Max Patch Loop
moderate · 1.5 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Iconic grassy bald on the AT—one of the best sunrise spots in WNC.
Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Asheville
The best dog-friendly hiking trails near Asheville, NC. All trails welcome leashed dogs with paw-friendly surfaces, water access, and pet-welcoming stops along the way.
Asheville is one of America's most dog-friendly cities, and the trails surrounding it live up to that reputation. From shaded forest paths along the French Broad River to breezy ridge walks above the clouds, we've curated trails that welcome four-legged adventurers — and paired them with dog-friendly breweries, patios, and shops to complete your perfect day.
127 Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Asheville Trails
Craggy Pinnacle Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to stunning 360° views; incredible during June blooms.
Grassy Ridge Bald
moderate · 5.1 mi · +1100 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Highest grassy bald on the Appalachian Trail with stunning 360° views.
Black Balsam Knob via Art Loeb
moderate · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Short hike to an above-treeline bald with panoramic mountain views.
Triple Falls Trail (DuPont)
moderate · 2.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 20m · Dog friendly
Visit three stunning waterfalls in DuPont State Forest.
Mount Pisgah Trail
moderate · 2.9 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Classic BRP hike to the summit with observation platform.
Catawba Falls Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Recently improved trail to a spectacular 100-foot cascade.
Hawksbill Mountain Trail
moderate · 2.1 mi · +750 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Short steep climb to the highest point in the Linville Gorge.
Rattlesnake Lodge Trail
moderate · 3.7 mi · +900 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Hike to the remains of a 1900s mountain estate with valley views.
John Rock Trail Loop
moderate · 4.8 mi · +1200 ft · ~2h 40m · Dog friendly
Challenging loop to a dramatic rock face overlook in Pisgah.
Masters Park to Haw Creek Overlook
moderate · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Short but rewarding climb through forest to a panoramic overlook.
Mountains-to-Sea Trail: Folk Art Ctr to Haw Creek
moderate · 4.8 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Scenic ridge walk along the MST with views of the Swannanoa Valley.
Beaver Lake Perimeter Trail
easy · 1.9 mi · +100 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Gentle loop around Beaver Lake in North Asheville, great for families.
Big Berea, Bull Creek & White Pine Loop
easy · 1.8 mi · +200 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
Easy loop through the Richmond Hill area with stream crossings.
Florence Nature Preserve
moderate · 3.5 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Beautiful preserve with mountain meadows and seasonal wildflowers.
Hickory Nut Falls Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.
Fryingpan Mountain Tower
easy · 1.5 mi · +400 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Short hike to a historic fire tower with incredible panoramic views.
Flat Laurel Creek Trail
easy · 5.4 mi · +200 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Gentle creekside walk through high-altitude meadows.
Elk Falls Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short path to a stunning 50-foot waterfall with swimming.
Carvers Gap to Jane Bald
moderate · 2.4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Beautiful Appalachian Trail section to a panoramic grassy bald.
Hot Springs Lover's Leap
moderate · 2.6 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Climb to a dramatic overlook above the French Broad River in Hot Springs.
Laurel Falls via Appalachian Trail
moderate · 3 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
AT section leading to a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Sleepy Gap Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Quiet forest trail along a ridgeline in the Bent Creek area.
Hardtimes Trail Loop
hard · 7.2 mi · +1400 ft · ~4h · Dog friendly
Challenging loop in Bent Creek Experimental Forest shared with mountain bikers.
Explorer Loop at Bent Creek
easy · 3.4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy loop through the Bent Creek Experimental Forest.
Pine Tree Loop
moderate · 3.2 mi · +550 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop through pine and hardwood forest with ridge views.
Owl Ridge Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Peaceful ridge trail in Bent Creek with filtered mountain views.
Small Creek Trail
easy · 2 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Gentle creekside walk in the Bent Creek area.
Wash Creek Falls
easy · 1.2 mi · +150 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short walk to a peaceful waterfall in the Bent Creek watershed.
North Slope Trail
moderate · 4.5 mi · +850 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Ridge trail in Bent Creek with seasonal views through the canopy.
Trombatore Trail
moderate · 3.6 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Wooded trail near the Biltmore Estate with gentle elevation changes.
