Is My Dog Allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
“Are dogs allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?”
I always add that question to the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of my blog posts because…it’s a frequently asked question – maybe the most frequently asked question about visiting the park.
I get it! We have two puppers that we treat like our children. So when we go on a trip to a national park, that’s an important question that needs answering.
Do not fear, friends and fellow travelers. We have answers!
Published October 15, 2024
Nine Questions People Ask About Bringing Their Dogs to the Smokies
Are Dogs Allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
The simple answer is “Yes”…and “No”.
While you may bring your dogs with you to the park, there are some strict guidelines you must follow concerning where they may and may not go and what they may and may not do.
The National Park Service asks you to follow B.A.R.K. guidelines with your furry friend. You can read the B.A.R.K. principles on the NPS graphic below.
Those principles are a good summary of the park guidelines for you and your pet, but let’s get more specific.
Are There Any Dog-Friendly Trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, but only two.
Gatlinburg Trail
First, dogs are allowed on the Gatlinburg Trail, located on the edge of Gatlinburg. The trail is 3.8 miles long out & back. You may also begin the trail at the Sugarlands Visitor Center.
Gatlinburg Trail is flat, shady, and rated “Easy” by AllTrails. Much of the trail is next to the Little Pigeon River, making it a perfect place to walk your dog. Along the trail, you’ll see the remains of old homesteads and beautiful wildflowers.
Plus, you may see the occasional bear taking a dip in the river. (This one walked right by my wife while she was walking our dogs there. It just ambled by – our dogs never even noticed it!)
Pro Tip
- This trail is also used by joggers and bikers. Keep your eyes open for them.
- The trail is a good bit busier on the Gatlinburg end than it is on the Sugarlands Visitor Center end. You’ll see more people and more dogs here.
- Remember to keep your dog leashed at all times.
- We suggest beginning at the Gatlinburg trailhead. Beginning at the Sugarland Visitor Center requires walking a few blocks on roads.
- There are a couple of paid parking lots within a five-minute walk of the Gatlinburg trailhead entrance. (See the Google map.) You may also access this end of the trail from a turn-around circle and a pullout parking area near the entrance sign to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Oconaluftee River Trail
The second is the Oconaluftee River Trail, located near the south entrance to the national park off Newfound Gap Road. This trail is 3.1 miles out and back. It’s flat, mostly shady, and rated “Easy” by AllTrails. It begins behind the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
This trail follows the Oconaluftee River for most of the way, making for a beautiful walk. The trail is covered by large hardwood trees and bordered by lovely native flowers and plants. Part of the trail is along the Mountain Farm Museum, an outdoor museum of authentic cabins, barns, and other structures.
Pro Tip
- When hiking this trail with your dog, there are a couple of distractions your dog may be drawn to…
- The Mountain Farm Museum is home to several chickens that occasionally wander near the trail. Your furbaby might be overly interested in them.
- There is a large meadow by the trail where a herd of elk like to congregate. This, too, might be of great interest to your dog, but the park rangers will not think it amusing if your pet begins to harass them.
- Remember, dogs must be leashed at all times.
Can My Dog “Ride” On My Back in My Backpack While I Hike?
If you thought you had found a loophole in the “no dogs on hiking trails” rule, I’m sorry. There is also a “no dogs in backpacks on hiking trails” rule. Most of the reasons for the “no dogs on trails” rules are also valid for dogs in backpacks. (See the reasons in the section below.)
I do think, however, that this is one of the cutest things I’ve ever seen…if that’s any consolation.
Why Aren’t Dogs Allowed on Great Smoky Mountain National Park Trails?
Well, here’s one reason…
(Don’t worry – this photo isn’t real. It was generated by AI.)
The National Park Service’s rationale for prohibiting dogs on hiking trails is the following. This is taken directly from their website, nps.gov.
“Large national parks that have extensive backcountry areas do not allow dogs on trails. These include parks such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Rocky Mountain, and several others. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was first established in the 1930s for several reasons:
- Dogs can carry disease into the park’s wildlife populations.
- Dogs can chase and threaten wildlife. The scent a dog leaves behind can signal the presence of a predator, disrupting or altering the behavior of park wildlife. Birds and other animals can be scared away from nesting, feeding, and resting sites. Small animals may hide in their burrow the entire day after smelling a dog and may not venture out to feed.
- Dogs bark and disturb the quiet of the wilderness. Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can disturb even the calmest, friendliest, and best-trained dog, causing them to behave unpredictably or bark excessively.
- Pets may become prey for larger predators such as coyotes and bears. In addition, if your dog disturbs and enrages a bear, it may lead the angry bear directly to you. Dogs can also encounter biting insects that transmit disease, and plants that are poisonous or full of painful thorns and burrs.
