Hiking With Your Dog In The Great Smoky Mountains: Pet Policies and Trails
A nature walk through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your canine companion sounds like a beautiful adventure. However, there are some essential rules and limitations you should know before setting out on a hike with Fido.
There is a Limited Area for Pets
In an effort to protect the wildlife, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has strict policies in place regarding pets being allowed in their park. In the Smokies, the only place pets are allowed in is the campgrounds, picnic areas, and along the road – which closely follows the same park rules of Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Glacier, Rocky Mountains, and several others. Additionally, while in these designated areas, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Also, like most other places, don’t forget to bring your pup’s doggy bags so you can properly clean up after them.
Why Exactly Are Dogs Prohibited on The Trails
There are several reasons behind the no-dog policies on the trails:
- Dogs can carry diseases into the park and spread them onto the wildlife populations.
- Dogs can chase and threaten the wildlife, as well as be targeted themselves.
- The barking of dogs can disturb the quiet and peace of the wilderness. Even the best-trained dogs can have unpredictable behavior when presented with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells.
- There are many people who are frightened by dogs, such as children – so canines can potentially present a danger to other visitors and deter them.
Trails You Can Take Fido On
There are two trails in the Great Smoky Mountains that are an exception to the rule:
- Gatlinburg Trail, which is a 3.8-mile roundtrip that starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and extends to the outskirts of Gatlinburg. It then runs along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River, crossing over one pedestrian bridge and a few old housing sites.
- Oconaluftee River Trail is a 3-mile roundtrip that starts at the Ocanaluftee Visitor Center and stretches to the outskirts of Cherokee, N.C., following the river. The trail is generally flat, besides a few small hills.
The Southern Highlands region also offers a variety of land for recreation and dog-related fun.
Not being able to bring Fido on all of the trials the Smoky Mountains has to offer can be a bummer. However, there are still plenty of other opportunities nearby that allow you to experience nature with your canine.