Morning: Depart Marietta, SC early and enjoy a scenic drive through the Blue Ridge foothills. Stop at the Lake Hartwell State Park for a quick stretch and a pet‑friendly walk along the shoreline.
Afternoon: Continue toward Gatlinburg, arriving by mid‑afternoon. Check into a pet‑friendly cabin near downtown, where you can settle in and let your furry companion explore the spacious yard.
Evening: Stroll the Gatlinburg Strip, where many restaurants welcome pets on their patios. Dine at Smoky Mountain Brew Works, enjoying a relaxed meal with your pet by your side.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the Gatlinburg Space Needle for panoramic views of the Smokies; pets are allowed on the outdoor observation deck. Follow up with a walk through the Gatlinburg Trail, a pet‑friendly path connecting the town to the national park.
Afternoon: Head to the Pet Friendly Pigeon Forge Outlets for a shopping break, where leashed dogs are welcome in the open‑air sections. Grab a quick bite at Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, known for its pet‑friendly patio.
Evening: Experience the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park (pets allowed on the outdoor areas) and watch the sunset over the mountains. End the night with a treat at Huck Finn's Catfish, which provides water bowls for pets.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the park’s Elkmont Campground Loop Trail, one of the few pet‑allowed trails offering historic cabins and forest scenery. Enjoy a leisurely hike with your pet, spotting wildlife from a safe distance.
Afternoon: Picnic at the Cades Cove Loop (leashed pets are permitted on the road and picnic areas). Explore the historic buildings and enjoy the open fields where pets can roam under supervision.
Evening: Return to Gatlinburg for a relaxed dinner at Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, which offers a pet‑friendly patio and live music. Conclude the trip with a calm walk along the Pet Friendly Riverwalk before packing up.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a full day to explore more of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s pet‑allowed backcountry roads, such as the Clingmans Dome Road and the Porters Creek Trail. To shorten the trip, combine Day 2 and Day 3 by focusing on the Gatlinburg Strip in the morning and a single pet‑friendly hike (e.g., the Gatlinburg Trail) in the afternoon before heading home.