Great Smoky Mountains Dog Policy

The Great Smoky Mountains are part of the Appalachian Mountains. The park covers base elevations through rising mountains, and is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. Hiking is the main attraction here, with more than 800 miles of trails. The Appalachian Trail also runs through the park. Other activities include fishing, horseback riding, and touring historic structures, including recreations of early settlements.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is somewhat dog friendly, and really barely, since you'll miss out on most of the main attractions here with a dog. Dogs are only allowed on two short trails, and prohibited on most trails. The two short trails are not nearly as nice as the best hiking trails here. However, dogs are allowed at campgrounds and on roads (including overlook parking areas).

Great Smoky Mountains also runs the BARK Ranger Program, where you can earn a special dog tag by learning and following responsible practices (see the BARK Ranger section below). Please note, the BARK ranger swag here (tag, collar, leash, collapsible bowl, sticker) are not free -- they must be purchased.

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Website

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm

Pet Policy Details

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/pets.htm

BARK Ranger

Yes ^[]

Area

816 mi²

Annual Visitors

12,095,720

Trail Policy

Dogs are not allowed on most trails at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dogs are only allowed on two short trails that start at the visitor centers on each side of the park. These trails are nice, but they're not like some of the spectacular trails that are available to hikers alone:

Gatlinburg Trail

1.9 miles each way; relatively flat with great views of the river. There is parking near the border of the park in Gatlinburg, along the entrance road, and at the visitor center. There is a section of the trail near the visitor center that is literally the small shoulder on the side of the road. The rest of the trail is nicer, but that section is around a third of a mile (see the first photo below for what that looks like).

Oconaluftee River Trail

1.5 miles each way; also somewhat flat with views of the river

Campground Policy

Dogs are allowed at front-country campgrounds while on a 6' leash.

Road Policy

Dogs are allowed along roads while on a 6' leash.

BARK Ranger

Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.