Gatlinburg, Tennessee is one of the most pet friendly vacation destinations in the United States! Visitors from all around the country come to the Smokies to enjoy a relaxing getaway with their four-legged family members. When you stay at our pet friendly cabins, you will find a variety of fun attractions in town that welcome furry friends. To help you make the most of your next trip, Acorn Cabin Rentals has put together a guide to the top five pet friendly activities in Gatlinburg TN.

1. Hiking the Gatlinburg Trail

While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not allow dogs on most of its trails, there is one hike on the Tennessee side of the park that is pet friendly. The Gatlinburg Trail is a 1.9-mile one-way walking path that is open to dogs, as long as they are kept on a leash at all times. This lovely trail runs parallel to the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River and features the foundations of several historic homesites. The Gatlinburg Trail is also one of the few paths in the park that allows bicycles, so your kids can ride along on their bikes as you walk with your pooch.

2. Taking Scenic Drives in the Smokies

Although there are limited pet friendly hiking opportunities in the Smoky Mountains, there are lots of great places to take a scenic drive with your furry pal! Your dog will love sticking his head out the window and breathing in that fresh mountain air. Here are a few of the most popular drives in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:

• Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

• Newfound Gap Road

• Cades Cove Loop Road

3. Riding the Gatlinburg Sky Lift

Riding the Gatlinburg Sky Lift is another one of the best pet friendly activities in Gatlinburg TN. Believe it or not, this fun chairlift ride allows small dogs to sit with their owners as they make their way to the summit of Crockett Mountain. The Sky Lift offers breathtaking vistas of the Smokies and downtown Gatlinburg during the day and stunning views of the city’s twinkling lights at night. Guests on the Sky Lift will be suspended 1,800 feet in the air, so we don’t recommend this ride for any dogs (or humans) that are afraid of heights.

4. Dining at Pet Friendly Restaurants

Gatlinburg is home to a number of wonderful restaurants with porches or patios that are pet friendly. Many eateries will even bring your dog a bowl of water to enjoy while you dine. Here are some of the dog friendly restaurants in town:

• Fox & Parrot Tavern

• Crystelle Creek Restaurant & Grill

• Best Italian Cafe & Pizzeria

• Three Jimmy’s

• Howard’s Steakhouse

5. Relaxing at Your Cabin

After a fun day enjoying all of the awesome pet friendly activities in Gatlinburg TN, you and your dog will love relaxing at your cabin. Offering charming wood decor, decks with breathtaking views, and plenty of entertainment, our cabins have everything you need for an unforgettable getaway.

To help you prepare for your Smoky Mountain vacation with your pet, check out these tips for bringing your pet to a vacation in the Smokies!

To start planning your escape, browse our selection of pet friendly cabin rentals in Gatlinburg!