Wagging tails on riverside trails, cabin porches built for afternoon naps, and a whole mountain town that welcomes four-legged travelers: the Smokies are one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the country. Planning a vacation with dogs just takes a little know-how, and Eden Crest Vacation Rentals makes it easy with pet-friendly cabins throughout Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Wears Valley. Here is how to plan a Smoky Mountain getaway that the whole pack will love!
Start With Vacation Rentals That Welcome Dogs
The right home base makes all the difference on dog-friendly vacations. Instead of cramped hotel rooms, our Pigeon Forge cabin rentals give your pup room to roam, from fenced decks and grassy surroundings to cozy fireplaces for post-adventure snoozes.
Whether you want a snug hideaway or luxury cabins in the Smokies with hot tubs, game rooms, and mountain views, we have vacation rentals in the Pigeon Forge area that welcome dogs as warmly as their humans!
Explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park With Your Pet
Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomes leashed dogs in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but only two hiking trails allow pets:
- Gatlinburg Trail: A pleasant riverside stroll of roughly four miles round-trip, connecting Sugarlands Visitor Center to River Road on the edge of downtown Gatlinburg through a cove hardwood forest dotted with historic stone chimneys.
- Oconaluftee River Trail: An easy three miles round-trip on the North Carolina side, following the Oconaluftee River through elk habitat and low-elevation hardwood forest from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the edge of Cherokee. If you spot elk grazing nearby, keep your pup leashed and stay at least 50 yards away.
Wherever your vacation with your beloved dogs takes you, keep leashes at six feet or shorter, pack out waste, and give wildlife plenty of space.
Plan the Rest of Your Vacation With Dogs in Mind
There are other pet-friendly parks besides the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Stroll the flag-lined river loop at Patriot Park in Pigeon Forge or wander the creekside paths at Mynatt Park near Gatlinburg.
Planning a day at Dollywood Theme Park? Reserve a climate-controlled cottage at Doggywood, the park’s on-site day boarding, so your pup relaxes comfortably while you ride. Dollywood is part of our Passport to Paradise program, with up to $600 per night in complimentary activity tickets for an unforgettable vacation with your dogs!