Top Dog Friendly Attractions in the NC High Country

Embark on a tail-wagging adventure through the NC High Country, where every trail can lead to unforgettable memories for you and your furry friend. From scenic hikes and adventures through our charming towns, we've fetched the top dog-friendly attractions just waiting to be explored. Let the adventures begin, and let's dive into a world where wagging tails and breathtaking views go paw in paw!

Dog-Friendly Outdoor Attractions

• Grandfather Mountain: Experience the mile-high swinging bridge with your dog and take in the inspirational views. Explore the trails and have a picnic. Dogs are allowed in all areas except indoor areas and the animal habitat area.
• The Blowing Rock: Visit the oldest attraction in North Carolina with your best friend. Take in the views and see “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”
• Hickory Ridge Living History Museum: Learn about 18th-century Carolina backcountry living with a tour of the living history museum alongside your dog. TIP: If you stop by before noon on Saturdays in the summer, you can also visit the Watauga County Farmers Market.
• Emerald Village: You can enjoy outdoor gem mining, tour the historic mine, and grab a bite to eat at the outdoor tables.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

All of the trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway and at North Carolina State and town parks located in the High Country are dog-friendly as long as you keep your dog on a leash. Here are our top 3 favorite hiking trails for pets and owners:

• Fodder Stack Trail: Blue Ridge Milepost 241.0 (2 miles). This trail goes through grassy meadows of wildflowers and hardwood forests with plenty of views along the way. Take water with you as this trail does not pass any streams.
• Elk Knob State Park: There are a few different trails at Elk Knob that are all pet-friendly. The trails are well maintained and each offers a different reward. The summit trail is a top pick for viewing a total of 8 different mountain ranges!
• Linville Falls: Blue Ridge Milepost 316.4 (1.5 miles). A view of the largest waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must when visiting the NC High Country. This well-maintained trail will take you to two different views of the falls.

Dog-Friendly Outdoor Activities

• Free Outdoor Festivals: Many of the free outdoor festivals, such as the Sparta Mountain Heritage Festival, North Wilkesboro Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, Beech Mountain Mile High Kite Festival, and Blowing Rock Independence Day Celebration, allow dogs to join in on the fun!
• Dog Parks: The Watauga Humane Society Dog Park in Boone NC provides over 3 acres of play area and is open to visitors for $3 a day. If you are visiting Banner Elk, Tate-Evans park has a free dog park. Beech Mountain Bark Park is a beautiful and free dog park located in the heart of town across from the Beech Mountain Chamber.
• Dog-Friendly Restaurants: Some restaurants will allow you to bring your dog(s) if you dine outside. To view the best list of Dog-Friendly Restaurants in the NC High Country, click here to sign up.

Dog-Friendly Accommodations

• Dog-Friendly Campgrounds: All campgrounds in the NC High Country allow pets; you can view campgrounds HERE.
• Dog-Friendly Hotels: We have over 10 hotels in the NC High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and Beech Mountain that allow pets. For a full list, sign up for our guide HERE!

As a team of dog lovers, we're very excited to announce our newest local guide for the NC High Country: all things dog-friendly! If you or someone you know loves going on adventures with their dogs, be sure to take a look. It includes dog-friendly attractions, trails, restaurants, hotels, vets, pet stores, adoption centers, and more.

Click HERE or on the cover below to sign up to view the guide, which is also downloadable. And feel free to share the link with your dog-loving friends!