Downtown's bustling streets are constantly alive with the sounds of live music and the fragrances of culinary traditions. With so many hiking paths and lovely wildflower meadows to explore, the breathtaking mountain backdrop serves more than just aesthetic purposes. It is also known as one of the dog-friendliest cities in America!
Top Seven Dog-Friendly Summer Activities in Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina is a great destination for dog-friendly summer activities. Dogs are welcome almost everywhere in the Land of the Sky, but out of all of them, here are some of our favorite pet-friendly spots in Asheville that are just too good to keep to ourselves.
1. Hiking
Hiking lovers will find Asheville to be a haven. You and your dog could easily spend weeks meandering around the Blue Ridge Mountains and making up your own adventures with the more than 1,600 miles of trails available. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash and pack plenty of water and snacks for both of you. Here are a few of our favorites:
Big Butt Trail:
One of the best dog-friendly walks in Asheville is this high-elevation hike, which is also a fantastic way to explore the surrounding Pisgah National Forest.
Just 45 minutes west of Asheville, the Big Butt Trail takes hikers on an amazing 4.8-mile roundtrip excursion through some of the area's most lush spruce forests.
I only advise this outing for seasoned hikers and their dogs because it can be a little taxing. I'm sure you'll enjoy this path if you have a reasonable amount of endurance.
Bearwallow Mountain Trail:
The scenic Bearwallow Mountain Trail is a favorite. It's a short, 1.7-mile loop that's close to town, making it perfect for a quick outing that guarantees you'll return in time for dinner at one of Asheville's fantastic restaurants.
You have a choice of two trails at the trailhead: a mile-long one to the right or a somewhat shorter gravel road to the left. While the gravel road is better suited to children and inexperienced hikers, the trail is great for those seeking a little bit of a challenge on the climb up.
You'll be greeted at the summit with breathtaking views of an open garden meadow, wildflower fields, the ruins of an old apple orchard, and beautiful mountains rising into the sky.
2. The Biltmore Estate
This magnificent 250-room mansion, America's largest home, is Asheville's crown gem.
The Biltmore Estate, a hideaway for George Vanderbilt and his family in the late 1800s, is reminiscent of the opulent castles in Great Britain and France. A historical event that won't soon be forgotten, the architectural wonder today draws thousands of visitors each year.
There are plenty of sights for your fur baby to view on the estate's expansive grounds, including 250 acres of exquisitely maintained gardens, even though pets are not permitted inside the mansion. The Biltmore Estate is expanded by Antler Hill Village, which offers more areas to explore and dining options that welcome pets.
Get discounted tickets when you use the code in this link!
3. Dog Parks
Asheville has several dog parks where you can let your pup run off-leash and socialize with other dogs. Some of the most popular parks include:
- French Broad River Dog Park
- Azalea Road Dog Park
- Asheville Dog Park at Memorial Stadium
- West End Paw Park
4. French Broad River Greenway West Loop
Take a leisurely stroll with your dog along the French Broad River, which runs through Asheville. The French Broad River Greenway West Loop is a paved trail that's perfect for a summertime walk, and there are plenty of spots where you and your dog can take a break and enjoy the view.
5. Asheville Urban Trail
The Asheville Urban Trail is a 1.7-mile walking tour of the city's downtown area, featuring 30 stops that highlight the city's history and culture. Dogs are welcome on the trail as long as they are on a leash.
6. Wedge Brewing Company
Located in the center of the River Arts District, serves as a meeting place where individuals from all walks of life can mingle and form connections over a tasty pint of freshly-brewed craft beer. You may choose from more than 20 delicious beer options! They are renowned for being the preferred location for some of Asheville's most well-liked food trucks.
Take a seat on the patio's dog-friendly area to eat your meal, mingle with the neighborhood residents, and drink your beer.
7. Three Dog Bakery
The first fully operational bakery in the world that caters just to pups. They provide a huge selection of recently baked snacks that will make your dog salivate as soon as they step through the door. Only the finest ingredients and nutritious human foods are used to make each of their delicacies. Yum!
No matter what activity you choose, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for both you and your furry friend, and always clean up after your dog to keep Asheville beautiful for everyone to enjoy.
Barkwells
At Barkells, we create happy vacation memories for dogs with people who love them by providing exceptional vacation accommodations, fun, and freedom for dogs and their families. That means more to us than just allowing pets to stay in the room with you.
We have properties in both Asheville and Brevard. Both areas are the perfect home base for a western North Carolina adventure.
Asheville and Brevard Dog-Friendly Accommodations
Barkwells is a small, peaceful community of vacation guest homes specifically designed as a destination for like-minded dog lovers, close to all the fun yet far away from every day. Our values include the following:
- Safe, secure space for pets and people.
- Comfort and cleanliness for pets and people.
- Environmentally responsible practices.
- Protecting and enhancing natural beauty.
Amenities at both our properties include:
- High-speed Internet
- Onsite professional staff
- Fully fenced property with 5-6 foot perimeter fence
- Parking at your door
- Verdant landscaping and gardens
- Acres of fully fenced meadows to roam
- Large pond with bass, brim, catfish
- Beautiful views
- Hammocks in season
Amenities at Our Asheville Property
Some of what you’ll find that is unique to our Asheville property include:
- Paddle boat
- Large gathering porch at the office/barn
- Commercial dog wash (hot water, shampoo, and towels)
- Picnic tables and buffet table
- Campfire ring with firewood
- McDowell creek frontage
- Dog memorial garden
Amenities at Our Brevard Property
Some of what you’ll find that is unique to our Brevard property include:
- Multi-level waterfalls
- Footbridge
- Little River frontage
- Ass-tounding miniature donkeys: PrincAss Leia, Assley Judd & Neil DeGrAsse Tyson (the Ass-trophysicist)
- Resident dogs: Fisher (lab/border collie mix) & Buster (cairn terrier/boxer mix)
Book Your Dog-Friendly Vacation in Asheville Today
If you are ready to book your memorable vacation with your dog, we would love to answer your questions and tell you more about how you and your dog(s) will be a welcomed guest. Contact us for more information, or reserve your place now on our website!
