Welcome to Asheville, North Carolina – affectionately known as Dog City USA! Whether you’re exploring the area while house sitting in Asheville or you’re a proud pet parent who wants to introduce your Asheville pet sitter to the city, you’ll find no shortage of pup-friendly places to visit. From tail-wagging trails to patios where pups are treated to the very best, this guide to dog-friendly Asheville will help you make the most of the city.
Dog-friendly trails, Asheville
For people and pups who love being outside, there are plenty of scenic trails that welcome dogs in Asheville.
Craggy Pinnacle hike
This is a relatively easy hike leading up to spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with rhododendron blooming in late spring.
Location: 3641 Blue Ridge Parkway, Barnardsville, NC 28709
Length: Approx. 1.5 km
Bent Creek trailhead
Hikers, dog walkers, and mountain bikers share this peaceful network of trails through woodlands and fields.
Location: 2-1298 491, Asheville, NC 28806
Length: Various
Graveyard Fields loop
Waterfalls, open meadows, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains make this shaded trail a popular spot for pawrents and their pooch pals.
Location: Blue Ridge Parkway, Canton, NC 28716
Length: Approx. 5-6.5 km
Hominy Creek Greenway - Sand Hill Entrance
Just a stone’s throw from town but still with the feeling of being in nature, this short trail has a sandy beach right in the middle – perfect for a refreshing splash.
Location: 420 Sand Hill Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Length: Approx. 3-4 km
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Blue Ridge Parkway
Dog-friendly coffee shops, Asheville
These dog-friendly cafes serve caffeinated drinks for humans and pup cups for pooch pals – if they’re lucky!
Farewell
Light bites are served alongside coffee, tea, and wine in this bright, airy cafe, where pooch pals are welcome both inside and out.
Location: 11 Southside Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
All Day Darling
A delicious all-day breakfast menu is served at this friendly local spot, which has dog-friendly dining on the patio and plenty of free parking.
Location: 102 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Double D's Coffee & Desserts
This double-decker-bus-turned-coffee-shop has a quirky atmosphere and outdoor seating for pups and their human companions.
Location: 41 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Liberty House Coffee and Café
Leashed pups are welcome on the patio of this rustic coffee shop, which serves delicious farm-to-table breakfast and lunch options.
Location: 221 S Liberty St, Asheville, NC 28801
Sunny Point Cafe
This beloved, family-owned spot is known for its all-day breakfast (with a side of Bloody Marys) and dog-friendly patio.
Location: 626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Fun dog-friendly activities, Asheville
Asheville has plenty of activities that cater to humans and their pet pals.
Go to Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum
If you’re on the hunt for dog-friendly museums, Asheville’s got one for you! Furry friends are welcome on the leash of this historic site, where you’re both free to explore the collection of vintage and classic cars.
Cost: Free (although donations are greatly appreciated).
Date and time: Open daily April – December, 10 am – 5 pm.
Location: 111 Grovewood Rd, Asheville, NC 28804
Drive along Blue Ridge Parkway
Take your furry friend for a scenic drive along the ridge from Asheville to Blowing Rock (or further!), which takes around three hours if you do the whole thing in one go. Stop and enjoy the scenery or head off into the mountains to find some great hikes.
Visit Biltmore Estate
Explore the grounds of this French Renaissance château with your pooch pal on the leash. Note that you can’t enter any buildings with your pet unless they’re a service animal.
Cost: Admission to the grounds starts at $46, or $78 for the house and gardens.
Date and time: Seasonal opening times vary, check their website for details.
Location: Asheville, NC 28803, United States
Complete the Asheville Urban Trail
Get to know the city of Asheville with this self-guided walking tour, following a string of 30 sculptures that showcase the city’s incredible history.
Cost: Free
Date and time: Accessible year-round.
Location: Start in front of Pack Place on Asheville's Pack Square
Go to Patton Avenue Pet Company – Downtown
Pick up a tasty treat or a high-quality toy for your furry friend at this locally owned, ethically run pet store.
Date and time: Open daily 10 am – 7 pm.
Location: 109 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
The grounds of the Biltmore Estate
Dog parks in Asheville
Of all the dog-friendly places in Asheville, the dog park has to be one of the best spots to visit!
French Broad River Dog Park
This riverside park has plenty of open green space and a dedicated off-leash area for pups to socialize and play.
Location: 508 Riverview Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
Morgan Falls River Park / Dog Park
Overlooking the river and dam, this dog park features separate spaces for small and big doggos and plenty of trails to explore nearby.
Location: 100 Morgan Falls Rd, Sandy Springs, GA 30350
Azalea Road Dog Park
This spacious off-leash park has separate areas for large and small dogs, plus shaded seating for pup parents.
Location: 498 State Rd 2754, Asheville, NC 28805
French Broad River, Asheville
Dog-friendly restaurants in Asheville
Most restaurants in Asheville allow pups on their patios, but be sure to check first! Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants:
Twisted Laurel
While you dig into plates of fish, bowls of salads, and stone hearth pizzas, your furry friend can try anything off the doggy menu, which has been specially designed by an animal nutritionist.
Location: 130 College St, Asheville, NC 28801
White Duck Taco Shop
Head here for mouth-watering tacos with a variety of flavors that change with the seasons and a spacious outdoor area perfect for you and your pooch.
Location: 12 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803
Laughing Seed Cafe
Organic, locally grown ingredients are whipped into vegan and veggie delights while you can sip on anything from craft cocktails to herbal mocktails – of course, Laughing Seed welcomes well-behaved pups on the patio.
