Asheville, North Carolina, is often considered an ideal and beautiful place to go hiking with your dog for several reasons:

• Scenic Natural Beauty: Asheville is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking scenery and lush landscapes. The area is rich in diverse flora and fauna, making hiking an immersive experience for both humans and dogs.
• Extensive Trail System: The region boasts an extensive network of hiking trails, catering to various skill levels and preferences. From easy, leisurely walks to challenging mountain climbs, you can find a trail suitable for you and your dog's capabilities.
• Dog-Friendly Environment: Asheville is known for its dog-friendly culture. Many hiking trails and outdoor spaces in the area welcome well-behaved dogs on leashes, allowing them to enjoy the adventure alongside their owners.
• Moderate Climate: The climate in Asheville is generally mild, making it an appealing destination for year-round hiking. During the warmer months, the higher elevation provides a cooler escape from the heat found in surrounding areas.
• Water Features: Many of the hiking trails in the Asheville area include access to creeks, waterfalls, and other water features, providing dogs with opportunities to cool off and play in the water.
• Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Asheville has a wide range of pet-friendly accommodations, including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds, allowing you to plan a multi-day hiking trip with your furry friend.
• Vibrant Outdoor Community: Asheville is home to a vibrant outdoor community, and you'll find many like-minded hikers and dog owners on the trails. This sense of camaraderie can enhance the overall experience and provide valuable tips for dog-friendly activities in the area.
• Biltmore Estate Grounds: The Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, offers extensive and dog-friendly grounds for hiking and exploration. You and your dog can enjoy the beautiful gardens and vast open spaces while taking in the grandeur of the historic estate.
• Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries: After a long day of hiking, you can relax at one of Asheville's many pet-friendly restaurants or breweries, where your dog can join you on outdoor patios.
• Responsible Dog Ownership: Asheville's residents generally take responsible dog ownership seriously, ensuring a positive experience for all hikers by keeping their pets leashed and cleaning up after them.

Overall, Asheville's combination of natural beauty, dog-friendly amenities, and a welcoming outdoor community makes it an exceptional destination for hiking with your furry companion. Just remember to follow the local guidelines, keep your dog on a leash where required, and respect the environment and other hikers on the trails.

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Barkwells

Asheville, NC, and its surrounding areas offer numerous dog-friendly hiking trails where you can explore the beautiful landscapes with your furry friend. Here are some popular dog-friendly hikes in and around Asheville:

• Carrier Park: While not a traditional hiking trail, Carrier Park offers a scenic walking path along the French Broad River. It's a great place for an easy stroll with your dog, and there's even an off-leash dog park where your pup can socialize and play with other dogs.
• Bent Creek Experimental Forest: This area offers a variety of trails suitable for different skill levels. The Lower Sidehill Trail and Hard Times Road Trail are dog-friendly paths that provide a pleasant and relatively easy hike.
• Warren Wilson College Trails: The Warren Wilson College Trail system is dog-friendly and offers several miles of well-marked paths through forests and meadows.
• Blue Ridge Parkway Trails: The Blue Ridge Parkway, just outside Asheville, provides access to many dog-friendly hiking opportunities. Some popular trails include the Craggy Gardens Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop, and the Cascades Trail.
• DuPont State Forest: Though about an hour's drive from Asheville, DuPont State Forest is worth the trip. Dogs are allowed on many of the trails, including the popular Hooker Falls Trail and Triple Falls Trail.
• Pisgah National Forest: With its vast wilderness and countless trails, Pisgah National Forest has plenty of dog-friendly options. The Looking Glass Rock Trail and the Craven Gap Trail are two good choices for you and your dog.
• Chimney Rock State Park: Dogs are welcome on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail in Chimney Rock State Park, which leads to the stunning 404-foot-tall Hickory Nut Falls.
• Catawba Falls Trail: Located in Old Fort, NC, this moderate hike takes you to a beautiful 100-foot waterfall. It's a great spot to explore with your pup.

Barkwells Dog-Friendly Excursion Western North Carolina

If you want to hike with your dog in the Asheville area, we would love to have you stay at one of our Barkwells locations. 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.

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!