Dogs at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Know where dogs are allowed, which two trails permit pets, and how to visit the Smokies safely with your leashed pup.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park TN Dog Policy
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most restrictive national parks for pets on trails. Dogs are welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, and on two designated trails only.
Pets are allowed on park roads, in parking areas, established picnic areas, frontcountry campgrounds, and on the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Owners must pick up pet waste and dispose of it in the nearest trash receptacle. In developed camping facilities, a pet may be left briefly at a campsite, but not unattended overnight. Because the park is bear country, keep dogs close, avoid wildlife encounters, and turn around if you see a bear or elk.
Last updated: 2026-03-25
Dog-Friendly Trails
NPS only permits leashed pets on two official park trails. To help you plan a fuller dog-friendly outing, the list below also includes pet-friendly walking areas where dogs are allowed under the park's road, picnic area, and developed-area rules.
Gatlinburg Trail
Approximately 4 miles roundtrip, easy. A mostly flat riverside walk from Sugarlands Visitor Center toward Gatlinburg with a few steeper sections and historic stone chimneys along the way.
Sugarlands Visitor Center, near Gatlinburg, TN
Visit WebsiteOconaluftee River Trail
Approximately 3 miles roundtrip, easy. A relatively flat, wide riverside trail from Oconaluftee Visitor Center to the park boundary near Cherokee through elk habitat and hardwood forest.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee, NC
Visit WebsiteMountain Farm Museum Paths
Short walking paths, easy. These developed-area paths behind Oconaluftee Visitor Center are suitable for a brief leashed stroll before or after the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Oconaluftee Visitor Center, Cherokee, NC
Visit WebsiteGreenbrier Picnic Area Walking Loops
Short informal walking routes, easy. This picnic area offers space for a leashed dog walk around tables, grills, and access roads, but not onto non-pet trails.
Greenbrier Picnic Area, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Visit WebsiteTips for Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park TN with Your Dog
Bring a standard leash no longer than 6 feet and expect very limited trail access in the Smokies. If you want a true hike with your dog, plan around the Gatlinburg Trail or Oconaluftee River Trail and avoid assuming other trailheads are pet-friendly. Carry plenty of water, especially in warm and humid weather, and take breaks because summer heat and pavement can be tough on paws. This is active bear and elk country, so keep your dog close, stay alert, skip headphones, and turn around immediately if you spot wildlife nearby. Never allow barking, chasing, or cornering wildlife. In campgrounds and picnic areas, store food and scented items properly, clean up waste right away, and do not leave your dog unattended in a vehicle or overnight at a campsite. If you plan to park longer than 15 minutes, buy a parking tag in advance or at an approved location so you are not scrambling at the trailhead.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Adjacent to the parkA convenient base with pet-friendly cabins, sidewalks, and quick access to the Gatlinburg Trail.
Cherokee, North Carolina
Adjacent to the parkClosest town to the Oconaluftee side of the park, with easy access to the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
About 8 miles from GatlinburgPopular for dog-friendly lodging and a practical base for Smokies day trips.
Townsend, Tennessee
About 25 miles from Sugarlands areaA quieter gateway town known as the peaceful side of the Smokies.
Bryson City, North Carolina
About 15 miles from the southern park boundaryA good option for exploring the North Carolina side with your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Only on two trails: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Dogs are not allowed on any other park trails.
Do dogs have to be leashed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
Yes. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet anywhere they are allowed in the park.
Can I bring my dog into Smokies campgrounds?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in frontcountry campgrounds, but they must be confined or leashed, should not be left unattended, and may not be left overnight without supervision.
Are dogs allowed in picnic areas at Great Smoky Mountains?
Yes. Dogs are allowed in established picnic areas as long as they stay on leash and owners clean up after them.
Is there an entrance fee for dogs or vehicles?
Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, a parking tag is required for vehicles parked more than 15 minutes.
How much is parking at Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
As of 2026, parking tags cost $5 daily, $15 weekly, or $40 annually.
Can I leave my dog tied up while I go on a hike?
No. The park prohibits leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object, except for a short period at a developed campsite. Pets may never be left unattended overnight.
Is there a kennel inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
NPS does not list an in-park kennel on the official pet policy page, so plan on arranging boarding outside the park if needed.