Your Comprehensive, Pet-Friendly Guide to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
For generations, families and friend groups have been making their way to the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas in the Great Smoky Mountains for relaxation and fun. While there are many attractions, activities and more to explore in this naturally beautiful area, there are even many options that welcome along your four-legged, furry, family members.
Below, you will find a comprehensive guide brought to you by the experts at Mountain Laurel Chalets on all things related to bringing your dog along when you visit this area:
Where to Stay That Will Welcome Your Furry Friend
One of the most important decisions you need to make when planning your next trip to the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge area, with your dog, is where to stay. Obviously, there are many hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and more that are available.
However, not nearly as many of them allow pets. The following are three ideal properties to book if you want to bring along Fido:
Cliffhanger
This three-bedroom, three-bathroom cabin is located near Gatlinburg’s entertaining downtown. Cliffhanger is also part of the Ober Mountain Resort and within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Notable features of this property include a Bluetooth speaker system as well as multiple decks that provide a variety of outside dining and lounging options, all of which are ideal for your dog to sit, relax, and simply observe the surrounding nature.
Cliffhanger comes with access to the resort's tennis courts, pools and a gym, and a game room, with the closest clubhouse access being S. Beden Clubhouse. The house itself boasts smart TVs, high-end bedding, a bunk bedroom, and even an EV charging station. Of course, all of this is in addition to providing a welcoming environment for your dog.
The cabin, which is Scandinavian-inspired in its design, is situated on the cliffside, appearing to hang off, hence its name. Your dog will love that one of the large bedrooms features an entire wall of windows, meaning there is nothing to obstruct their view. This way, they can lounge indoors, in the air or heat (depending on the season) and stay comfortable while still enjoying unbeatable mountain views.
This home also includes tickets to Dollywood with reservation and has been recently renovated. Cliffhanger even features an understairs area ideal for your furry companion. This comes stocked with a large dog bed and food and water bowls.
Haven
Aptly named, this cabin is truly a Haven from the hustle and bustle of life. It is also part of the Ober Mountain Resort, and part of The Retreat at Deerview Trail, so staying here gives you access to the resort amenities. This is a dog-friendly property with a maximum allowance of two dogs, with additional pet fees associated with the stay. This, along with one other cabin, were the first two homes completed in The Retreat at Deerview Trail collection. Its sister property, Camp, will be outlined below.
Haven will accommodate four guests and includes two bathrooms and two bedrooms. It also comes with free Dollywood tickets with every reservation and boasts uninhibited mountain views. The living room includes high ceilings and a large Smart TV. This property is also part of the Luxury Linen Program, which indicates the quality of its pillows and bedding.
Downstairs, you can enjoy a bonus sitting room that includes another Smart TV, an arcade game, and plush armchairs. The lower outdoor deck also includes a spacious hot tub and even a porch swing. Your furry friend can enjoy views from virtually anywhere in the cabin, but will most certainly enjoy the outdoor views offered on the large decks. Guests of this property also enjoy concierge service that is powered by Xplorie. This gives you access to tickets and local knowledge of various attractions.
Camp
Camp is the other flagship property that began The Retreat at Deerview Trail. There are two spacious decks and plenty of room for outdoor seating and lounging. This dog-friendly cabin also comes with a large private hot tub and two king bedrooms with private ensuites. The second king bedroom includes direct access to the lower deck.
The outside of this cabin is also set up well for entertaining and outdoor cooking. Overall, Camp provides a great way to experience the mountains with nearby access to attractions and trails. Your four-legged friend is welcome here. However, there is a restriction to two dogs at a time, and there is an additional fee associated with bringing a pet.
This cabin is also a member of the esteemed Luxury Linen Program, which means all in-house linens will be high end, as will the bedding and pillows throughout the property. This property also comes with free Dollywood tickets with each reservation.
It’s worth noting that complimentary tickets are refreshed daily and do not carry over to accumulate for use later on, so take full advantage of the tickets while they are available.
Pet-Friendly Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Activities to Enjoy
The second most important aspect of planning a dog-friendly get-away to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg is to create an itinerary with plenty to do that accommodates your pet.
The following is just a quick list of some dog-friendly attractions and activities you can enjoy when in the area staying at one of the previously mentioned three pet-friendly properties:
The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum: Featuring over 20,000 different sets of salt and pepper shakers, the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum welcomes leashed dogs. In fact, they are pet-friendly in general; past guests include iguanas, parrots, cats, and, of course, dogs.
Ole Smoky Moonshine: This pet-friendly destination is a distillery with authentic working moonshine stills. Ole Smoky Moonshine also offers $5 samplings of their homegrown moonshine to their human guests who are of age.
The Village Shops: Not all the 27 shops that make up the Village Shops in Gatlinburg are pet-friendly. However, many of them are very pet-friendly and even set out water bowls, especially Simply Animals. The areas around the shop include woods that provide shade and make a great setting to enjoy your day.
Gatlinburg SkyPark: This pet-friendly Smoky Mountains attraction allows you to ride to the top via a SkyLift chair with your dog in tow. Make sure your pet is always leashed and under control for their safety, and the Gatlinburg SkyPark will be a pleasant experience for the entire family.
Gatlinburg Trail: As one of the two pet-friendly trails within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Gatlinburg Trail must be explored with your dog when in the area. The trail is 1.9 miles, one-way, from the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Old homesteads and Little Pigeon River are part of the view on this trail.
Pet-Friendly Restaurants
Last but not least, when visiting the Smokies, you want to know ahead of time where you can bring your dog along with you to eat. Many dining establishments that have outdoor seating will welcome your pet to join you there.
However, there are a few that even let them come inside or offer extra perks for their furry guests. The following are some of the best options when your family includes a four-legged member:
Fox & Parrot Tavern: This Gatlinburg restaurant serves British inspired pub fare. Look for dishes like Welsh rabbit, Bubble and Squeak and Shepherd’s pie. Your dog is welcome at Fox & Parrot Tavern not only in the outdoor seating, but inside as well.
Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts: While not a restaurant per say, Mad Dog’s Creamery & Donuts is a great place to stop in with Fido for a yummy treat. The entire establishment, which serves banana splits, milkshakes, funnel cakes and donuts, is pet-friendly. They even offer dog treats shaped like donuts!
Three Jimmy’s Smokehouse & Pizza Joint: This Gatlinburg restaurant serves turkey Reubens, rainbow trout, pizza, smoked prime rib, BBQ pork ribs and fried chicken among other dishes. They do not allow dogs indoors but have one of the best setups for outdoor dining in the area for your dog. Three Jimmy’s outside dining area features a dog relief area and there are water bowls available, and the patio is partially shaded.
Don’t Leave Them Behind
Thankfully, due to the accommodations outlined above, you can bring your dog the next time you venture into the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg areas. There is no need to leave your beloved family member at home!
Our partner at Mountain Laurel Chalets, can help you even further this comprehensive guide when planning your next getaway to the Smoky Mountains.
