Best Hikes for Dogs Near Asheville, NC | Asheville Insider's Guide Skip to main content

Your Dog Wants to Hike These Mountains

We have hiked every trail on this list with our dogs. Not once in a while, but regularly, through mud season and leaf season and that brutal stretch of August when the humidity makes you question every life choice. These are the trails we come back to.

Asheville sits in a pocket of the Blue Ridge Mountains with over 200 miles of dog-friendly trail within an hour's drive. The variety is ridiculous. You can walk a flat, shaded creekside loop in the morning and summit a 6,000-foot mountain bald by afternoon. Your dog will sleep well.

We put together this guide because too many trail lists skip the details that actually matter when you have a dog on a leash: Is there water on the trail? How crowded does it get? Are there steep metal stairs your dog will hate? We cover all of it.

A few of these trails connect to or start near the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is worth a drive on its own. And if you need a break from hiking, the Folk Art Center at Milepost 382 is free, open daily, and has a Mountains-to-Sea Trail access point right in the parking lot.

Chesapeake Bay Retriever on a hiking trail near Asheville, NC
20+ Dog-Friendly Trails
200+ Miles of Trail
15 Waterfall Hikes
6,684' Highest Peak (Mt. Mitchell)

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Trail Distance Elev. Gain Difficulty Water Features Drive Leash

Our Favorite Trails, In Detail

The full breakdown on the trails we hike the most. Photos, tips, and the honest stuff you won't find on AllTrails.

1 Panoramic view from Max Patch mountain bald near Asheville

Max Patch

Appalachian Trail, Madison County

1.4 mi loop ↑ 350 ft Easy 1h 30m drive

This is our number one for a reason. Max Patch is a treeless mountain bald sitting at 4,629 feet on the Appalachian Trail, and the 360-degree views are about as good as it gets in the Southern Appalachians. On a clear day, you can see the Great Smokies, the Black Mountains, and ridgeline after ridgeline fading into blue haze.

The loop trail is short, the terrain is gentle, and once you are on top, it is wide open grass in every direction. Your dog can walk beside you without dodging roots or rocks. The only real downside is the drive. It takes about 90 minutes from Asheville, and the last stretch on gravel roads can be rough. Bring a vehicle with decent clearance.

Dog tip: Bring water. There is none on top. The bald gets windy and exposed, so pack a layer even in summer. This is a popular engagement photo spot, so expect people on weekends.
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2 Dog hiking at Black Balsam Knob with mountain views

Black Balsam Knob

Art Loeb Trail, Blue Ridge Parkway MP 420

4.6 mi loop ↑ 700 ft Moderate 1h drive

Another high mountain bald, but this one sits right off the Blue Ridge Parkway with easier access than Max Patch. Black Balsam is at the end of the Art Loeb Trail, and the hike to the top is short enough that you can extend the walk to Sam Knob or Tennent Mountain if your dog still has energy.

Once at the summit, the open grassy terrain gives you views of the Shining Rock Wilderness and the surrounding ridges. On clear mornings, the light here is something else. If you are adding Sam Knob, that is about 2 extra miles round trip and worth it for the second bald.

Dog tip: Bring extra water if you plan to hit all three peaks. There is no shade on the balds, and it gets hot fast in summer. After you finish, the Flat Laurel Creek trailhead is at the same parking lot for a cool-down walk.
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3 Flat Laurel Creek trail with lush ferns and creek access

Flat Laurel Creek

Pisgah National Forest, Blue Ridge Parkway

5.0 mi out & back ↑ 400 ft Easy 1h drive

If it is hot out and you want a hike along a river with no waterfall danger, this is the one. The trail follows Flat Laurel Creek through a gentle, shaded valley with plenty of spots for your dog to wade in and cool off. No steep drops, no fast-moving water near the trail.

The full trail starts off Lake Logan Road from the Blue Ridge Parkway, but you can also pick it up at the back of the Black Balsam parking area if you just finished that hike. The two trails pair perfectly for a full day out.

Dog tip: This is one of the best hot-weather hikes in the area. The creek is shallow and slow-moving, so even small dogs can get in safely. Great option if your dog gets overheated easily.
4 Schoolhouse Falls swimming hole in Panthertown Valley

Schoolhouse Falls

Panthertown Valley, Nantahala National Forest

3.6 mi out & back ↑ 500 ft Moderate 1h 15m drive

This is one of the few waterfalls where you arrive at the bottom and find a big, safe swimming hole. Your dog can get in without risk. You can walk behind the falls, which is something most waterfall trails do not offer.

Schoolhouse Falls is in Panthertown Valley, which locals sometimes call the Yosemite of the East. There are plenty of connecting trails if you want to extend the day. Panthertown is also home to Cold Mountain, the one from the Charles Frazier novel and the movie.

Dog tip: The swimming hole is calm enough for most dogs. The trail has some rocky sections but nothing extreme. Download the Panthertown map before you go because cell service is unreliable out there.
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5 Dog and owner hiking at the Pink Beds loop trail

Pink Beds Loop

Pisgah National Forest, Brevard

5.3 mi loop ↑ 200 ft Easy 45m drive

A flat, easy, high-elevation loop in Pisgah National Forest. This trail has two loop options, and the terrain changes enough to keep things interesting. You pass through meadows, forests, and alongside creeks. The variety of environments is the whole point here.

This is the trail we recommend for older dogs, puppies just getting started on the trail, or for any day when you want a long walk without much elevation. Check out our Pink Beds Guide for the full breakdown.

