Gatlinburg Trail

Dogs on a leash all year

One of only two Smokies trails open to dogs. Follows the river from Gatlinburg to Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Pets. Checked October 28, 2026.

Route shown on the map: about 2.2 km of trail as mapped in OpenStreetMap. Trails can include side paths, so check the park map for the walk you plan.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park: the rule in full

Only two trails allow leashed pets: the Gatlinburg Trail (Tennessee) and the Oconaluftee River Trail (North Carolina). Pets are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads on a 6-foot leash, but not on any other trail.