Gone Sniffin' in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
- Luie Boone
- Jun 15
- 6 min read
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
If you have been craving a getaway that feels simple and peaceful for awhile—you know, the kind of vacation where the days are slow, the air is fresh, and there’s more nature than noise—then Luie Boone has got the perfect vacation destination for you: the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
The Smokies in Tennessee are wonderfully dog-friendly, so it’s easy to include your best buddy in the adventure. From the lively streets of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to the laid-back charm of Townsend, the Smoky Mountains are full of character. Add in the welcoming vibe of Sevierville and the quiet beauty of lesser-known towns like Cosby, and you’ve got something for everyone. These spots offer the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for both you and your pup.
One of the best places to start your adventures in the Smokies is at the Gatlinburg Trail. This peaceful, mostly flat path follows the Little Pigeon River and offers a relaxing walk for both you and your pup. Nearby, Townsend’s quiet nature trails and riverfront areas make great spots for pooch-friendly exploration. Luie Boone can't even imagine all the great smells he could sniff!
Be sure to not overlook the hidden gems of the Smokies. Cosby, Tennessee, for example, has its small-town warmth and access to wide-open spaces. It offers a tranquil escape from the crowds. Luie Boone reckons that it’s the kind of place where you can enjoy unhurried walks, friendly locals, and that peaceful mountain energy that makes you feel instantly at ease.
Beyond the trails, the towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville offer scenic drives, parks, and outdoor spaces perfect for sharing a slow day with your four-legged friend. Drives along Newfound Gap Road and the Foothills Parkway showcase breathtaking overlooks and easy pull-offs, where you can stop and enjoy fresh mountain air together.
And when it’s time to eat, you don’t have to leave your best friend behind. These Smoky Mountain towns feature a number of dog-friendly restaurants where pups are welcome on outdoor patios. Many spots provide water bowls and shaded seating, making it easy to dine alongside your furry companion.
Whether you’re wandering the quaint streets of Gatlinburg, taking a leisurely stroll along the river in Townsend, exploring the carefree charm of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, or relaxing in the peaceful setting of Cosby, you’ll find plenty of places that welcome Fido with open arms.
In the Great Smoky Mountains, the best adventures are shared with one wag, one trail, and one unforgettable moment at a time!
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Check it out below!
Rental Name: River Retreat
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 3.5 baths.
Photos courtesy of Cabins for You
It features the following amenities:
Little Pigeon River runs right past the cabin (Luie Boone wonders how many little pigeons he will see, while splashing in the river!)
Relaxing hot tub on the lower deck, which overlooks the river (That's the perfect spot to relax by and scout out pigeons!)
Rocking chairs on both decks
Charcoal grill, where you can cook out with steaks, veggie kabobs, or hot dogs
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
My pawrents found a cool rental called "River Retreat" in Pigeon Forge, which is right in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee! It’s also right by the Little Pigeon River! There are 4 bedrooms, which means lots of napping spots for me. They mentioned a hot tub, pool table, and big screen TV, but you want to know what I perked up at? The fully equipped kitchen! I’m dreaming of sizzling bacon and maybe a dropped sandwich or two. I’ll be supervising snack prep and catching crumbs under the table like a pro, because that's what I do best. I plan to splash in the river, nap on the deck, and check out the rec room and loft. I'm still not sure what foosball is, but I’m intrigued. Each bedroom has a TV, so I’ll find the perfect movie-night spot to cuddle up with one of my humans and try to nab some popcorn. You know what's cool? We will be just 8 miles from downtown Pigeon Forge and a place called The Island. That sounds like souvenir central to me. I haven’t even stepped a paw in River Retreat, but with mountains, river views, snacks, and my whole pack by my side, what could ever be better?
Paws Venture Here
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
This is America's most visited national park. It has two walking paths to enjoy with your canine companion.
Gatlinburg SkyPark
At Gatlinburg Sky Park, you can take a ride with Fido to the top of the mountain via the yellow SkyLift chairs. When you get to the top, stroll along the SkyBridge, which offers great views across the Tennessee Smoky Mountains landscape. Luie Boone reckons taking the SkyLift chairs will be like a pigeon soaring through the sky!
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Your pooch is welcome to traverse the Bridge to Prosperity at the Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park, which is the second longest suspended bridge in the United States. Once you're across the bridge, you can hike up to Lost Mine Falls, which is where you'll see beautiful scenery and have an opportunity to admire a waterfall. Luie Boone can't wait to let out a big howl underneath it!
ExoRent
UTVs are a unique and fun way to explore the area with your furry friend. At ExoRent, you can cruise the strip or visit places like Cade’s Cove, Clingman’s Dome, or the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on one of their UTVs.
Gatlinburg Trail
You can take your pup on this 1.9 mile, one-way trail, which is relatively flat and runs through the forest alongside the West Prong of the Little Pigeon River.
Patriot Park
Come to Patriot Park and take a stroll with your pup along the river. Along the path, there are the flags of all 50 states. Luie Boone can't wait to snap a shot with the Wisconsin flag!
Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden
Your buddy is welcome inside this tourist attraction, which has gardens that are home to hundreds of tropical birds living in traditional stone gardens. Luie Boone can't wait to tell his kitty brother, Tobi, all about the birds!
Howard's Restaurant
Fido can join you at an outdoor table on Howard's Restaurant's fully-covered patio, which overlooks the creek. The restaurant features a dog menu with a grilled hamburger or chicken patty, as well as complimentary water. The menu for humans has burgers, steaks, and seafood entrees!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
The Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
I've heard the stories about the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. There's the towering trees, cool mountain air, and trails that go on forever. As a dog with a nose for adventure, I’ve been dreaming of the day that I finally get to sniff my way through those legendary woods. But then I found out something a little disappointing, dogs are only allowed on one trail. Just one! It’s called the Gatlinburg Trail, which is two miles long, mostly flat, and the only place in the whole Tennessee side of the park where pups like me are welcome. Out of more than 800 miles of trails, that feels like a bit of a letdown. I was hoping for muddy hikes, stream crossings, and squirrel chases—not just one paved path with the same trees every day. Still, I will stay pawsitive! I hear the trail follows the river and has lots of good smells. Honestly, any day spent exploring with my humans is a good day!
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