Location: 40 Wall St, Asheville, NC 28801
Posana
Where else can you enjoy fine dining on an outdoor patio while your pup gets treated like royalty with their very own dog menu?
Location: 1 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Annual dog events in Asheville
Think Asheville NC’s dog-friendly? Wait until you go to one of their dog-friendly events! Whether your pup is a social butterfly or just loves a good belly rub, these events are the perfect excuse to get out, have fun, and maybe even make a few new furry friends!
Asheville Puppy Bowl
Forget the Super Bowl, watch the adorable adoptable pups show off their best moves as they play their way toward finding a fur-ever family.
Cost: Free to attend, suggested $5 donation.
Date and time: Typically held in early February; check local listings for exact dates.
Location: 13 Mystery St, Asheville, NC 28801 (2025)
Doggie Dip
In this end-of-summer tradition, local pools open their doors to pooch pals for a refreshing swim before closing for the season.
Cost: $5
Date and time: Beginning of September.
Location: 65 Gashes Crk Rd, Asheville, NC 28805
The best dog-friendly bars and breweries in Asheville
Asheville is known for its craft beer scene, so what better way to explore the city than hopping between breweries with your fur bud in tow?
Wicked Weed Brewing
The dog-friendly patio here is the perfect spot for beer lovers to enjoy a range of craft beers and delicious bites (plus their merch is top-notch).
Location: 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Burial Beer Co.
Forget your usual hipster brewery, this family-run spot is all about good quality craft beers served in a warm, welcoming environment – and it’s pet-friendly inside and out!
Location: 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective
Featuring a curated selection of craft beers from around the world, plus wine, cider, mead, and even sake, this bar welcomes dogs inside.
Location: 507 Haywood Rd #10, Asheville, NC 28806
Green Man Brewery
Dog-friendly inside and out, this popular brewery serves fresh beers that vary from season to season in a cozy, friendly atmosphere.
Location: 27 Buxton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
Wagbar
As the name suggests, this off-leash dog park/bar is perfect for pawrents who want to enjoy a nibble and a drink while their furry friends explore the playground and meet other pooch pals.
Location: 320 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville, NC 28787
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Asheville from dog owners and pet sitters
Who better to ask about dog-friendly things to do in Asheville than the locals who live and breathe it? These tips come straight from our Community Forum, where real pet parents and experienced sitters share their go-to spots and insider advice.
- @sbwade was in awe of the Blue Ridge Parkway –
“I had a sit in Asheville and drove the whole Blue Ridge Parkway after, it was amazing! Like a world away.”
- Asheville local @mattersfact2 joked that the city has something for everyone –
“Home of weird stuff, many breweries, Bold Rock Cider, and the Biltmore Estate.”
- To which @Amparo replied –
“Asheville is a most beautiful and indeed unique place with a great many things to discover in the wonderful town shops and the many places to hike and explore.”
- Finally, @Makelikeanapeman offered some advice on things to do further afield –
“There are lots of sits in Asheville which is a great city for art, culture, and food. Not too far from Asheville is Hendersonville. Hendersonville is sort of a smaller Asheville. Both Asheville and Hendersonville are close to the mountains, hiking and other outdoor activities.
One of my favorite small towns close to Asheville is Black Mountain. Black Mountain has a cute, funky downtown and one of my favorite bars, The Town Pump.
Further north, Boone and Blowing Rock are great little towns and close to the mountains.”
Downtown Asheville
Tips for pet parents
Keep these tips in mind when exploring Asheville’s dog-friendly spots:
Mind the mountain weather
Asheville’s weather can be unpredictable – sunshine one minute, rain the next. Always check the forecast before heading out (although don’t rely on it to be totally accurate!) and pack for all seasons.
Take advantage of off-leash spaces
If your furry friend needs space to zoom, head to French Broad River Dog Park or Morgan Falls River Park for some off-leash fun. Just remember to bring water and poop bags.
Watch out for wildlife
Asheville’s natural beauty comes with some wild neighbors, so keep an eye out for deer, bears, and the occasional snake while exploring the trails.
Plan ahead for your next vacation
Heading out of town but not sure what to do with your pup? While day trips are easy to organize, longer vacations require a little more planning. Finding an Asheville pet sitter who’ll care of your furry family members while you’re away is not only better for your pooch, but also means you’ll have total peace of mind on your trip. To find out more, click below.
Tips for pet sitters
If you’re pet sitting in the city, knowing the best dog-friendly places in Asheville can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to remember during your stay:
Explore dog-friendly places in Asheville
From pet-friendly patios to dog-friendly museums, Asheville is full of things to do and places to explore with your new furry friend.
Be respectful at Biltmore
Visiting Biltmore Estate? Remember that pups are welcome on the grounds and trails but not inside the house.
Leave no trace
Asheville prides itself on being dog-friendly – let’s keep it that way! Always clean up after your pooch pal, whether you’re at a park or on a mountain trail.
Experience Asheville through house sitting
Love the idea of staying in a cozy Asheville home with a furry friend by your side? Click below to see how house and pet sitting can make that happen!
Dog-friendly Asheville, NC: Things to do in Asheville with a dog – FAQs
Asheville is extremely dog-friendly – it’s not called Dog City USA for nothing! With plenty of pet-friendly trails, breweries, and restaurants, you and your pup will have no trouble finding places to explore together.
Absolutely! Many shops, patios, and even breweries allow well-behaved pups, making it a great spot for a stroll with your furry friend.
Yes! Many stores in Asheville, including local boutiques and major retailers, allow dogs. Outdoor gear stores, bookshops, and pet supply stores often welcome leashed pets inside.
