Dog-Friendly Highlands, NC: Mountain Escapes for You and Your Pup
From pet-friendly inns and patio dining to scenic trails and an off-leash dog park, Highlands makes an easy Blue Ridge getaway with dogs.
Highlands, NC
Best for Staying
Downtown luxury stay known for dog-focused amenities and an on-site fenced dog park.
Walkable Old Edwards property with limited dog-friendly rooms available by phone reservation.
Best for Dining
Casual breakfast-and-lunch favorite near Founders Park with outdoor seating and a dog-friendly reputation.
Lively pub with outdoor seating, live music nights, and a central location near downtown strolls.
Best for Outdoor Time
The town’s off-leash dog park inside Highlands Recreation Park.
A dramatic two-mile loop with cliffside views and a classic Highlands hiking experience.
Dog-Friendly Hotels in Highlands, NC
The Park on Main
An upscale all-suite stay right on Main Street with a strong dog-friendly reputation, easy walkability, and its own fenced dog park for guests.
205 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit Website200 Main
A mountain-chic downtown base from Old Edwards Hospitality with limited dog-friendly rooms and easy access to shops and restaurants.
200 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteTrailborn Highlands
A renovated Highlands hotel with pet-friendly patio rooms and a location that works well for trail-focused weekends.
96 Log Cabin Lane, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteSkyline Lodge
A mountaintop lodge with expansive grounds, dog welcome amenities, and access to nearby hikes like Picklesimer and Whiteside Mountain.
470 Skyline Lodge Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteOutpost Inn
A design-forward inn north of downtown with cozy rooms, a loungey vibe, and a clear dog policy for smaller pups.
790 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteHighlander Mountain House
A stylish English-country-inspired stay near downtown where dog-friendly rooms are available in the Bunkhouse.
270 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteHighlands Inn
A long-running Main Street inn with classic Highlands character and a couple of pet-friendly cottage options.
420 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Restaurants in Highlands, NC
Blue Bike Cafe
A casual breakfast-and-lunch cafe in Creekside Village known locally for outdoor seating and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
423 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteThe Ugly Dog Public House
A popular downtown pub with burgers, beer, and live music that works well for a casual meal with your dog on the patio.
294 S 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteWild Thyme Gourmet
A long-running Highlands favorite serving American cuisine with Asian influence, plus seasonal outdoor dining.
343 Main St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteLakeside Restaurant
A scenic Harris Lake restaurant with seafood, cocktails, and one of the prettiest outdoor dining settings in town.
531 Smallwood Ave, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteHighlands Smokehouse
A roadside BBQ staple with smoked meats, fresh sides, and expanded outdoor deck seating.
595 Franklin Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteThe Secret Garden
A fresh-food market cafe serving ready-made meals and seasonal fare in a relaxed setting near downtown.
208 N 5th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteDon Leon's
A cozy local spot for pitas, soups, salads, and lunch in a charming setting with visible outdoor seating.
462 Dillard Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteDog-Friendly Parks, Trails, and Activities
Highlands Dog Park
The town’s dedicated off-leash dog park inside Highlands Recreation Park, with entrances from the pool parking lot and Foreman Road.
210 N 4th St, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteSunset Rock Trail
A short, rewarding Highlands hike with mountain views that works well for dogs who enjoy a moderate walk close to town.
Whiteside Mountain
One of the area’s signature hikes, with a two-mile loop, dramatic cliffs, and sweeping views south of town.
Highlands Biological Trails
A peaceful network of walking trails near the Highlands Nature Center and Botanical Garden, ideal for a quieter leashed stroll.
930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteHighlands Nature Center & Botanical Garden
A free nature stop with gardens and nearby walking areas that can be paired with a relaxed afternoon in town.
930 Horse Cove Rd, Highlands, NC 28741
Visit WebsiteKelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park
A convenient green space near downtown and Creekside Village that pairs nicely with coffee, brunch, or an easy walk.
A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Highlands
This sample itinerary mixes easy walks, patio meals, and scenic mountain time without overloading your dog.
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Strolls
Check into a dog-friendly stay like The Park on Main, 200 Main, or Skyline Lodge. After settling in, take a short walk through downtown Highlands so your dog can stretch after the drive.
Grab lunch at Blue Bike Cafe or Highlands Smokehouse, then head to Highlands Dog Park for off-leash play. If your pup prefers a calmer outing, swap in a leashed walk around Kelsey-Hutchinson Founders Park.
Enjoy patio dining at The Ugly Dog Public House or Wild Thyme Gourmet, then wind down with a relaxed neighborhood walk before bed.
Day 2: Scenic Trails and Patio Dinner
Start early with a leashed hike at Sunset Rock Trail for cooler temperatures and easier parking. Bring water and keep your dog close on busier sections.
Take a slower midday break with a visit to the Highlands Biological campus trails and Botanical Garden area, where leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Stop for a casual lunch or coffee back in town.
Book an outdoor table at Lakeside Restaurant for a scenic dinner, or head back to your hotel’s lawn, terrace, or firepit area for a more low-key night.
Day 3: One Last Mountain Adventure
If your dog is an experienced hiker, tackle Whiteside Mountain early for the best chance at parking and cooler trail conditions. Otherwise, revisit the dog park or take an easy final stroll downtown.
Pick up lunch from The Secret Garden or Don Leon's, browse pet-friendly shops along Main Street, and then head out for the drive home.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Franklin, NC
About 21 milesA practical base for waterfalls, forest access, and a more budget-friendly mountain stop.
Clayton, GA
About 22 milesA North Georgia mountain town with dog-friendly patios, breweries, and easy access to outdoor recreation.
Sylva, NC
About 38 milesA walkable small town with mountain views, local dining, and access to Western North Carolina trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highlands, NC good for traveling with dogs?
Yes. Highlands has a dedicated dog park, multiple pet-friendly hotels, several restaurants with outdoor seating that welcome dogs, and nearby hiking trails where leashed dogs are allowed.
Are dogs allowed at restaurants in Highlands?
Yes, many Highlands restaurants welcome dogs at outdoor tables. North Carolina allows dogs in outdoor dining areas under state rules, and local tourism sources specifically highlight several Highlands patios as dog friendly.
Which Highlands hotels are best for dogs?
Top options include The Park on Main for dog-focused amenities and an on-site dog park, 200 Main for downtown walkability, Skyline Lodge for dog perks and outdoor space, and Trailborn Highlands for pet-friendly patio rooms.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Highlands?
Yes. Highlands Dog Park is located in Highlands Recreation Park at 210 N 4th St and is open from dawn to dusk.
Can I hike with my dog near Highlands?
Yes. Popular options include Sunset Rock Trail, Whiteside Mountain, and the Highlands Biological Station trail system. Dogs should stay leashed, and some trails have steep sections, so choose routes that fit your dog’s ability.
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