- Many people, especially children, are frightened by dogs, even small ones. Uncontrolled dogs can present a danger to other visitors..”
Makes sense to me.
Do These Rules Apply to Backcountry Trails?
Yes, they do. See the section above.
Can I Let My Dog Play in the Rivers or Creeks in the Park?
Yes, but only in the Little Pigeon River by the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River by the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Pro Tip
- You’ve probably already thought of this, but if you allow your dog to play in one of these rivers, it’s going to get wet and muddy. Bring along a towel or two to clean Fido before he gets back into your clean car.
- You must still keep your dog leashed, even in the rivers.
Can I Take My Dog to Cades Cove?
Yes, you can! Your dog will absolutely love Cades Cove (or Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail). He might not appreciate the historical cabins or churches, but he will have a couple of hours to hang his head out the window, and dogs love nothing better than that!
Cades Cove is an 11-mile-long scenic loop filled with beautiful views, wildflowers, historic structures, and wildlife. It is one of the park’s most visited areas.
Pro Tips
- Pets are allowed in cars and alongside the road in Cades Cove. They are not permitted in the fields or inside any historic structures. They must be leashed when not in the car.
- Do not leave your pet alone in your car while exploring historical structures!
- The Cades Cove Visitor Center is a good place for you and your pet to take a bathroom break. It is located about halfway around the scenic loop.
Where Are Some Other Places I Can Take My Dog While in the Park?
Dogs are allowed in the park campgrounds, picnic areas, and outside visitor centers. They are also allowed alongside roads; however, traffic may be a safety issue when walking down a busy park roadway.
Are There Other Outdoor Areas Outside the Park Where I Can Enjoy the Outdoors With My Dog?
While Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers few options for hiking with your pet, the area outside the park is not so limited.
Are you staying in Gatlinburg? Try Mynatt Park, located off Airport Road. Just turn at traffic light #8 towards the Space Needle and travel about 1 mile. The park includes a large field and nature trails. It’s a nice break from the crowded downtown.
Are you staying in Pigeon Forge? Try Patriot Park, located at 186 Old Mill Ave, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863. This park is bordered by the Little Pigeon River and features several war memorials. You can also connect to the River Walk Greenway winds through Pigeon Forge.
If you find yourself north of the park in Townsend, hop on the Townsend Trail. You’ll see it from Highway 321. It’s a 9-mile paved walkway perfect for runners, bikers, and dog walkers. This trail parallels the highway, so it takes you right in front of several restaurants, shops, museums, etc…
The National Park Service recommends the following areas for frolicking with your furry friend in the great outdoors…
- Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
- Chattahoochee National Forest
- Cherokee National Forest
- Mount Rodgers National Recreation Area
- Nantahala National Forest
- Pisgah National Forest
Are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Pet-Friendly?
Sorta…
You’ll see many people on the sidewalks in downtown Gatlinburg walking their dogs. But the crowds are so large that your dog may get stepped on.
Pigeon Forge is not a very walkable town. Either side of the Parkway is essentially one giant parking lot, with individual parking lots merging together.
There are pet-friendly hotels, but most either charge a large pet fee or the pet-friendly rooms are the lowest quality rooms in the hotel.
Some pet-friendly restaurants exist, most notably Howard’s Steakhouse in Gatlinburg and Blue Moose Burgers and Wings in Pigeon Forge.
Our suggestion is to rent a pet-friendly cabin. Your dog will be more comfortable in the cabin while you’re out playing and exploring, and you can save some $ by cooking some of your own meals.
Are Service Dogs Allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Here’s everything the National Park Service has to say about service dogs…
“Dogs classified as service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Learn more about requirements for service animals. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals, as well as service animals in training, are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations.”
The Verdict – Is My Dog Allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but there are a few considerations to remember…
Dogs are only allowed on two hiking trails, in campgrounds, picnic areas, along the roadside, and outside of the visitor centers.
There are parks, greenways, and trails in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Townsend, where dogs are welcome.
Fully registered and certified service dogs are allowed anywhere that visitors are. Emotional support dogs and companion dogs must abide by the regular park pet guidelines.
Follow the B.A.R.K. Principles at all times.
Now, that’s not so bad, is it?
Happy Hiking to you and your four-footed pal!
P.S.
Meet Fiona and Tallulah, our “Poohuahuas” (Half Poodle, half Chihuahua). As I write this, Fiona is 5 feet away, sleeping on the couch, and Tallulah is sleeping on her giant pillow at my feet.
Related Posts
- The Best Places to See Elk in the Smoky Mountains
- Snakes in the Smoky Mountains – Should I Be Worried?
- Cades Cove Bears – How to Spot Them
- 27 Animals to Look For in the Smoky Mountains
