12 Perfectly Pet-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in North Carolina
Going on outdoor adventures in North Carolina with four-legged family members is a fun way to deepen your bond, reduce boredom, lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, and feed your senses of curiosity and discovery, leading to an enhanced quality of life for you both.
But as mutually beneficial as pet-friendly vacations are, they can be challenging to plan. From packing up Fido’s or Tiger’s travel bag to finding pet-welcoming accommodations and activities, the planning process requires a bit of extra effort. Without that preparation, even a simple outing can feel overwhelming, leaving you and your pet stressed rather than enjoying the moment.
Luckily, NC is an incredibly pet-friendly state, with no shortage of outdoor destinations for you both to explore. From the Coastal Plain’s estuaries and beaches — including some where dogs can run freely — to the Piedmont’s open fields and the mountainous west’s scenic hiking trails, pet lovers find that connection and stewardship come naturally. Experiences with our pets allow us to slow down and deepen our appreciation of the beautiful shared outdoor spaces NC offers under every paw print. These experiences remind us to savor the moment and tread lightly.
Ready to start planning a safe, memorable trip with your pet? Keep reading for some of our favorite pet-friendly things to do in NC’s great outdoors, as well as stewardship-informed practices to follow once you get there. They’ll ensure your pet-friendly vacation is good for the health of you, your pet and the natural spaces you’re exploring.
Note: Remember to always check the pet policy before adventuring. We’ve included pet policy details for the destinations below, but rules can change from season-to-season. Make sure you’ve got the latest information, including any road closure or travel advisories if you’re exploring Western NC. While most outdoor spaces in this part of the state are welcoming visitors, some are still closed to heal from Hurricane Helene. Visit NC has an interactive map to help you plan.
Pet-Friendly Outdoor Adventures in NC
Splash around on the seashore.
- Topsail Beach: This quaint, noncommercial town is rich in natural beauty and pet-friendly to boot. Dogs need to be leashed on the beach from May 15 to Sept. 30 but can roam off-leash under voice command the rest of the year. Just be sure to look out for nesting loggerhead turtles and their hatchlings! Learn more about the pet policy.
- Carolina Beach: Known for its iconic boardwalk, Carolina Beach is also home to a Venus flytrap-dotted state park that’s open to leashed pets. On the beach, leashed dogs are welcome any time of day from October to March and before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. for the rest of the year. Learn more about the pet policy.
- Nags Head: Furry, leashed friends are welcome at Nags Head — home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic Coast — year-round. Sand dunes get very hot, so head out early in the morning with plenty of water and protection for your pup’s paws. While exploring, you can keep sensitive dune vegetation and habitats safe by sticking to established trails. Learn more about the pet policy.
Go off-grid.
- Cape Lookout National Seashore: This 56-mile stretch of undeveloped shoreline is accessible only by boat, so book a pet-friendly service! Once here, explore the barrier island beaches for a rare view of natural coastal dynamics. By following the area’s leash policy, you’ll help keep pets and the island’s iconic wildlife — like wild horses, loggerhead sea turtles, and a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl — safe. Learn more about the pet policy.
- Roan Mountain: Part of Pisgah National Forest, Roan Mountain sees fewer crowds than other Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain areas (except during June’s rhododendron bloom!). With sweeping views and a number of rare species, its unique ecology makes for a just-as unique adventure with on-leash pets. (Note: The Roan Mountain Recreation Area is closed for repairs, with plans to reopen in 2025.) Learn more about the pet policy.
- Uwharrie National Forest: East of Charlotte, this roughly 50,000-acre forest has one of the highest densities of archeological sites in the country. Little wonder, when you learn it covers one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America! With miles of pet-friendly hiking trails that take you over rocky ridges and across open, rolling meadows, you’ll have plenty of ground to cover. Learn more about the pet policy.
Visit a garden or arboretum.
- Greenfield Lake Park & Gardens: This roughly 250-acre park in Wilmington houses walking trails lined by moss-draped trees, flower gardens, boat and kayak rentals, and picnic areas that are all open to on-leash pets. Just be careful near the lake — alligators are among the wildlife you’ll see here. Afterward, don’t miss the nearby pet-friendly New Hanover County Arboretum to spot native, coastal plants. Learn more about the pet policy.
