Time for some tail-wagging because Waynesville is one of the best dog-friendly vacation spots in Western North Carolina. Open parks, winding trails, unique stores, and tasty breweries guarantee that your four-legged friend will have just as much fun on vacation as you! Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly things to do that your pup is sure to go “mutts” over.
SMOKY MOUNTAIN DOG BAKERY
Pamper your pup with a trip to Smoky Mountain Dog Bakery located on N. Main Street in downtown Waynesville. This puppy paradise was voted one of the top ten dog bakeries in the nation for a reason: their homemade treats are made fresh every day for a delicious taste that will have your dog begging for more! Perfect for pooches big, small, old, young, and even those with dietary restrictions. After scarfing down a treat, browse the store for leashes, toys, travel accessories, and more.
THE PEPSI DOG PARK
Pepsi Dog Park is the perfect place to let your dog off their leash and get some of their energy out! Your pup will love romping around the mulched play area, and if they don’t tire themselves out too much, you can take them on the walking trail that runs through the park. Come any time from dawn to dusk to play a game of fetch with your best friend. It’s the “leashed” you could do for some bonding time with your pup.
FROG LEVEL BREWING
Press “paws” and head to Frog Level Brewing to quench your thirst with a refreshing craft beer. Dogs are allowed inside and outside here, so it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with your fur-ever friend! From fruity IPAs to dark and toasted ales, there’s something on their beer menu everyone can enjoy. Sip your cold beer as you take in the gorgeous views of Richland Creek from the back patio or taste your way through their new food menu—with your doggo right by your side.
MAST GENERAL STORE
Pardon the inter-ruff-tion, but did you know that dogs are welcome inside the Mast General Store? This place is filled to the brim with just about everything you can think of—traditional fashions, outdoor and travel gear, and much more. There are plenty of dog accessories, too, like travel bowls, leashes, and doggie backpacks. Your dog will love their trip to this historic storefront, where employees are known to pass out treats to visiting pups!
PET-FRIENDLY HIKES
Take on the great outdoors with your four-legged friend as you check out one of the scenic hiking trails nearby. Check out scenic destinations like Looking Glass Falls or the Richland Balsam Overlook. Or take in the Pink Beds Trail Loop, which is great for beginners. Just remember, when you’re traveling trails or exploring state parks, your dog must be on a leash at all times, and leashes must be under 6 feet in length. Please make sure to clean up any pet waste left behind, too!
There are so many adventures to sniff out right around here in Waynesville. Get out and enjoy the fresh mountain air with your dog and make a day of it! Share some pics of your pup with us for a chance to be featured on social. Tag us with #Waynesville or @VisitNCSmokies.
