and your pup can take a snack break while watching rafters brave the whitewater course.

After tiring your pooch out at the USNWC, check into the Drury Inn & Suites Northlake in time for their nightly ‘kickback’ hour at 5:30 pm.

Most Dog-Friendly Campground

Photo by Four Paws Kingdom Campground

If the name alone isn’t enough to spark his interest, the list of dog amenities is sure to make Fido raise his ears and tilt his head. Four Paws Kingdom Campground in Rutherfordton is the first and only campground dedicated to canines and their adult humans (two-legged guests must be 18 years or older), making it the most dog-friendly campground in North Carolina and the U.S. Bring your own RV or stay in one of Four Paws’ rental RVs, cabins, or yurts. Dogs will love splashing in the fully fenced pond, meeting new friends in the off-leash dog parks, hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, racing on the agility course, or having a spa day in the self-service grooming salon. Some sites even have fenced yards, allowing you to rest with your pup at your campsite. And you won’t want to miss their events! From live music to arts and crafts and Dog-a-Palooza, they have something for everyone and every dog. Rates include up to four dogs, and each extra pup is $4 per night.

Best Dog Park

Photo by @mishka.june

The French Broad River Dog Park in Asheville is a great place for pups of all sizes to play off-leash. This completely fenced spot is covered in wood chips for safe play and offers access to fresh water. Beyond the gates, Fido can keep exploring one of Asheville's most beautiful recreation areas, the French Broad River Park, which meanders alongside the tranquil water. Dogs who love to get wet will even find river access, but they can stay dry on the open green space dotted with old-growth trees, a wildflower garden, a paved trail, and places to enjoy a picnic together.

See what all the fuss is about when you reserve your pooch a room at Kimpton Hotel Arras. Four-legged guests receive a welcome bag at check-in, including tasty treats and a tennis ball toy.

Top Trail to Hike With Your Dog

Photo by BringFido/Tammy

Located 25 miles from the pet-friendly city of Asheville, Chimney Rock State Park is a “pawfect” place for Fido to stretch his legs during a tour of The Blue Ridge Parkway. Panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure await those who ascend 499 steps of the moderately difficult Outcroppings Trail, the top trail to hike with your dog in North Carolina. For another vantage point, climb just over half a mile on the Exclamation Point Trail to an elevation of 2,480 feet. Or, proceed on the easy Hickory Nut Falls Trail, a 1.5-mile jaunt that leads to one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

Watch clouds roll over the mountains from the quiet deck of this romantic cabin. Featuring a fenced-in yard with a fire pit, guests can let loose and enjoy the natural beauty with the whole pack.

Best Pet-Friendly B&B

Photo by Facebook.com/OaklandCottageBB

Oakland Cottage Bed & Breakfast provides a snug stay for people and pups visiting Asheville, making it the best pet-friendly B&B in North Carolina. There’s a room to suit every guest, including some with hardwood floors, easy access to the outdoor space, and private decks. Dogs can stay in every room in the B&B except The Little Garden Room #4. For more space, book one of the pet-friendly cabins on the property instead. The B&B is located just one mile from historic Biltmore Estate, so guests can explore the dog-friendly gardens before returning home to warm Fido’s paws in front of the fireplace.

Oakland Cottage Bed & Breakfast welcomes two pets of any size for an additional fee of $15 per pet, per night.

Can’t Miss Dog Event

Photo by Facebook.com/doggosparkandpub

Get your promposals and fancy attire ready for Puppy Prom at Doggos Dog Park & Pub in Greensboro, the can’t miss dog event in North Carolina. Featuring a 10,000-square-foot indoor dog park full of obstacles, a bar and more, Doggos is always a fun place to hang out, but this throwback annual event is arguably the best day to visit. Relive your high school years with your furry best friend in tow. The premier “pawty” on the canine calendar features music, drink specials, a photographer, and the crowning of a prom king and queen.

Book a charming room at the historic Biltmore Greensboro Hotel. Dogs receive treats at check-in and have room to explore outside.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Life’s “ruff.” Photo by Linda Segerfeldt

If our Best of North Carolina preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!

Where is your favorite dog-friendly place to visit in North Carolina? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by @joyfuljosie.