Pet owners and dog lovers traveling to Pigeon Forge with their dogs
Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Pigeon Forge & the Smokies
Pigeon Forge and the surrounding Smoky Mountains are a surprisingly great destination for dog owners — as long as you know where to go. The national park has specific pet-friendly trails, the Old Mill area welcomes well-behaved leashed dogs for a stroll along the creek, and many of the area's cabin rentals cater specifically to guests with pets. The key to a great trip with your dog is planning ahead: know which trails allow pets, which attractions are outdoor and dog-tolerant, and where you can grab a bite without leaving your pup in a hot car.
Top Picks
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Laurel Falls Trail
Outdoor4.8
$All ages
- Most visited waterfall in the most visited national park in America
- Fully paved 2.6-mile round-trip trail accessible even for young toddlers
- Gorgeous 80-foot two-tiered waterfall as the dramatic payoff at trail's end
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Chimney Tops Trail
Outdoor4.6
$8 and up (strenuous)
- Twin rocky pinnacles provide some of the most dramatic views in the entire park
- 4-mile round trip hike with significant elevation gain — a genuine challenge
- Rocky summit scramble at the top for adventure seekers
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Clingmans Dome
Outdoor4.7
$All ages (strenuous hike for seniors)
- Highest peak in the Great Smoky Mountains at 6,643 feet above sea level
- Iconic spiral observation tower with 360-degree views on clear days
- Above the clouds experience — literally walk through the clouds on misty mornings
🏔️
The Island in Pigeon Forge
Outdoor4.5
$All ages
- Free to enter — pay only for rides and attractions you choose
- The iconic 200-foot Great Smoky Mountain Wheel with stunning views
- Nightly dancing fountain show with lights and music
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Old Mill Square
Dining4.5
$All ages
- Watch a genuine 1830s water-powered grist mill still grinding corn and grains
- The Old Mill Restaurant serves hearty Southern breakfasts and lunches using house-ground meal
- Purchase fresh-ground grits, cornmeal, and flour ground on-site to take home
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Anakeesta
Outdoor4.8
$$$All ages (best for 5+)
- Scenic chondola (chairlift + gondola) ride to the mountaintop for stunning panoramas
- Treetop Skywalk with multiple suspension bridges through the forest canopy
- AnaVista Tower offers 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains
🏔️
SkyBridge Gatlinburg
Outdoor4.7
$$5 and up
- North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge at 680 feet
- Glass-panel floor sections that let you look straight down into the gorge below
- Accessed via a scenic chairlift ride from downtown Gatlinburg
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Ober Mountain
Outdoor4.5
$$All ages
- The only ski resort in the Smokies with slopes for all skill levels in winter
- Aerial tramway from downtown Gatlinburg provides a scenic ride to the summit
- Wildlife Encounter featuring black bears, river otters, and native Appalachian animals
Pro Tips
- 1.Laurel Falls is one of the most popular dog-friendly hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park — the paved trail is manageable for most dogs and rewards you both with a stunning 80-foot waterfall.
- 2.Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times in the national park, and they are only allowed on paved surfaces and campgrounds — not on most backcountry or unpaved trails.
- 3.The Old Mill Square area is a relaxed place to walk with your dog along the Little Pigeon River. The outdoor areas are welcoming, and several shops have water bowls out front for visiting pups.
- 4.Many Pigeon Forge cabin rentals are dog-friendly and charge a pet fee — book early because the best pet-friendly cabins fill up fast, especially in fall and summer.
- 5.Bring your own collapsible water bowl and pack enough fresh water for hikes. Mountain trails can be deceptively long, and dogs need more hydration than you might expect on warm-weather visits.
Where to Eat Nearby
Old Mill RestaurantAlamo SteakhouseCalhoun's Restaurant