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Located right by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg offer ample opportunities to take your pet on a day trip. Make sure to rent a car while you are there as it is the best way to get around.
Both Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are located just a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it easy to take your pet there for a day out in nature or even a short camping trip as pets are allowed on camping grounds. They are also allowed on the paved roads when leashed, which means you can let them out to stretch their legs when you are going on a scenic drive around the park.
If you prefer hiking, you can take your pet with you on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee Trail. The other park trails are off-limits to both protect pets from wildlife and wildlife from pets. The Gatlinburg Trail starts at the outer edges of Gatlinburg and runs relatively flat for 1.9 miles alongside the Little Pigeon River. The Oconaluftee Trail is a bit shorter at 1.5 miles and runs between Cherokee, NC, and the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
For a quick walk in the city center, the Pigeon Forge Riverwalk is a good option in Pigeon Forge. It is a lit and paved walkway running along the Pigeon River, where locals come to run, bike, and walk. In Gatlinburg, Mynatt Park is a fun place to spend the afternoon with a picnic.
