Owning a pet is a wonderful thing, and bringing them with you for a vacation in Pigeon Forge or Sevierville is often more fun. However, it also has its challenges, especially when you want to explore the Smokies. That's why we're here to help you with
A Quick Word on the National Park (Before You Go)
One of the most attractive options for people visiting the Smoky Mountains is the national park. Most of the hiking trails are actually off-limits to pets for either safety or wildlife reasons. However, if you want to be a part of nature's beauty, there are two trails open to pets:
- The Gatlinburg Trail
- The Oconaluftee River Trail
Beyond those two trails, the park isn't really built for an entire day out with your dog, and that's honestly fine for your group. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville both offer plenty of dog-friendly ways to get out and explore, from other parks to shopping and more. That's what the rest of this guide is here to cover.
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Pigeon Forge
Without exception, the city of Pigeon Forge is a fun destination for adults, kids, and pets. Keep the fun going with these
- Patriot Park: An excellent option. You and Fido will enjoy all the green space and a half-mile walking track that goes along the Little Pigeon River. Keep walking, and you'll also see the historic Old Mill.
- The Island in Pigeon Forge: Dogs on leashes are welcome around the outdoor plaza, including the fountain and the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. There are also dog-friendly restaurant patios (call ahead) available, making this option not only fun, but also convenient.
- Doggywood at Dollywood: One of the most popular theme parks in the country also has a doggy side, letting you put your pet with other pets under excellent care while you ride the rollercoasters and see the shows. This is an attraction with a perfect compromise.
Keep in mind that using the Doggywood option requires up-to-date vaccination records (helpful to have on hand anyway). With our many cabins near Dollywood, this attraction is a surefire hit for the whole family.
Another
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Sevierville
Most people don't know there are plenty of
This park is literally built for your dog(s) to run and play. The pets get to be fully off their leash in a fenced-off area with access to agility equipment, water fountains, and shade. The best part? There are separate sections for large vs small dogs, ensuring you don't have to worry about your pet being overwhelmed by a massive Great Dane or other large breed.
Another
Pigeon Forge isn't the only city with dog-friendly shopping. If shopping is your idea of fun, and you're in Sevierville, you'll want to visit the Great Smokies Flea Market. This market is open-air and offers 1,000+ vendors, ensuring you'll find something nice to take home.
Tip: Leashed dogs are generally welcome, but it's worth calling ahead to confirm the current pet policy before hopping in the car in search of deals.
Other shopping options in Sevierville to consider are Tanger Outlets and Smoky Mountain Knife Works (for those who really like blades). Tanger Outlets is open-air and leashed dogs are allowed in the common areas, making our cabin rentals near Tanger Outlets an attractive option for heavy shoppers with pets. However, Smoky Mountain Knife Works will even let your pets come inside if leashed.
What about when you want nothing but pure adventure? There is an option available for you, your guests, and your pets. That option, of course, is the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Bridge to Prosperity (long suspension bridge) and the Lost Mine Falls hike.
The adventure park is for the adventure-minded pets. The suspension bridge is known to unnerve many dogs. Be prepared to either carry your pet if it's on the smaller side or you'll need your larger dog to be confident with such uneven footing. Additionally, the trail is considered rugged by most visitors.
If you feel confident either option won't be a problem, then proceed to have a fun day of adventure in Sevierville with everyone, including your bestest buddy before returning to your Sevierville cabin rental.
Tips for Getting Out With Your Dog
Fun is the goal for a day out with your pets in the Smokies, but safety is the number one way to ensure the fun levels stay high. Follow these tips to get the most out of your experience:
- Bring Equipment: Make sure you have leashes, waste bags, and water sources for your dog.
- Watch the Heat: If traveling in late spring or in the summer, the pavement can get hot. Keep an eye on your pet's paws.
- Restaurant Prep: Call ahead for restaurant patio seats, so your pets can join you for the meal without any issue.
Just in Case: Area Vets Worth Knowing
Sometimes things happen to your pets. Maybe they ate something that didn't agree with them or they get too hot. Just in case an event like that occurs, keep in mind these vet options in the Smokies:
- Parkway Animal Hospital
- Sevier County Animal Clinic
- Mountain Home Veterinary Hospital
These three facilities are good starting points in case animal care is needed. Call ahead with what's wrong to confirm they can help you with the situation and their hours of availability.
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