- North Carolina Arboretum: Just south of Asheville, you’ll find this 434-acre public garden inside Bent Creek Experimental Forest. It’s open to leashed pets, and with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails to explore, it’s a great place to head when you want a taste of outdoor adventure without committing to a whole day. (Although once you get here, you might choose to make a day of it!) Learn more about the pet policy.
- Grovewood Village: Stretch your legs outdoors while appreciating some local arts and crafts. Asheville’s Grovewood Village once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries. Today, its 11 acres encompass sculpture gardens, working artist studios and galleries, and two museums. Pets on leashes are welcome! Learn more about the pet policy.
Hit the trail.
- The Oconaluftee River Trail: One of two dog-friendly trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this 1.5-mile route welcomes on-leash pets and is relatively flat — perfect for older pets. While appreciating its scenic river views, keep an eye out for elk and wild turkey. Learn more about the pet policy.
- Eno River State Park’s trails: Just outside Durham, you’ll find this 4,000-acre oasis. Home to biodiversity-supporting wetlands and a long list of plant species, you and your on-leash pet will feel like you’ve truly escaped into nature along any one of its hiking trails. It’s a popular spot for locals, so try to visit during the day Monday to Friday if you can to avoid crowds and spread out the impact of foot traffic on ecosystems. Learn more about the pet policy.
- Raven Rock State Park’s trails: In Lillington, dog-friendly trails at Raven Rock State Park allow you and your leashed pup to explore the Cape Fear River’s rich, riparian habitats — or to take in their beauty from above! From Raven Rock’s overlook, you’ll get views of the river and surrounding forests, plus an up-close peek at unique rock formations and cliffs. Learn more about the pet policy.
4 Outdoor NC Leave No Trace Tips for Adventuring With Pets
Now that you’ve got plenty of pet-friendly outdoor destinations in NC to discover, it’s time to talk pet-iquette. As fun as experiencing outdoor spaces with your pets is, it naturally calls for some important stewardship practices to keep you, your pet and the ecosystems you enjoy safe. They include:
Plan ahead and prepare
Before you head out, always check local rules and regulations to make sure pets are allowed. Some places may allow pets only at certain times of day, prohibit pets from specific areas, use seasonal leash laws, or require you to carry specific items, like a certain length of leash or proof of rabies vaccination.
Even if you happen to be traveling to an area where leashes aren’t required, be sure to bring a short, handheld one with you. It’ll help keep your curious pup from disturbing local wildlife or treading on vegetation. And just like humans, remember that pets need fuel for outdoor excursions. Pack enough water for you both, and check temperatures beforehand to make sure it isn’t too hot. Rock or sand is often hotter than the air and can easily burn paws.
Trash your trash
While it is no one’s favorite thing to doo — see what we did there? — always pick up after your pup. Unlike deer, bear, fox and coyote waste, dog waste contains ingredients from their food not found in nature. It can also deposit substances that can pollute water sources and make humans as well as other animals sick.
Bring more poo bags than you think you’ll need, and carry any bagged waste to the nearest trash can.
Be considerate of others & share the outdoors
You know your pet is the sweetest thing ever, but that doesn’t mean other hikers, cyclists and outdoor adventurers know that too. They have a right to not want direct interaction with your pet, including because they may be afraid of animals.
When in shared outdoor spaces with your pet, don’t lose focus on them. Make sure they aren’t disturbing other outdoor adventurers. When on trails, always yield to hikers, cyclists or horseback riders, and be courteous by stepping aside and giving a wide berth when others pass. Finally, be sure not only to pick up after your pet, but to pick up after them promptly, avoiding any mess that could harm the environment and detract from others’ enjoyment.
keep wildlife wild
As much as your dog or kitty may think of itself as a wolf or lion, bringing domesticated animals into the wilderness calls for extra safety precautions, for your pet and for local wildlife.
If you believe you’ll encounter wildlife on your adventure — especially any wildlife that could be dangerous to an excited pet or vice versa — leash them even if local regulations don’t require it. This will keep them from overly close encounters that put them at risk and disturb wildlife, whether by scent, sound or proximity.
You’re invited to join the outdoor nc movement
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