Pet Friendly Activities

Paddleboarding on Fontana Lake.

Pontooning on Fontana Lake – all 3 marinas have some pontoon boats that are dog friendly.

Rafting on the Nantahala River with Rolling Thunder River Company(dogs, 35 lb+).

Visit Darnell Farms for family friendly fun beside the Tuckasegee River. Playground, sweets, farm-fresh produce, flowers, petting zoo and monthly events with craft vendors and music.

Pet Friendly Hiking

Hiking info

Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). Pets are NOT allowed on hiking trails in the GSMNP, except for the Oconaluftee River Trail, a 1.5 mile one way shaded path with beautiful views of the river. It begins at the Park Visitor Center in Cherokee. (There is also one Trail in Gatlinburg, TN) Deep Creek Recreation area just outside Bryson City in the GSMNP. Dogs are allowed in Deep Creek campground, picnic areas, and along roads (NOT on National Park trails), but must be kept on a leash (no more than 6 feet long) at all times.

Bring the dog, the kids and a picnic to Island Park, located in the center of downtown Bryson City on the Tuckasegee River. The fishing is great there too. Take Everett St. to Bryson St. Cross the bridge to the park at the end of Bryson St.

Recreation Park — There is a walking trail in the Swain County Recreation Park just outside of downtown Bryson City. Take Everett St. to Depot St., then follow West Deep Road to the Park.

Trails in the Nantahala National Forest are pet friendly. (dogs allowed on leash no longer than 6 feet). Tsali Recreation Area – US 28 N about 30 minutes from Bryson City; note alternating use of bicycles and horses, and avoid trails that are designated for biking. Flint Ridge Trail is accessed from US 74 South at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (mountain bike trail), as is the Appalachian Trail, which crosses the Nantahala River at the Center. One paved trail is the Nantahala River Bikeway Trail TR368. A nice flat trail that begins at the rafting launch site (Off Hwy 74, south of the NOC, turn left on Wayah Road). Park at the launch site and take the bridge across the river. The trail follows the river for about 1.5 miles (one way). Another option is the Bartram Trail, which is an extension of Nantahala Bikeway going north. For the Bartram Trail going south, park at either the Nantahala River Launch Site on the Wayah Rd., and look for the path across the road, located in between the two parking areas

Blue Ridge Parkway Trails. Waterrock Knob at milepost 451.2 – 1.2 mile trail one way (2.4 out and back). Restrooms, visitor center, and picnic area. Devils Courthouse at milepost 422. One way trail is 0.4 miles (0.8 out and back), climbs steeply, with exceptional views from the summit. Black Balsam and Tennent Mountain (Art Loeb Trail) at milepost 420.2. A series of unofficial, but well-defined paths run around the open summit of Black Balsam Knob. 1 mile to the summit, although hikers can continue for several more miles along the balds for 360 views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Dining With Your Pet

Bryson City has a number of eateries and wineries/breweries with outdoor seating where dogs are generally allowed (note: some may allow smoking). Here’s a list, or look for the on the Dining or Beer, Wine and Spirits page.

BBQ Wagon

Big Wesser

Soda Pops

Darnell Farms

La Dolce Vita

Bryson City Outdoors Taproom