Pets are family, and no vacation is complete without the entire family. So why not plan a visit to pet-friendly Gatlinburg?
Unlike other destinations where it’s hard to find a small patio to bring your beagle to brunch, Gatlinburg offers an incredibly welcoming environment for furry friends.
With plenty of pet-friendly cabin rentals and activities, it’s the perfect spot for a vacation with your dog or cat.
While all felines, Fidos, frogs, and fish are welcome in Gatlinburg, we focus on our favorite dog-friendly Gatlinburg spots in this post. Remember that accessibility depends on the type of pet you have — while service animals are allowed everywhere, there are some restricted areas for emotional support animals (ESAs) and regular pets.
Read this ultimate guide and use the day trip itinerary for your next pet-friendly Gatlinburg vacation
When planning your vacation, start with finding a pet-friendly place to stay in Gatlinburg. You want to make sure you and your pet feel comfortable and welcome, and not every resort in town allows pets.
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The Cozy Creek cabin is a pet-friendly cabin rental in Gatlinburg. It is situated right beside a river and has an outdoor swing, foot bridge, and plenty of space to play fetch.
Features:
Two king suites
Hot tub
Community pool access
For larger groups, the Southern Comfort cabin can sleep up to twelve people. This pet-friendly stay is packed with luxury amenities to keep the group entertained for hours after exploring the town with pets.
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Couples seeking a secluded hideaway with just their furry kids will love Creekside Hideaway. This pet-friendly Gatlinburg cabin boasts a quaint creek for your furry friend to romp and play.
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Whether you’re enjoying the Smoky Mountains in the summer, spring, winter, or fall — there’s no shortage of things to do in Gatlinburg with dogs.
From riding the iconic SkyLift, celebrating Christmas in Gatlinburg, to a fresh cider at the mill — enjoy a pre-planned day trip with our dog-friendly Gatlinburg itinerary below:
If you’re looking for pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, stop by the Apple Barn and Cider Mill, a 50-year-old farm-fresh kitchen and general store. This family-owned farm offers homemade goodies, cider and wine, and souvenirs to take home.
You’re missing out if you haven’t gotten your pet a special treat from a concession stand. Grab some finger foods and play the day away at Fannie Farkle’s, a pet-friendly Gatlinburg arcade. Don’t miss the Legendary (and delicious) Ogle Dog, a secret recipe that honors the founding fathers of Gatlinburg.
The best Great Smoky Mountains dog-friendly option is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, a scenic six-mile driving loop that you can enjoy by car with your four-legged friend. You and your pet will enjoy this leisurely motor trail that traverses old-growth forests and historic buildings such as grist mills and once-inhabited log cabins.
Play a game of golf at Amazing Mirror Maze & Circus Golf. Their facility allows small dogs (that you can carry) while you play mini golf or solve the mirror maze. It’s the perfect rainy day or winter activity in Gatlinburg when exploring outdoors isn’t an option.
Stop by Four Sisters Old Time Photos for a period piece with your pooch. Make a memory of your pet-friendly Gatlinburg escape and include your dog, parrot, cat, or other pet in your family.
Cades Cove Loop is the most famous trail in Gatlinburg. The 11-mile loop goes through a sweeping mountain valley filled with historic buildings and plenty of wildlife viewing. Hang on to your canine friends, as it’s not uncommon to see white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, groundhogs, skunks, coyotes, and raccoons on this road.
You can take a drive for free, but plan on paying for a parking tag if you want to park somewhere for more than 15 minutes.
Enjoy sniffing out hidden treasures with Fido at the Great Smokies Flea Market, the most visited flea market in East Tennessee. You can find discounts year-round every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You’ll find various food vendors, bargain home decor, furniture, antiques, and more. Don’t miss the farmers market featuring seasonal favorites like juices, berries, and vegetables!
Enjoy pet-friendly outdoor areas in Gatlinburg, such as hikes, parks, and the infamous SkyLift. Many of these activities are free, but if you plan on staying more than 15 minutes, you’ll need a paid parking pass.
Mills Park features dedicated, fenced areas for small and large dogs to enjoy the outdoors completely off-leash. These areas feature shade, turf, benches, and waste bags. Keep in mind the other areas of the park require dogs to be leashed at all times.
Pets can ride with their owners on the infamous Gatlinburg SkyLift up the mountain to take in stunning mountain vistas. This chairlift was originally opened in 1954 and rebuilt in 2017. Visitors can now experience Gatlinburg’s longest-running attraction during all four seasons.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t allow pets on most of the trails due to the impact on wildlife, but there’s an exception for this walking path along the Gatlinburg Trail. Its short distance makes this trail perfect for both summer and winter hiking near Gatlinburg.