Richmond Hill Loop
easy · 3 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy loop with views of the French Broad River near a historic inn.
Craven Gap Trail
moderate · 2.8 mi · +550 ft · ~1h 25m · Dog friendly
Section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail accessible from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
French Broad River Park Loop
easy · 2 mi · +50 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Easy riverside walk at a popular Asheville park.
Carrier Park Greenway
easy · 1.5 mi · +25 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Short paved path along the French Broad River.
Chestnut Cove Overlook Trail
easy · 1.2 mi · +200 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Easy parkway trail to a scenic overlook.
Grassy Knob Trail
moderate · 3.8 mi · +750 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Moderate ridge hike through quiet forest south of Asheville.
Potato Knob Trail
moderate · 3.4 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail to a forested knob near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Tanbark Ridge Tunnel Trail
easy · 2 mi · +300 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk near a historic parkway tunnel with forest scenery.
Potato Hill via Flat Laurel Creek
moderate · 4.8 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Scenic route to a lesser-known bald with seasonal wildflowers.
Ivestor Gap Trail
moderate · 4.2 mi · +600 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Moderate trail through the heart of the Shining Rock Wilderness.
Richland Balsam Trail
easy · 1.5 mi · +300 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Interpretive loop at the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Waterrock Knob Trail
moderate · 1.2 mi · +400 ft · ~35 min · Dog friendly
Popular sunset spot with panoramic views from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Midnight Hole via Big Creek
easy · 2.6 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy creekside walk to a stunning emerald swimming hole in the Smokies.
Mouse Creek Falls
moderate · 4 mi · +600 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Continue past Midnight Hole to reach a beautiful cascading waterfall.
Palmer Creek Trail
easy · 3.6 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Easy creekside hike in the Cataloochee Valley, great for elk spotting.
Purchase Knob Trail
easy · 3.2 mi · +350 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy meadow walk with beautiful mountain views near the Smokies boundary.
Flat Creek Trail
moderate · 5.2 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail to a scenic waterfall in the Heintooga area.
Cradle of Forestry Loop
easy · 1 mi · +100 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Educational loop at the birthplace of American forestry.
Turkey Pen Gap Trail
moderate · 5.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Creekside trail shared with equestrians in the Davidson River area.
Cat Gap Loop
moderate · 5 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Classic Pisgah loop through varied forest terrain.
Avery Creek Trail
moderate · 6 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Creekside trail passing Twin Falls in the Pisgah area.
Neals Creek Falls
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a cascading roadside waterfall.
Roaring Fork Falls
easy · 1 mi · +150 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a scenic multi-tiered waterfall.
Walker Falls
easy · 0.8 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Short roadside walk to a pretty cascading waterfall.
Crabtree Falls Trail
moderate · 2.5 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail to a beautiful waterfall near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Linville Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Multiple overlooks of the famous Linville Falls and Gorge.
High Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop past High Falls and other scenic waterfalls in Dupont.
Bridal Veil Falls at Dupont
moderate · 4.8 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Loop trail connecting multiple waterfalls in Dupont State Forest.
Hooker Falls
easy · 1 mi · +100 ft · ~20 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a broad, beautiful waterfall in Dupont.
Fawn Lake Loop at Dupont
easy · 3 mi · +200 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Gentle loop around a scenic mountain lake in Dupont.
Ridgeline Trail at Dupont
moderate · 5.6 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 45m · Dog friendly
Ridge trail with seasonal views through Dupont State Forest.
Sycamore Cove Trail
easy · 2.2 mi · +250 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Easy forest stroll in the Pisgah area near the fish hatchery.
North Mills River Trail
moderate · 8 mi · +1100 ft · ~4h 30m · Dog friendly
Long riverside trail through remote sections of Pisgah.
Fletcher Creek Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Quiet creekside trail in the heart of Pisgah National Forest.
Wash Creek Trail
moderate · 5.8 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Long backcountry creek trail with solitude and old-growth sections.
Pilot Cove Loop
moderate · 4 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Classic Pisgah loop through mixed hardwood and evergreen forest.
Panthertown Valley Loop
moderate · 6 mi · +800 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Stunning valley with granite domes and multiple waterfalls.
