Our Labrador Retriever pup loves hitting the trail as much as we do. Whenever we glance at our hiking boots or so much as touch a backpack, our trail-loving pup, Jake, is bounding toward the door, ready for adventure. He’s full of energy and curiosity, and loves a good sniff – so there’s no better adventure in Jake’s mind than a great wander in the woods.
The mountains surrounding Asheville are filled with many fantastic dog-friendly trails. But these hikes have been dog-tested and dog-approved by our crew, many times over, and top the list of our favorite canine adventures. Grab a leash and hit these trails for some great exercise, fantastic views, and trail fun with your pup.
Asheville dog-friendly trails: our favorite hikes
Where ever your adventures take you, please always remember to leave no trace to help protect these beautiful places. And please hike with your dog on a leash at all times. It’s a courtesy to other hikers, and important for the protection of wildlife and their own protection, too.
Mount Mitchell
Dog perks: The high-elevation forest at Mount Mitchell offers cooler temperatures, even in the heat of summer. And a small waterfall near the summit on the Old Mitchell Trail Loop offers a great place to cool off after a fun day on the mountain.1 – 4 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: Incredible 360-degree views, beautiful wildflowers, and sweetly scented balsam-fir forests abound on this rugged summit, the tallest in the East. Combine several hikes for a full day of adventure.
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Crabtree Falls
Dog perks: Lots of leafy, towering trees shade the trail for cool summertime adventures. And small pools at the base of Crabtree Falls offers the a great spot to take a mid-hike dip, making this hike one of Jake’s all-time favorites.2.7 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: This is one of the most stunning waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail travels through a beautifully scenic forest, and in late spring, the forest is filled with blooming rhododendron and mountain laurel.
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Mountains to Sea Trail: Devil’s Courthouse to Black Balsam Knob
Dog perks: After an initial climb, the trail rolls through a cool, high-elevation forest and offers plenty of sights and sniffs along the way.5.5 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: After departing the often-crowded overlook at Devil’s Courthouse, this hike follows the Mountains to Sea Trail to Black Balsam Knob, catching a bit of solitude and gorgeous views from multiple rocky overlooks above the Blue Ridge Parkway.
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Bridal Veil Falls
Dog perks: Moderate elevation gains, a mid-hike swim in the glassy waters of Lake Julia, and plenty of cool water at the falls make this one of Jake’s favorite trails at DuPont State Forest.4.6 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: The trail visits some of the most scenic parts of the park, and the dramatic cascades of Bridal Veil Falls are simply stunning.
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Rattlesnake Lodge
Dog perks: A leafy hardwood tree canopy provides plenty of shade, and a stone spring at the ruins of this historic lodge provide a spot for a mid-hike drink.3.8 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: It’s a beautiful hike year round, but especially so in fall when the vibrantly colored leaves paint the forest. And the remains of Rattlesnake Lodge, a grand 1900s summer estate, are fun to explore. It’s easily one of our all-time favorite hikes near Asheville.
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Catawba Falls
Dog perks: Our water-loving Labrador loves this hike! The trail to Catawba Falls follows the the tumbling cascades of the Catawba River, offering plenty of spots to get all four feet wet along the way. And the swimming hole below the falls offers endless fun.2.7 Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: The shady, mossy forest is exceptionally beautiful, and the base of the multi-tiered falls is a great spot to relax and enjoy the views. It’s long been one of our favorite waterfalls near Asheville.
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Carrier Park & the French Broad River Greenway
Dog perks: An off-leash dog park, plenty of places to play in the river, and wide-open grassy fields make Carrier Park and the French Broad River Greenway a perfect spot for a dog-friendly adventure in town.2.4 + Miles (Round Trip)
Human perks: Easy access from downtown Asheville, gorgeous river views, and nearly-level terrain make this a fantastic spot for a scenic stroll or fast-paced run. It’s one of our favorite in-town spots to hang a hammock or launch a paddleboard or kayak, too.
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Hiking gear list: our favorite, trail-tested gear
WHAT TO PACK?
Ready to hit the trail, but wondering what to pack? Our hiking gear list features our favorite, trail-tested hiking gear for day hikes on local trails and in the backcountry. We print and stitch our Asheville Trails shirts and hats locally in Asheville and Atlanta, and they’re our favorite for trail adventures all over the South. And no matter what you pack in, pack it all back out. Please leave no trace and help preserve the beauty of Western NC.
OUR HIKING GEAR LIST
Hiking with dogs: before you go
Leash up! Help keep the trail fun and enjoyable for everyone by keeping your dog leashed at all times. Our favorite is the Ruffwear Slackline Leash. Its comfortable padded handle doubles as a waist harness, and the leash’s high-quality swivel clip helps to keep us tangle-free. Warm weather and exuberant play can lead to dehydration quickly, so make sure your four-legged adventure buddy has plenty of water on the trail. Jake loves his Ruffwear Bivy Bowl for mid-hike rehydration: this collapsible bowl is ultra-light, and it folds down to save space in our packs.
Is your pup new to the trail? It’s always best to start small and work up, starting with shorter hikes and gentler terrain. Work up to more difficult terrain and longer distances as your adventure buddy becomes more trail savvy and comfortable.
Please Remember
Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.
Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.
