PLAY

Sevierville’s PetSafe Unleashed Dog Park is the best place to stretch four legs after a long ride in the car. In addition to grass and trees, dogs can freely run up and down hills, sniff and explore sunny and shaded areas, test their agility on ramps, tubes and other playground obstacles, plus quench thirst at the doggie water fountain. Humans typically appreciate the provided disposal bags, benches to sit a spell, observation cameras, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The two of you might enjoy a stroll along the walking trail. (Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through October and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. November through March.)

@thegoodbeasley

@nationalparkpaws, @pisgahthedoodle

If you and your dog love hiking, two trails inside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park allow dogs on a leash. The Gatlinburg Trail is a pleasant, relatively flat route that starts at the Sugarlands Visitor Center and meanders 1.9 miles to Downtown Gatlinburg. Along the way you and your dog will see the remains of old cabins, cross a foot bridge, and pass several access points along the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River. Oconaluftee River Trail is an enjoyable route with a few small hills. It starts at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and weaves 1.5 miles to the edge of Cherokee, N.C. While walking through the forest, you and your dog can enjoy beautiful views of the Oconaluftee River.

In Downtown Sevierville you and your dog can walk together at Burchfiel Grove and Arboretum. The dog-friendly paved path is part of the city’s Memorial Greenway system. It stretches 2.22 miles along the banks of the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River; when walking south enjoy the view of Mount LeConte and the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains straight ahead. Along the way, you and your dog can discover 73 different species of trees, all identified by signs (so you can learn as you go and maybe even pick up some landscaping ideas).

Southern Comfort Photography

@lakelyn.the.doodle

Dig shopping? Head to the Great Smokies Flea Market — while dogs and fleas aren’t typically something you’d want to intentionally bring together, Tennessee’s most visited flea market is one big exception. Leashed dogs are welcome companions as you browse the goods available from the more than 1,000 vendors. The array of products available is mind-boggling, with items big and small that range from hardware to clothing, pet supplies to fresh local produce, furniture to trinkets, designer brands to second-hand supplies, and more. New items are continually added to the enormous selection and deals abound. Open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sniff out more bargains at Tanger Outlets Sevierville, the largest authentic outlet center in the state of Tennessee. The open-air mall is home to nearly 100 brand-name stores that sell designer clothing, shoes, accessories and more at discount prices of up to 70% off retail. You can even sweeten the deals: Join TangerClub for a one-time $10 fee and you’ll have access to free gifts, shopping rewards, and other surprises. Well-mannered, leashed dogs are allowed in the common areas; individual stores’ policies vary. (Open daily except Christmas Day.)

@aiobhcliodhna

@max_a_0913

EAT

Leashed dogs are welcome to accompany their people on the outdoor patios at these Sevierville restaurants…

Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant & Grill serves hearty country favorites like fried chicken, sugar-cured ham, grilled catfish and other traditional favorites. Surrounded by orchards, the casual eatery is located in the heart of Sevierville and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Hard Rock Café Pigeon Forge, located on the Parkway, has a high-energy vibe and welcomes pups (and their owners) to dine alfresco on their wrap around patio. Enjoy a burger and drink while your furry friend laps water from pet-friendly bowls and snacks on treats. The menu offers burgers, ribs, apps, desserts and more plus a full bar.

Chop House is known for delicious steaks and seafood, but also offer a variety of sandwiches, salads, and burgers for lunch and dinner. The Chop House is located in the center of Tanger Outlets Sevierville, so their outdoor patio is a great place to spend warm days dining with your dog after checking out the mall.

STAY

Check into one of the dog-friendly cabins at Hidden Mountain Resort to feel right at home. Each mountainside cabin at this family-operated retreat boasts breathtaking views. You and your dog might relax in front of the fireplace, gaze at peaks from the rocking chair front porch, or breathe deep the refreshing mountain air from the secluded back deck—you might even slip into the private hot tub while your dog patiently stands guard over the towels.

Two Rivers Landing RV Resort, a new luxury RV Resort near the French Broad River, welcomes friendly, well-mannered dogs. The resort offers 25 riverfront and 30 river-view sites with full hookups, free Wi-Fi and cable TV, swimming pool, playground, and other amenities. You and your dog might stroll the grounds to appreciate the landscaping and mountain views. Or relax with your feet tucked under your best friend while surfing the web via Wi-Fi or watching cable TV, both free. Several other campgrounds also allow quiet, leashed dogs, including Buddy Bear in the Smokies RV Campground, The Ridge Outdoor Resort, Ripplin Waters Campground, and River Plantation RV Resort.

Several national chain hotels also welcome dogs and the people who love them, including Econo Lodge Sevierville, Quality Inn & Suites River Suites, Baymont Inn & Suites Sevierville Pigeon Forge, and Sleep Inn Sevierville.

@chester.adventures

@Doggywood-Cottages

CARE

Some attractions don’t allow dogs, and while exploring this Visit Sevierville website to plan your vacation itinerary you’re bound to discover some that you simply can’t pass up—like a helicopter tour, trampoline park, zip-line course, and distillery, to name just a few possibilities. In such cases, you can board your dog for a few hours or the day…

The Wag Social is Sevierville’s newest luxury dog boarding, grooming and day camp facility. Your pup can have a vacation of their own in your choice of 3 types of overnight rental units- The Dens, The Suites, and the XL Suites. Doggy Day Camp is also available for both half day or full day. Separate spaces, equipped with toys and obstacles, have been created for small, medium and large dogs. For the ultimate pampered experience, a variety of grooming services are offered.

Smoky Dog Lodge is a supervised doggy daycare facility that groups dogs by size and temperament (with rates starting at $27 for one day). All dogs enjoy time to play, rest, snack and get quality attention from humans.

If you’re headed to Dollywood or Dollywood’s Splash Country in neighboring Pigeon Forge, your furry friend can spend the day at Doggywood in a kennel run or cottage (with rates starting from $25 per day). While you brave roller coasters, enjoy live musical entertainment, watch master crafters at work, see a birds of prey show, and/or take advantage of all the amusement parks offerings, you can rest assured your pooch will be properly pampered. Want to see more pups in the Smokies? Check out this paw-ty Doggywood staff threw for one of their longtime guests.

TRAIN

Looking for a way to enrich life for both you and your doggy? Why not let your pup have a working vacation? Sign up for high-quality training with Rocky Top K-9. Day training camps (5 day minimum) and week-long boarding and training sessions offer a unique opportunity for your pet to have fun and gain new skills.