Schoolhouse Falls at Panthertown
moderate · 2.4 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful waterfall with a deep swimming hole.
Whiteside Mountain Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Loop trail around massive granite cliffs with spectacular views.
Silver Run Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +75 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a popular swimming waterfall near Cashiers.
Bridal Veil Falls Highlands
easy · 0.1 mi · +10 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Unique roadside waterfall you can drive behind.
Glen Falls Trail
moderate · 1.4 mi · +500 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Trail past three tiers of beautiful waterfalls near Highlands.
Turtleback Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~25 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a natural waterslide waterfall.
Chimney Rock State Park Trail
moderate · 1.5 mi · +400 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Trail system around the iconic Chimney Rock formation.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge Trail
easy · 0.5 mi · +25 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Walking garden on a historic bridge at Lake Lure.
Pump Gap Loop via Mountains-to-Sea
moderate · 3.4 mi · +650 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Convenient MST loop accessible from north Asheville.
Jerry Miller Trail
moderate · 3.8 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Forest trail to a scenic waterfall in the Big Ivy area.
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Loop
easy · 2 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Walk through one of the last remaining virgin forests in the eastern US.
Indian Creek Falls
easy · 3.6 mi · +300 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Easy creekside walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Smokies.
Juney Whank Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Very short trail to a pretty two-tiered waterfall.
Deep Creek Loop
moderate · 4.4 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular loop past three waterfalls with creek tubing in summer.
Tennent Mountain via Art Loeb
moderate · 3 mi · +800 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Ridge walk connecting multiple grassy balds with outstanding views.
Moore Cove Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Easy trail to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Daniel Ridge Falls Loop
moderate · 4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Loop trail past a beautiful 150-foot cascading waterfall.
Douglas Falls Trail
moderate · 2 mi · +400 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Moderate hike to a beautiful 70-foot waterfall in a mossy cove.
Weaverville Greenway
easy · 2.5 mi · +50 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Paved greenway through the charming town of Weaverville.
Max Patch Summit
easy · 2.4 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Iconic grassy bald with stunning 360-degree mountain views.
Buck Spring Trail
moderate · 5.8 mi · +900 ft · ~3h · Dog friendly
Historic trail once used by the Vanderbilts, through beautiful hardwood forest.
Deerfield Loop
easy · 2.8 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy loop near Lake Powhatan in the Bent Creek area.
Pinnacle Park Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +600 ft · ~1h 10m · Dog friendly
Quick climb to dramatic cliff overlook above the town of Sylva.
Town Mountain Trail
moderate · 2.4 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Convenient trail near downtown with surprising mountain views.
Reed Creek Greenway
easy · 2.2 mi · +75 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Urban greenway connecting several Asheville neighborhoods.
Bull Creek Valley Overlook
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a parkway overlook with valley views.
Pink Beds Loop Trail
easy · 5 mi · +300 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Flat loop through a rare mountain bog with abundant wildflowers.
Butter Gap Trail
moderate · 4 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Quiet forest trail in Pisgah National Forest.
Setrock Creek Falls
easy · 1.4 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a beautiful waterfall in the Black Mountains.
Wisemans View Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Short walk to a spectacular overlook of the Linville Gorge.
Dupont State Forest Triple Falls
easy · 2.4 mi · +300 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy walk to Triple Falls, famously featured in The Hunger Games.
Wintergreen Falls
easy · 1.6 mi · +200 ft · ~30 min · Dog friendly
Short trail to a cascading waterfall in Dupont State Forest.
Stone Mountain Trail at Dupont
moderate · 4.2 mi · +700 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Hike to an open granite dome with views in Dupont State Forest.
Spencer Branch Trail
moderate · 3.2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate creekside hike in the North Mills River area.
Yellow Gap Trail
moderate · 2.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Moderate trail through a mountain gap in Pisgah.
Greenland Creek Falls
moderate · 3.6 mi · +500 ft · ~1h 45m · Dog friendly
Trail to a cascading waterfall in the Panthertown Valley.
Dry Falls
easy · 0.2 mi · +50 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Short descent to a waterfall you can walk behind.
