DOG FRIENDLY NC HIGH COUNTRY

The High Country of North Carolina is definitely a pet friendly vacation destination. You will find dogs walking in the downtown areas and the trails of Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson and Wilkesboro any day of the week. The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs through the heart of the High Country, is one of the top 10 pet friendly outdoor vacation destinations in the US!

DOG FRIENDLY OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS

• Grandfather Mountain 
  Experience the mile high swinging bridge with your dog and take in the inspirational views.  Explore the trails and have a picnic.  Dogs are allowed in all areas but indoor areas and the animal habitat area.
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• The Blowing Rock
  Visit the oldest attraction in North Carolina with your best friend. Take in the views and see “the only place in the world where snow falls upside down.”
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• Hickory Ridge Living History Museum 
  Learn about 18th-century Carolina backcountry living with a tour of the living history museum alongside your dog. 
  TIP: If you stop by before noon on Saturdays in the summer, you can also visit the Watauga County Farmers Market.
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• Emerald Village
  You can enjoy outdoor gem mining, tour the historic mine and grab a bite to eat at the outdoor tables. 

DOG FRIENDLY HIKING TRAILS

All of the trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway and at North Carolina State and town parks located in the High Country are dog friendly as long as you keep your dog on a leash. Here are our top 3 favorite hiking trails for pets and owners:

• Fodder Stack Trail
  Blue Ridge Milepost 241.0 (2 miles)
  This trail goes through grassy meadows of wildflowers and hardwood forests with plenty of views along the way.  Take water with you as this trail does not pass any streams.
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• Elk Knob State Park
  There are a few different trails at Elk Knob that are all pet friendly.  The trails are well maintained and each offers a different reward.  The summit trail is a top pick for viewing a total of 8 different mountain ranges!
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• Linville Falls
  Blue Ridge Milepost 316.4 (1.5 miles)
  A view of the largest waterfalls on the Blue Ridge Parkway is a must when visiting the NC High Country. This well maintained trail will take you to two different views of the falls

DOG FRIENDLY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

• Free Outdoor Festivals 
  Many of the free outdoor festivals, such as the Sparta Mountain Heritage Festival, North Wilkesboro Brushy Mountain Apple Festival, Beech Mountain Mile High Kite Festival and Blowing Rock Independence Day Celebration allow dogs to join in on the fun! Call High Country Host to find out what festivals are coming up and if a festival allows pets: 1-800-438-7500
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• Free Outdoor Music
  All of the free outdoor concert series are dog friendly. See our list of free music venues, CLICK HERE
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• Dog Parks
  The Watauga Humane Society Dog Park in Boone NC provides over 3 acres of play area and is open to visitors for $3 a day.  If you are visiting Banner Elk, Tate-Evans park has a free dog park.  Beech Mountain Bark Park is a beautiful and free dog park located in the heart of town across from the Beech Mountain Chamber.
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• Dog Friendly Restaurants
  Some restaurants will allow you to bring your dog(s), if you dine outside.  To view the best list of Dog Friendly Restaurants in the NC High Country, click HERE

DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS

• Dog Friendly Campgrounds
  All campgrounds in the NC High Country allow pets, you can view campgrounds HERE. 
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• Dog Friendly Cabin Rentals
  Many cabins and condos in the High Country are pet friendly. You can view an easy to use grid list of pet friendly cabins in the NC High Country HERE.
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• Dog Friendly Hotels
  We have over 10 hotels in the NC High Country of Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Beech Mountain that allow pets.  For a list, please call the visitors center at 1-800-438-7500