National Forests · NC

Dogs in National Forests in North Carolina

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

The North Carolina forests, including Pisgah and Nantahala, offer hundreds of miles of mountain trail, and dogs are welcome on nearly all of it. Leash rules tighten where forest land overlaps state game lands.

Dogs are welcome on almost every trail, including routes to most waterfalls and to Max Patch, where pets must be leashed. On game lands that overlap forest land, dogs must be leashed from April 1 to August 15 and under control the rest of the year. County leash laws, such as Buncombe County's, may also apply.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs are welcome on almost every trail, including routes to most waterfalls and to Max Patch, where pets must be leashed. On game lands that overlap forest land, dogs must be leashed from April 1 to August 15 and under control the rest of the year. County leash laws, such as Buncombe County's, may also apply.

Seasonal closures

On overlapping state game lands dogs must be leashed April 1 through August 15.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forests

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to National Forests in North Carolina?

The North Carolina forests, including Pisgah and Nantahala, offer hundreds of miles of mountain trail, and dogs are welcome on nearly all of it. Leash rules tighten where forest land overlaps state game lands. Dogs are welcome on almost every trail, including routes to most waterfalls and to Max Patch, where pets must be leashed. On game lands that overlap forest land, dogs must be leashed from April 1 to August 15 and under control the rest of the year. County leash laws, such as Buncombe County's, may also apply.

What is the leash rule at National Forests in North Carolina?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at National Forests in North Carolina?

On overlapping state game lands dogs must be leashed April 1 through August 15.

Are service animals allowed at National Forests in North Carolina?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.