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Buffalo Creek Vacations
Specializing in luxury cabin and caboose (yes, caboose) rentals, Buffalo Creek Vacations offers Great Smoky Mountains stays in style. With accommodations of all sizes that sleep anywhere from 2 to 14, these vacation rentals are all pet-friendly and serve as a perfect home base for your weekend in NC's Great Smoky Mountains.
Graveyard Fields
Few drives match the sweeping mountain views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, where scenic overlooks and short trails make it easy to stop and explore with a dog. Popular viewpoints nearby include Devil’s Courthouse, Looking Glass Rock Overlook and Graveyard Fields, each offering a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy a picnic surrounded by mountain scenery.
The Hub & Pisgah Tavern
Located at the entrance to Pisgah National Forest, The Hub & Pisgah Tavern is a favorite gathering place for hikers, cyclists and outdoor explorers. The patio welcomes dogs and offers a comfortable place to unwind after a day on the trails.
Rolling Thunder River Company
Start the day on the water with Rolling Thunder River Company, which offers rafting and paddling trips along the Nantahala River. Select tours allow dogs to join the ride, making it possible to experience the river together.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Spend the afternoon at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, the largest outdoor recreation company in the country. Visitors can explore riverside trails, browse gear shops or relax along the Nantahala River while watching paddlers navigate the rapids.
Mason Mountain Gem Mine
In nearby Franklin, Mason Mountain Gem Mine invites visitors to try their luck mining for gemstones or gold. It’s a relaxed outdoor activity and a fun change of pace from hiking and rafting.
Lazy Hiker Brewing Company
Located in a restored 1880s town hall in downtown Franklin, Lazy Hiker Brewing Company is a relaxed stop after a morning of river adventures or gem mining. The spacious outdoor patio welcomes dogs, and rotating food trucks serve up burgers, tacos and other casual bites that pair well with the brewery’s craft beers.
Visit Outdoor NC for more pet-friendly adventures and tips on traveling with dogs.
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Your Trip at a Glance
Stop 1
Buffalo Creek Vacations
Stop 2
Graveyard Fields
Stop 3
The Hub & Pisgah Tavern
Stop 4
Rolling Thunder River Company
Stop 5
Nantahala Outdoor Center
Stop 6
Mason Mountain Gem Mine
Stop 7