Dogs & pets
Dogs in Great Smoky Mountains: where they can go
Last verified A few trails6 ft leash max
Yes, but only in a few places. Leashed pets are welcome only in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads and on two trails (Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River); all other trails and the backcountry are off-limits.
Where pets are allowed
Trails
- • Gatlinburg Trail
- • Oconaluftee River Trail
Areas
- • Frontcountry campgrounds
- • Picnic areas
- • Along roadways
- • Gatlinburg Trail
- • Oconaluftee River Trail
Off-limits
- • The backcountry
- • Most trails and many areas (only the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail permit leashed pets)
Backcountry: no pets
Rules & services
- Leash
- 6 ft or shorter, at all times
- Kennels
- Not mentioned
- B.A.R.K. Ranger
- Principles listed; no program described
- Service animals
- Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go; service animals in training and emotional support animals must follow pet regulations.
In the park's own words
What Great Smoky Mountains says about pets
Sentences quoted from the park’s nps.gov pets page, last updated August 17, 2026, captured 2026-10-05.
“Pets are welcome in campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads , but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.” nps.gov
“Great Smoky Mountains National Park has prohibited dogs in the backcountry since the park was first established in the 1930s” nps.gov
“Only two trails permit leashed pets: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.” nps.gov
“On two dog-friendly trails—the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail” nps.gov
“Pets are welcome: In frontcountry campgrounds In picnic areas Along roadways” nps.gov
“Service dogs are legally permitted anywhere that visitors can go.” nps.gov
Worth knowing
- Page does not mention kennels or a B.A.R.K. Ranger program.
- Page points to nearby national forests and recreation areas for hiking with pets.
How we read the rules
Every statement on this page was taken from the park’s own pets page on nps.gov and the quoted sentences are re-checked against our saved copy of that page each time the site is built. Parks change pet rules for wildlife, heat and trail conditions, and superintendents can close areas at short notice, so treat the park’s pets page and the ranger at the entrance as the final word. Service animals are covered by different rules. Compare all 63 parks.
Sources · 2
- 1.Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Pets (nps.gov), last updated August 17, 2026 · National Park Service
- 2.Pets pages of each park on nps.gov (62 park units), read and quoted · National Park Service (U.S. Department of the Interior)
FAQ
Great Smoky Mountains pet questions
- Are dogs allowed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park?
- Leashed pets are welcome only in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads and on two trails (Gatlinburg and Oconaluftee River); all other trails and the backcountry are off-limits. Leashes must be 6 feet or shorter. (From the park's nps.gov pets page, updated August 17, 2026.)
- Can dogs go on trails in Great Smoky Mountains?
- Only on Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. All other trails are off-limits to pets.
- Can I take my dog backpacking in Great Smoky Mountains?
- No. Pets are not allowed in Great Smoky Mountains's backcountry.
- Does Great Smoky Mountains have a B.A.R.K. Ranger program?
- The park's pets page repeats the B.A.R.K. principles but does not describe a tag program; ask at the visitor center.
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