07/20/2022
Howlin’ & Barkin' at the Moon are both dog friendly… look at this great program the Mountains offer for your cute pup!
Is your pup ready to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger?
If you travel to Great Smoky Mountains National Park with your dog, remember to:
B – Bag your pet’s waste and dispose of it properly
A – Always leash your pet (use a 6-foot leash or shorter)
R – Respect wildlife and other park users
K – Know where you can go with your pet
Dogs are welcome in picnic areas, in campgrounds (with a campsite reservation), along roadways and on our two pet-friendly hiking trails:
- Gatlinburg Trail (near Gatlinburg, Tennessee) – 2 miles (each way) / easy trail / trailhead access at Sugarlands Visitor Center or at traffic light #10 in Gatlinburg
- Oconaluftee River Trail (near Cherokee, North Carolina) – 1.6 miles (each way) / easy trail / trailhead access at Oconaluftee Visitor Center
Pick up a self-guided activity sheet at Sugarlands or Oconaluftee Visitor Center, then take a walk on one of the pet-friendly trails to earn your pet a Great Smoky Mountains National Park B.A.R.K. Ranger certificate!
B.A.R.K. Ranger items are available for purchase at park bookstores and online through the Great Smoky Mountains Association at https://www.smokiesinformation.org/catalogsearch/result/index/?cat=181&q=+B.A.R.K.
Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains Association.