Dog tip: Practically flat with shade most of the way. Perfect for dogs that are new to hiking or have joint issues. Several creek crossings for water access.
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6 Dog on trail near Asheville, North Carolina

Douglas Falls

Big Ivy Section, Pisgah National Forest

1.0 mi out & back ↑ 150 ft Easy 30m drive

A quick, easy hike to a 70-foot waterfall on the north side of Asheville, in a section of Pisgah National Forest called Big Ivy. At one mile round trip, this is the kind of trail where you go to stretch your legs and see something worth seeing without committing to a whole afternoon.

The trail is well-shaded and mostly flat. The falls are impressive for how little effort it takes to reach them. If you are staying in north Asheville or Weaverville, this is the closest good waterfall hike.

Dog tip: Short enough for any dog. The area around the falls can be slippery, so keep your leash short near the base. Good weekday option when you want to avoid crowds.
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7 Wide trail at DuPont State Forest with mountain views

Triple Falls + DuPont State Forest

DuPont State Forest, Brevard

2.9 mi loop ↑ 350 ft Easy 1h drive

Wide trails, three waterfalls, and safe water access. DuPont State Forest is where they filmed parts of The Hunger Games, and the trails are wider than most in this area, which is a real plus if your dog is reactive or if you just want more personal space on the trail.

You can hit Triple Falls, High Falls, and Hooker Falls in a single loop. There are plenty of calm spots along the river where your dog can drink and wade. If you want to extend the trip, add Bridal Veil Falls for another 4.2 miles of trail.

Dog tip: The extra-wide trails here make this our top pick for dogs that get tense around other dogs. Avoid peak leaf season weekends unless you love crowds. Weekday mornings are perfect.
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8 Dog on hiking trail through forest near Asheville

Turkey Pen

Pisgah National Forest, Mills River

5.6 mi out & back ↑ 600 ft Moderate 35m drive

There are a few trails at the Turkey Pen Trailhead, and which one you take depends on your dog. If you have a reactive dog and want to avoid people, take the Vineyard Trail along the ridge. For everyone else, Turkey Pen Gap Trail leads straight to the South Fork of the Mills River.

The river trail is broad and follows shallow water the whole way. You may encounter horses on this trail, but the wide path gives you plenty of room. The river crossings are the highlight for water-loving dogs.

Dog tip: Two trail options at one trailhead means you can choose based on your dog's temperament. The Vineyard Trail is quieter; Turkey Pen Gap is more scenic with better water access. Horses use these trails, so be prepared.
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The Dogs Who Tested These Trails

LeRoy the German Shepherd on a hiking trail

LeRoy

German Shepherd. Tireless. Handles every trail without complaint.

Strider the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hiking

Strider

Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Will find water on any trail. Count on it.

Jenkins the Basset Hound on Max Patch trail

Jenkins

Basset Hound. Slow, stubborn, and absolutely living his best life on Max Patch.

Before You Hit the Trail

Water and Hydration

Carry at least 16 oz of water per dog per hour of hiking. Even trails with creek access can have dry stretches. A collapsible bowl weighs nothing and saves you from cupping water in your hands.

Leash Rules

Dogs must be on a 6-foot leash on all Blue Ridge Parkway trails and most Pisgah National Forest trails. Some areas of Bent Creek allow off-leash in designated zones. When in doubt, leash up. It protects wildlife and keeps everyone happy on the trail.

Heat and Elevation

Summer temperatures in Asheville regularly hit the high 80s, but trails above 5,000 feet can be 10 to 20 degrees cooler. Plan your hikes accordingly. If it is 90 in town, head to Craggy Gardens or Black Balsam where your dog will be much more comfortable.

Wildlife

Black bears live in these mountains. They are generally not aggressive, but a dog on a loose leash can create a dangerous situation fast. Keep your dog close on the trail. If you see a bear, back away slowly and make noise.

Parking and Timing

Popular trailheads fill up by 9 AM on weekends from June through October. The earlier you arrive, the better parking and the fewer people on the trail. Weekday mornings are always quieter.

Trail First Aid

Pack basic supplies: tweezers for ticks, styptic powder for nail tears, and a bootie or wrap for paw injuries. Ticks are common from March through November. Check your dog thoroughly after every hike, especially ears, belly, and between toes.

Worth a Stop While You're Out

Most of these trails are near other places worth visiting. Here are a few we always recommend.

Folk Art Center

Free admission, daily craft demonstrations, and the Mountains-to-Sea Trail starts right in the parking lot. Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open year-round.

Craggy Gardens

1.5-mile round trip to 360-degree views through rhododendron tunnels. Dog-friendly, leash required. 20 minutes north of Asheville on the Parkway. Blooms peak in mid-June.

NC Arboretum

434 acres with 10 miles of dog-friendly trails adjacent to Bent Creek. Leashed dogs welcome on all trails. Small parking fee. Great for an easy morning walk.

Blue Ridge Parkway

469 miles of scenic driving with dozens of dog-friendly overlooks and trail access points. No fee to drive. Some sections close in winter. Check conditions at the NPS road closure map.

Rattlesnake Lodge

3.9-mile loop to the ruins of a 1904 summer estate on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail. Moderate difficulty. History, quiet forest, and far fewer hikers than the popular spots. 20 minutes from downtown.

Downtown Asheville

After a morning hike, reward yourself (and your dog) with a stop downtown. Many restaurants have dog-friendly patios, and the Dog Welcome Center near the Grove Arcade has water stations and treat bags.