North Carolina / Tennessee · National Park

Dogs in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Limited accessLeash: 6 feet maximum, at all times.

Barely. Only two short trails allow dogs.

Just the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 mi) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 mi), plus campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads.
Photo: Kristina Plaas · NPS

Where dogs are allowed

Just the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 mi) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 mi), plus campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads.

Where dogs are banned

Every other trail in the park.

Trail by trail

Dogs OKGatlinburg TrailOne of only two dog trails
Dogs OKOconaluftee River TrailOne of only two dog trails
No dogsAlum Cave TrailNo dogs
No dogsLaurel Falls TrailNo dogs

Leash rule

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Service animals

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

Where to go instead

The surrounding Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee National Forests allow leashed dogs on most trails.

Official source
National Park Service
View the official NPS page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Park code
GRSM

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

Barely. Only two short trails allow dogs. Just the Gatlinburg Trail (1.9 mi) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (1.5 mi), plus campgrounds, picnic areas, and roads.

What is the leash rule at Great Smoky Mountains?

6 feet maximum, at all times.

Which trails allow dogs at Great Smoky Mountains?

Leashed dogs are allowed on: Gatlinburg Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail.

Where can I hike with my dog near Great Smoky Mountains?

The surrounding Pisgah, Nantahala, and Cherokee National Forests allow leashed dogs on most trails.

Are service animals allowed at Great Smoky Mountains?

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