Pets

When visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s important to follow pet guidelines to ensure the safety of your pet, yourself, and the park’s wildlife. Pets are welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Only two trails permit leashed pets: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

Please remember to clean up after your pet, never leave them unattended in vehicles or RVs, and respect all park rules to help protect the Smokies. Consider leaving your pet at home, as bringing them to the park will limit the activities you can enjoy—most trails and many areas are off-limits to pets.

 

NPS Graphic

Why Are Dogs Prohibited on National Park Trails?

Many large national parks that have extensive backcountry areas do not allow dogs on trails. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was first established in the 1930s for several reasons. Bringing your dog into the park may seem harmless, but it can have serious consequences for wildlife, your pet, and other visitors.

• Disease transmission: Dogs can carry diseases that may spread to native wildlife and vice versa.
• Stress and disruption: The scent of a dog can signal predators, causing wildlife to flee or alter their natural behavior. Birds and small animals may abandon important nesting, feeding, or resting areas due to the presence or scent of dogs. Some animals may remain hidden in burrows all day after detecting a dog, missing critical feeding opportunities.
• Noise and behavior concerns: Dogs may bark or react unpredictably to unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. Even well-trained dogs can become agitated in a wild setting, disturbing the peace and quiet of the wilderness.
• Predators: Dogs can attract and provoke wildlife such as bears, coyotes, and other predators. If a dog provokes a bear, it may lead the bear back to you.
• Environmental hazards: Dogs may encounter biting insects, poisonous plants, or painful thorns and burrs.
• Respect for other visitors: Many people, especially children, are afraid of dogs—even small ones. Dogs can pose a threat to other visitors and diminish their park experience.

Where Pets Are Allowed

Pets are welcome:

• In frontcountry campgrounds
• In picnic areas
• Along roadways
• On two dog-friendly trails—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

 

Tips for Visiting with Your Dog in Bear Country

When hiking or camping with your dog in bear country, consider carrying bear spray and know how to use it. Stay alert and avoid distractions like music or phones. If you see a bear, turn around and leave immediately.

Never let your dog bark at, chase, or corner a bear. If your dog confronts a bear, do not try to intervene.

Dogs are involved in most bear-related incidents with people. If your dog runs after a bear, it may lead the bear back to you. In these situations, there’s a 50% chance your dog will be injured or killed—and an even higher chance you’ll be hurt if you try to help.

Keeping your dog leashed and under control protects you, your pet, and the park’s wildlife.

 

Other Outdoor Areas

• Big South Fork National River and Recreation
• Chattahoochee National Forest
• Cherokee National Forest
• Nantahala National Forest
• Pisgah National Forest
• George Washington and Jefferson National Fore

Since I Can't Hike with My Pet in the Smokies, Where Else Can I Go?

The Southern Highlands region offers an amazing variety of federal public lands for recreation and enjoyment. Some public lands outside the Smokies offer a wider range of recreational opportunities than are available here, including hiking with your pet. For maps and information about these national forests and recreation areas please contact the offices listed below.

Service Animals

Dogs classified as service animals are individually trained to perform a specific task that assists a person with a disability. Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals, as well as service animals in training, are not service animals and must abide by all pet regulations.