Glassmine Falls Overlook
easy · 0.2 mi · +25 ft · ~5 min · Dog friendly
Roadside overlook viewing a distant waterfall on the cliff face.
Rainbow Falls Trail Gorges
moderate · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~40 min · Dog friendly
Trail to a spectacular 150-foot waterfall in Gorges State Park.
Sandymush Bald Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +800 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Quiet trail to a grassy bald with pastoral mountain views.
Goldmine Loop Trail
moderate · 3.4 mi · +450 ft · ~1h 30m · Dog friendly
Moderate loop through forest and along creeks near Deep Creek.
Middle Prong Wilderness Trail
moderate · 5.2 mi · +700 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Backcountry trail through the Middle Prong Wilderness area.
Sam Knob Summit Trail
moderate · 2.2 mi · +700 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Beautiful hike through spruce-fir forest to a grassy bald summit.
Lane Pinnacle via Mountains-to-Sea
moderate · 4.6 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
MST section to a scenic pinnacle with filtered views.
Mount Mitchell Summit Trail
easy · 0.4 mi · +50 ft · ~10 min · Dog friendly
Short paved walk to the summit observation deck of Mount Mitchell.
Lover's Leap Trail
moderate · 1.8 mi · +450 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Short steep trail to dramatic cliff overlook above a deep gorge.
Looking Glass Rock Trail
hard · 6.5 mi · +1700 ft · ~4h · Dog friendly
Iconic Pisgah hike to a massive granite dome with jaw-dropping 360° views.
Graveyard Fields Loop
moderate · 3.2 mi · +500 ft · ~2h · Dog friendly
Popular Blue Ridge Parkway loop with two waterfalls and wildflower meadows.
Skinny Dip Falls
easy · 1 mi · +200 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
A family-friendly cascade with natural swimming holes tucked in the forest.
John Rock Trail
hard · 5.2 mi · +1400 ft · ~3h 30m · Dog friendly
Challenging Pisgah classic ending at a dramatic rock face overlooking Looking Glass.
Black Balsam Knob
easy · 1.5 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Short but spectacular hike to one of the highest points on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Catawba Falls
easy · 1.5 mi · +260 ft · ~50 min · Dog friendly
A scenic walk through forest leading to a stunning two-tiered waterfall.
Craggy Gardens Trail
easy · 1.4 mi · +350 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Stunning panoramic views of the Blue Ridge from a flower-lined ridge walk.
Laurel River Trail
moderate · 5 mi · +600 ft · ~2h 30m · Dog friendly
Riverside trail through old-growth forest, popular with anglers.
Bearwallow Mountain
easy · 2 mi · +500 ft · ~1h · Dog friendly
Easy walk to a grassy bald with 360-degree views and friendly cows.
Cedar Rock Trail
moderate · 4.4 mi · +900 ft · ~2h 15m · Dog friendly
Hike to an open granite slab with sweeping views of Pisgah National Forest.
Courthouse Falls
easy · 0.6 mi · +100 ft · ~15 min · Dog friendly
Very short walk to a gorgeous secluded waterfall.
Bent Creek Gap Trail
easy · 3 mi · +400 ft · ~1h 15m · Dog friendly
Gentle trail through hardwood forest along a bubbling creek.
Hominy Creek Greenway
easy · 2.4 mi · +100 ft · ~45 min · Dog friendly
Paved greenway perfect for families and dog walkers along Hominy Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there off-leash areas for dogs near Asheville?
Most trail land in Pisgah NF and state parks requires leashes. For off-leash play, Carrier Park Dog Park and French Broad River Park in Asheville offer fenced areas. Always check signage on arrival.
What dog-friendly breweries are near Asheville trailheads?
Asheville is 'Beer City USA' with 50+ craft breweries — and many welcome dogs on outdoor patios. New Belgium, Sierra Nevada's Asheville location, and Wicked Weed's Funkatorium are all popular post-hike stops with dog-friendly outdoor seating.
How do I protect my dog's paws on Asheville trails?
Rocky and rooted trails can wear down paw pads. Carry booties for extended hikes on granite, bring a collapsible water bowl, and check for trail-side streams where your dog can cool off. Trails with creeks are noted in our trail cards.