Dog-Friendly
Asheville Guide
Your complete guide to exploring Asheville with your furry best friend. Discover 175+ pet-friendly restaurants, dog-welcoming breweries, scenic trails, and off-leash parks in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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Asheville Dog Training Programs
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Basic Obedience Training
4-week program: come, sit, place, heel, down, break, off. E-collar & leash included.
- 7 guaranteed commands
- E-collar + 20ft leash included
- All breeds & ages
2-Week Board & Train
Total immersion! 14 days with a certified trainer. Daily photo updates, GPS tracking, before/after video.
- Daily Google Photos updates
- GPS tracking every outing
- 2-hr owner turnover session
- Lifetime free support
Puppy Training
Foundation obedience & socialization for puppies under 5 months. AKC S.T.A.R. program available.
- House training guidance
- AKC S.T.A.R. certified
- Critical socialization window
Aggressive Dog Training
Specialized program for aggression, reactivity & anxiety. Systematic desensitization with proven results.
- Aggression + anxiety management
- Board & Train option: $3,500
- Evaluation required
Service & Therapy Dog
CGC certification prep, therapy dog testing, psychiatric/PTSD response & mobility support training.
- Therapy dog certification
- PTSD response training
- Mobility support
In-Home Dog Training
Same proven program delivered at your home! Basic ($850) or Basic + Advanced ($1,400). Within 20 mi of Asheville.
- Training at your home
- Within 20 miles of AVL
- Basic + Advanced options
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Asheville Dog Owner Resources
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Dog-Friendly Asheville Guide 2026
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Dog-Friendly Stores in Asheville
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Welcome to Dog City USA
Asheville, North Carolina has earned its reputation as one of America's most dog-friendly destinations. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this vibrant city welcomes four-legged visitors with open arms, dog menus at restaurants, and even craft "dog ales" at local breweries.
Whether you're a local looking for new adventures with your pup or visiting from out of town, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Asheville with your canine companion.
Key Takeaways
- Dogs are allowed on all Blue Ridge Parkway trails when leashed
- Many breweries welcome dogs inside their taprooms, not just patios
- Several restaurants offer special dog menus including Twisted Laurel and Posana
- Biltmore Estate allows leashed dogs on 22 miles of trails
- Dogs are NOT allowed on most Great Smoky Mountains trails
Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas
Hurricane Helene Update (January 2026)
French Broad River Park and Azalea Road Dog Park remain closed for repairs following September 2024 flood damage. The City of Asheville has opened a temporary dog park at Riverbend Park (100 Bleachery Blvd) until permanent parks reopen.
Asheville offers several options for letting your pup run off-leash. While the city's main dog parks are being rebuilt, there are still great spots for socialization and exercise.
Riverbend Dog Park
Temporary Pop-Up ParkA temporary solution featuring separate areas for large and small dogs. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM while the city rebuilds permanent facilities.
100 Bleachery Blvd, East Asheville
Wagbar
Dog Park + BarA unique concept blending an off-leash dog park with a social bar. Membership-based with various affordable options for access to spacious play areas.
320 Merrimon Avenue, Weaverville
Sweeten Creek Brewing Dog Park
Private Brewery ParkAn 8,000 sq ft private dog park at Sweeten Creek Brewing. Dogs are also welcome in the taproom. Features beach volleyball and Bear's BBQ on-site.
1127 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville
Biltmore Estate
Estate GroundsOver 8,000 acres of gardens, trails, and open spaces. Dogs must be leashed but can explore 22 miles of trails. Outdoor cafes have dog-friendly seating areas.
1 Lodge St, Asheville
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Asheville boasts over 175 restaurants that welcome dogs on their outdoor patios. Some even go above and beyond with dedicated dog menus. Here are our top picks for dining with your pup.
Twisted Laurel
Mediterranean & ItalianFamous for its dog menu featuring grilled chicken breast with grains, Brasstown Doggie Beefloaf, and bacon soy doggie ice cream treats. Spacious patio seating downtown.
Downtown Asheville
Posana
Farm-to-TableUpscale farm-to-table dining with outdoor tables overlooking Historic Pack Square. Serves a dedicated dog menu with organic, sustainable, and local ingredients.
Pack Square, Downtown
Sunny Point Cafe
Breakfast & LunchPopular West Asheville breakfast spot known for farm-to-table food. The outdoor patio backs up against a beautiful mural and welcomes well-behaved dogs.
West Asheville
12 Bones Smokehouse
BBQ & SmokehouseFamous for slow-smoked meats and legendary sides. Outdoor seating area welcomes dogs. A favorite among locals and visitors alike.
River Arts District
Pack's Tavern
American PubEnclosed patio that's heated in cooler months with fans for warmer weather. Features deviled eggs, tavern pretzels with beer cheese, wings, and pizza.
Downtown Asheville
The Hop Ice Cream Cafe
Ice CreamLocal ice cream shop serving special puppy ice cream treats! Locations in North and West Asheville. Perfect post-walk treat for your pup.
North & West Asheville
Dog-Friendly Breweries
Asheville's "Beer City USA" title blends perfectly with its "Dog City USA" reputation. Many breweries welcome dogs not just on patios, but inside their taprooms too!
Catawba Brewing Company
Craft BreweryAsheville's oldest brewery with a giant indoor space that's fully dog-friendly. Still offering their famous Gaelic Ale—Asheville's first craft beer.
South Slope, Downtown
One World Brewing
Craft BreweryA speakeasy-vibe basement brewery in a downtown building. Small, intimate taproom that's completely dog-friendly inside and out.
