dog friendly trails in the smokies

[Sass]

I live in Knoxville. Been in the smokies alot but never with a dog. What are some trails a medium husky could handle?

I live in knoxville too. I feel like you should know you can't have dogs in the smokies, but oh well. If you're looking for some other trails that are near our area you should check out Frozen Head State Park, great place...or Big South Fork, wouldn't take the dog on Honey Creek Loop...Obed Wild and Scenic Area...or you could go over to Nantahala, Virgin Falls State Natural Area, Fall Creek Falls...the options are endless. Enjoy!

[Blue Wolf]

MR is 21 I think you and your dog should head south to Joyce Kilmer Slickrock area....very easy trails....I wouldn't even bother with extra food or water for you or your dog....just find a trail and start walking!....dogs are most welcome there!....The rules nor the trails are weeek or lameee have fun!

[cknight]

how about the trail south of fontana and north of stand bear.

If "the trail" is the AT, you can take your dog. One thing you do need to know. I was hiking in the AT south of Fontana and came up on a big rattle snake. If you dog gets bit, you will be in the market for a new dog.

[SassyWindsor]

dogs aren't allowed on trails in the smokys

http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/pets.htm

Some people just can't accept rejection!

[rocketsocks]

Some people just can't accept rejection!

I thrive on it.....

[Wise Old Owl]

OK - I tried a couple of things then went back to Trimble and many trails have accumiliated on the intenet with the Backpacker Pro Software that stores trails on the cloud...You can go to Backpacker type a zip like Knoxville 37902 and move the map around the outside of the city and Icons will show the trails and just click on them for details.... Loads of forests and other places to go.

http://bp2.trimbleoutdoors.com/Search/#37902

[MrMiner2]

I think you are weak and lame for assuming I'd break rules. I don't even have a dog. Just trying to help a friend.

[MrMiner2]

^^ only kidding of course. But yes I obey rules!

[Veetack]

I honestly think that the no dog policy, at least on the AT in GSMNP, is stupid. If you're going to allow horses in the backcountry, who absolutely destroy trails, and have tieoffs located directly uphill from water sources so their waste runs into drinking water, then the least you can do is allow dogs, which have far less of an impact on the area. Not to mention, most dog owners support LNT with their dog's waste. You ever seen a rider with a garbage bag full of horse**** on the trail?

[SassyWindsor]

I honestly think that the no dog policy, at least on the AT in GSMNP, is stupid. If you're going to allow horses in the backcountry, who absolutely destroy trails, and have tieoffs located directly uphill from water sources so their waste runs into drinking water, then the least you can do is allow dogs, which have far less of an impact on the area. Not to mention, most dog owners support LNT with their dog's waste. You ever seen a rider with a garbage bag full of horse**** on the trail?

The US Park Service has a much different reason for not allowing canines, has nothing to do with trail damage and it's detailed in their their public information. I've covered thousands of miles and have NEVER seen a dog hiker pick up, or bury, their dogs poop. A few times I have seen a dog-hiker sling it into the woods with a trowel, mostly it's left where it drops, usually around shelters and open grassy areas and/or camp sites.

[Marta]

I honestly think that the no dog policy, at least on the AT in GSMNP, is stupid. If you're going to allow horses in the backcountry, who absolutely destroy trails, and have tieoffs located directly uphill from water sources so their waste runs into drinking water, then the least you can do is allow dogs, which have far less of an impact on the area. Not to mention, most dog owners support LNT with their dog's waste. You ever seen a rider with a garbage bag full of horse**** on the trail?

Have you ever seen an off-leash horse harassing the wildlife?

[SassyWindsor]

Have you ever seen an off-leash horse harassing the wildlife?

Good point. I know your reply wasn't addressed to me but this reminds me of seeing a hikers dog spook some horses, with riders mounted on the PCT, a lady got tossed off and was hurt. I know this doesn't apply to the GSMNP but this along with numerous other reasons is why I prefer hikers keep their dog(s) leashed, which is rarely seen. Unleashed dogs will romp in water sources, poop anywhere, harass wildlife as well as hikers.