What do you do about GSMNP if you are hiking with a dog?

[Shaggysaurus]

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry in the Smokies, so what do you do instead? Do you just circumvent the park entirely? Or do you hike along the roads?

[TNhiker]

kennel.....

[gypsy97]

There are kennels which will send someone out to pick up your pet before you enter the Smokies, and return them to you on the other side. I got a recommendation in 1997 from the owners of a motel I stayed in at Fontana.

[Slo-go'en]

There are places which will kenel your dog for a fee. It's not cheap. Hiking along the roads is not an options, since it's about 100 miles of road walking to get around the park. You might be able to hitch hike around. You'll need a good road map. It's a pretty big mountain range you got to wind your way around and it's a very twisty route.

[Hill Ape]

either kennel or skip, those are the only real options

[HooKooDooKu]

Road walking is a non-starter. The distance would be 100 miles, and you wouldn't have very many places to stay along the way. There would be a few camp grounds along the way, but I don't think there would be enough that it would allow you to walk it.

[max patch]

The Companion - which you want on any long distance hike - lists a couple choices along with contact info and rate info.

[Prime Time]

Maybe you could train your dog to ride a horse which is allowed in the park?

[Slo-go'en]

Maybe you could train your dog to ride a horse which is allowed in the park?

But only on certain trails.

[4eyedbuzzard]

From the Companion a few years ago: [READ the kennels' websites very carefully, especially regarding vaccinations, breeds, neutering and such]
Dogs—Dogs are not permitted on trails in the park. Hikers violating this rule will be
fined up to $500. Those hiking with dogs should arrange to board their pets. Several
kennels provide this service. Contact Standing Bear Farm Hiker Hostel, http://www.standingbearfarm.com/ (423) 487-0014,
<[email protected]>, for its details. Loving Care Kennels, http://www.lovingcarekennels.com/ (865) 453-2028, in
Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; owner Lida O’Neill will pick up and drop of your dog at Fontana
Dam and Davenport Gap for $250 for one dog, $400 for two dogs. Rippling Water
Kennels, http://www.ripplingwaterkennel.com, (828) 488-2091, will pick up, board, and
deliver pets for $250, up to 7 days; $50 deposit, reservations necessary.

[Rain Man]

either kennel or skip, those are the only real options

Not to be argumentative, but another real option is to not take a dog.

Rain Man

.