Downtown Asheville
Highland Brewing
Craft BreweryAsheville's original craft brewery with a gorgeous beer garden called The Meadow. The rooftop is also dog-friendly. Regular food trucks and events.
12 Old Charlotte Hwy
Burial Beer Co.
Craft BreweryHuge, funky outdoor area with old cars-turned-tables for photo ops. Known for IPAs and pales. Salt & Smoke food window on-site.
South Slope
Urban Orchard Cider
Cider HouseAward-winning ciders in multiple taproom locations. The South Slope location is a favorite among dog owners. All ciders are crisp and delicious!
South Slope & West Asheville
DSSOLVR
Craft BreweryAsheville's funkiest brewery with surreal vibes and incredible beers. Taproom and patio are both dog-friendly. A must-visit for unique experiences.
Downtown Asheville
Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails
With over 100 miles of pet-friendly trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in surrounding national forests, Asheville is a hiker's paradise. Dogs must be leashed on all trails.
Great Smoky Mountains Note
Dogs are NOT allowed on most trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The only exceptions are the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail. Plan accordingly!
Craggy Pinnacle Trail
ModerateStunning 180-degree views from the summit, hiking through beautiful rhododendron. Temperatures are 10-20 degrees cooler than Asheville—ideal for summer hikes with your pup.
Perfect for photos with your pupCatawba Falls
Easy-ModerateOne of the easiest trails to reach, just 3 miles from I-40. Features wading pools along the way so dogs can cool off. Ends at a spectacular 100-ft waterfall.
Dogs love the creek swimming!Graveyard Fields Loop
EasyDogs can splash in cool creeks and swim below two waterfalls. A relatively flat, easy loop perfect for dogs of all energy levels.
Two waterfalls on one hikeMount Pisgah
StrenuousRocky and challenging summit hike with incredible long-range views of the Great Smokies, Asheville, and Mount Mitchell. Best for athletic dogs.
360-degree summit viewsDuPont State Forest
VariesOver 10,000 acres with waterfalls, mountain tops, lakes, and the French Broad River. Choose your own adventure with trails for every skill level.
Featured in Hunger GamesFrench Broad River Greenway
EasyA paved trail perfect for leisurely strolls along the French Broad River. Great for older dogs or quick city walks with beautiful river views.
Perfect for all agesPet-Friendly Hotels & Lodging
From boutique downtown hotels to mountain cabins, Asheville offers fantastic pet-friendly accommodations. No more compromising charm for your furry companion!
Kimpton Hotel Arras
Boutique HotelAny pets, any breed, any weight, any species—at no extra cost! Centrally located downtown with dog-friendly restaurants within walking distance.
7 Patton Ave, Downtown
Aloft Asheville Downtown
Modern HotelModern hotel known for exceptional dog-friendliness. The Asheville location goes above and beyond with pet perks and a prime downtown location.
Downtown Asheville
The Omni Grove Park Inn
Historic ResortA truly one-of-a-kind historic property built in 1913. Fully dog-friendly with stunning mountain views. Perfect for watching the sunset with your pup.
290 Macon Ave
The Black Walnut Inn
Bed & BreakfastHistoric bed and breakfast in the Montford Historic District. Dogs allowed in certain rooms with no extra deposits or fees.
288 Montford Ave
4 Paws Kingdom Campground
Dog-Dedicated CampingThe first and only dog-dedicated campground! Features fenced swimming pond, off-leash play areas, agility park, and doggie bathhouse.
Near Rutherfordton (Adults 18+ only)
Make Every Outing an Adventure
A well-trained dog means stress-free exploration of everything Asheville has to offer. Off Leash K9 Training Asheville specializes in creating reliable off-leash obedience so you and your pup can enjoy Dog City USA to the fullest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Asheville is officially known as Dog City USA and is one of the most dog-friendly cities in America. The city offers numerous dog parks, over 175 pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor seating, dog-welcoming breweries (many allow dogs inside!), and hundreds of miles of dog-friendly hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway and in surrounding national forests.
The top dog parks in Asheville include Riverbend Dog Park (temporary pop-up at 100 Bleachery Blvd), Wagbar in Weaverville (a unique dog park/bar hybrid), Sweeten Creek Brewing's 8,000 sq ft private dog park, and the Biltmore Estate grounds (22 miles of leashed trails). Note: French Broad River Park and Azalea Road Dog Park remain closed for repairs following Hurricane Helene damage in September 2024.
Several Asheville breweries welcome dogs inside their taprooms, including Catawba Brewing Company, One World Brewing, DSSOLVR, Urban Orchard Cider, and Sweeten Creek Brewing. Many others like Burial Beer Co., Highland Brewing, Green Man Brewery, and French Broad River Brewery welcome dogs on their patios and outdoor areas.
Yes, dogs are allowed on all Blue Ridge Parkway trails as long as they are kept on a leash (6 feet or shorter) and owners clean up after them. Popular dog-friendly trails include Craggy Pinnacle Trail, Graveyard Fields Loop, and trails at Mount Pisgah. The parkway is a great place for dogs to enjoy fresh mountain air!
Dogs are very limited in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, along roads, and on two short walking paths: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Dogs are NOT permitted on any other park trails. For hiking with your dog, stick to the Blue Ridge Parkway trails, Pisgah National Forest, or DuPont State Forest instead.
Several Asheville restaurants offer special dog menus including Twisted Laurel (grilled chicken with grains, Brasstown Doggie Beefloaf, bacon soy doggie ice cream), Posana (dog-specific dishes served on their outdoor patio overlooking Pack Square), and The Hop Ice Cream Cafe which serves special puppy ice cream treats at their North and West Asheville locations.