Herbert Holk Park offers a beautiful river walk to enjoy with your four-legged friend. This short stroll is simple and serene, and the whole family can enjoy it.
Mynatt Park is a great way to appreciate the greenery Gatlinburg has to offer. There are plenty of picnic areas and tennis courts to enjoy the afternoon. Watch the vibrant leaves change on this lush landscape for a perfect fall activity in the Smokies.
The Oconaluftee River Trail runs 1.5 miles each way from the Oconaluftee Visitors Center. This picturesque stroll along the Oconaluftee River is a beautiful hiking trail where you can take your furry friend and soak up the natural wonder and ancient history near Cherokee, North Carolina.
There’s no shortage of dog-friendly restaurants in Gatlinburg that have created doggie dining areas or patios specifically for you to enjoy a drink or meal with your leashed canine companion.
Tom & Earl’s hosts live performances on the weekends and sandwiches that locals and visitors line up for. To start, try the Rocky Top Nachos or Chili Cheese Fries. Then, indulge in one of their burgers, like the Phatty Melt or Burning Bear Burger. Note that four-legged friends are only permitted on the patio of this Gatlinburg dog-friendly restaurant.
Popular dish: Hillbilly Philly Cheesesteaks
With nearly 80 years in business, there’s a reason Howard’s is a Gatlinburg favorite. Enjoy one of six famous steak dinners and signature sides — like the Bourbon Maple Carrots — on the patio with your four-legged bestie after an afternoon hike on the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Popular dish: Steak for Two
After you get an old-time photo taken, keep the rustic theme going with tea and sandwiches in this cabin-turned-restaurant located in the historic Arts and Crafts Community. The Wild Plum Tea Room is known for more than just its tea. Visitors also come near and far to enjoy the Lobster Pie.
Popular dish: Wild Plum Tea
Enjoy a picturesque meal overlooking the creek while munching on the wood-fired fare with Fido at the Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill. Kick off what’s sure to be a memorable meal with Fried Mushrooms, and don’t miss the crowd-favorite Nashville Prime Rib.
Popular dish: Prime Rib
Grab your fuel for the day at this beloved breakfast spot in Townsend. Your pooch will love the morsels of hashbrowns that fall on this covered front porch. Of course, the Pancakes are a go-to course at this quintessential breakfast stop, but guests also rave about the Country Biscuits & Gravy.
Popular dish: Pancakes
Stop by Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts in Gatlinburg, TN, for a sweet treat, and don’t forget the doggie bag full of “doggie donuts” for Fido. Make sure to leave plenty of room for dessert when you stop by Mad Dog’s. Not only do they have 24 flavors of ice cream, but you’ll also find mouth-watering specialties like Blueberry Fried Pie and Apple Fritters you don’t want to miss.
Popular dish: Moose Tracks Ice Cream
Take your pooch along for some retail therapy at these pet-friendly stores in and around Gatlinburg, or drop them off at a premier daycare center while you knock out your non-dog-friendly bucket list. Leashes are still required in these pet-friendly establishments unless otherwise stated.
The Village Shops in downtown Gatlinburg is an adorable shopping center with 30 stores and eateries. It boasts European-style architecture you won’t find anywhere else in Gatlinburg.
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Located in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community, Holly & Willows Pet Barn offers gourmet treats, pet toys, and accessories. Just in case your four-legged falls in love in Gatlinburg, they also offer tuxedos and wedding dresses for their special day.
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This five-star pet daycare and boarding facility in Gatlinburg spans four acres so your four-legged friends can enjoy the time of their lives while you enjoy yours. Note that Just Fer Paws doesn’t accept exotic pets at this time.
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Yes, pet-friendly Gatlinburg is absolutely dog-friendly, and its neighboring towns and cities are also very welcoming to four-legged friends.
Dogs are allowed in Cades Cove but not on the trails. Be mindful that your pup might catch a whiff of white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, groundhogs, skunks, coyotes, and raccoons that are often spotted along the roads.
The Smoky Mountains National Park doesn’t allow pets on most of their trails, however, you can bring Fido along for the 6-mile Roaring Fork Motor Trail scenic driving route.
Dogs are not allowed on the Skybridge, however, they may join you riding up the SkyLift.
Service animals are welcome at the Space Needle in Gatlinburg. However, regular pets are not allowed.
Yes, downtown Gatlinburg has a number of pet-friendly eateries, shops, parks, and walking trails to enjoy with your dog.
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