National dog park pet policy info.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Located in the state of North Carolina

The Great Smoky Mountains, part of the Appalachian Mountains, and flowing through North Carolina and Tennesse - span a wide range of elevations, making them home to over 400 vertebrate species, 100 tree species, and 5000 plant species. Hiking is the park's main attraction, with over 800 miles of trails, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Other activities include fishing, horseback riding, and touring nearly 80 Historic structures. Our goal is to make pet rules of the National Park easy to follow. Below are the dog and pet rules for the park. Please use them as a guide and remember to contact the park for questions you may have prior to your trip and as always, if you have a suggestion, please comment below or contact us directly.

  • Dogs are only allowed on two short walking paths—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail
  • Parking areas and along paved roads and other developed areas
  • Some campgrounds
  • Some picnic areas
  • Must be restrained or kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
  • Dogs must wear a collar with current tags at all times
  • Pick up after your dog at all times – Leave no trace

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Inside buildings (unless service animal)
  • Shuttle buses (unless service animal)
  • Trails or backcountry
  • Never leave your pet unattended or alone inside a vehicle
  • Never off leash – unless inside a vehicle, tent, dog crate or other portable kennel
  • Untagged dogs or dogs with uncurrent tags
  • Excessive barking

*Please see more details for leash info

  • Extreme range of weather
  • Extreme hot and cold weather
  • Venomous Snakes
  • Poisonous Plants
  • Spiny and prickly plants
  • Predatory animals
  • Be aware of animal traps and hunting areas
  • Swim safely, extreme water areas
  • Ticks and biting insects
  • Do not drink from waterways
  • Bring plenty of drinking water

Leash Laws: Most parks require dogs to be on a leash in some or all areas, however, some parks allow dogs off leash in certain locations, please consult the parks website before going off leash, Thank you!

  • Consult the park website before traveling all information is to be used as a guide.
  • Respect local wildlife.
  • Leave no trace – What you bring in, you bring out.
  • If you are visiting during the hottest months of the year, a “palm test” is recommended before walking your dog – place your hand on the pavement for a minute and see if it is comfortable there. If the pavement feels hot to your palm, it will be hot to your dog’s paws.

(865) 436-1200

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Website

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Camping

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Hiking

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Volunteer

We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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We do our best to keep all information current and accurate - If you see an error or think we have missed something please contact us directly.

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