9 Things to Do with Your Dog in Gatlinburg

If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of your daily life, it is time to plan a relaxing getaway with your furry best friend for some quality bonding.

How about visiting a charming mountain town? Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a paradise with rolling peaks and waterfalls, a dream for nature lovers.

So, get ready to explore this dog-friendly wonderland with your four-legged buddy. From scenic trails to quirky museums, Gatlinburg has a lot to offer to dog parents!

1.     Gatlinburg SkyLift Park

Gatlinburg SkyLift Park is a renowned attraction known for its scenic chairlift ride to the summit of Crockett Mountain.

While the chairlift itself is not open to dogs for safety reasons, they are more than welcome in the park area at the top.

You can even take a leisurely stroll with your furry friend on the Gatlinburg SkyBridge, which happens to be the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America.

After all, there’s nothing quite like the breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains.

2.     Pet-Friendly Accommodations

One important aspect of a successful vacation is pre-booking your accommodations.

Since you will be accompanied by your dog, it’s essential to find an appropriate place to stay in advance.

This is where Sidney James Mountain Lodge’s services come in! This wonderful place is one of the few pet friendly hotels in Gatlinburg TN.

With a great selection of pet-friendly rooms to choose from, stunning views, and highly professional staff, you will be more than satisfied with their services.

You can even take up to two pets as long as they are under 35 lbs.

3.     Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum

One of the countless quirky museums and exhibits in Gatlinburg, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum houses a vast collection of all sorts of salt and pepper shakers.

From retro and fun to modern and artistic, these tiny tabletop treasures showcase human creativity from around the globe.

The museum has a display of over 20,000 shakers, with each piece telling a unique story. But there’s more.

This museum also offers an interactive, hands-on experience, allowing visitors to pick up and play with the shakers.

A well-trained dog on a leash is free to join their owners at these eclectic exhibits.

4.     Ole Smoky Moonshine

Ole Smoky Moonshine is a well-known distillery known for producing moonshine, a traditional distilled spirit that was once illegal.

While your furry friends aren’t permitted to enter the distillery building, they are more than welcome to relax in the outdoor seating areas.

It’s a great place for you to unwind and enjoy moonshine tastings while your dog sits by and relaxes.

5.     Gatlinburg Dog Park

This park is located near Mynatt Park and is entirely dedicated to our canine buddies.

Dogs can frolic around without a leash, giving them a much-needed opportunity to burn -off some energy.

The park is also fully equipped with benches, agility equipment, and waste disposal stations, creating a safe and enjoyable experience for dogs and their owners.

6.     Byrd’s Famous Cookies

Byrd’s Famous Cookies dates back to the 1920s.

This adorable cookie shop has a reputation for crafting unique and delicious cookies.

It offers a range of unique flavors, such as Key Lime Cooler, Scotch Oatmeal, and Georgia Peach.

Each cookie is carefully handcrafted with the highest quality ingredients.

Customers can also create an assortment of cookies based on their favorite flavors.

Byrd’s Famous Cookies also allows dogs to accompany their owners in the outdoor seating area as long as they are leashed and well-behaved.

7.     Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

The Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a must-visit.

Situated just three miles from downtown Gatlinburg, this eight-mile loop is one of the oldest and largest independent artisans’ groups in North America.

The area has over 100 artists displaying their work.

The community displays a wide range of artistic disciplines, from pottery, woodworking, jewelry making, glassblowing, and much more.

This fairly accessible community is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The cherry on top? Most of the artisan shops are well-known for being pet-friendly as long as your furry buddy is well-behaved.

8.     Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park

This adventure park offers a vast range of adventure rides and outdoor activities, including ziplining, hiking, and waterfall tours.

Dogs may not be allowed at all attractions, but the hiking trails are open to their leisure.

You can have a memorable adventure exploring Foxfire Mountain Park with your canine friend.

9.     Tubing Adventures

Visitors can enjoy a thrilling experience tubing down the Little River in Gatlinburg.

The river’s gentle currents make it suitable for all age groups and give you a chance to take in the scenic views. 

The tubing route passes through some of the most breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, allowing you to sit back and relax.

Most tubing services provide rental tubes and other accessories to customers.

The activity is family-friendly, and if your pet is well-behaved, they might let you take it along as well.

You can also pull over at some of the stunning and picturesque spots for a couple of snaps and to store away some precious memories.

Conclusion

Before visiting any location, be sure to check the specific rules and policies of each place regarding pets, specifically dogs. Policies may vary from place to place.

Now that you have a reliable list of dog-friendly places in Gatlinburg, what are you waiting for?

Round up your luggage and your furry buddy and have the time of your lives exploring this dreamy city and everything it has to offer.