Lively Trots at Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
- Luie Boone
- 2 days ago
- 10 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
It's time to take some lively trots in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina!
The history of Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, brings bark-citement to Luie Boone. Why? Because most of the history concerns the lake itself! Back in 1890, E.H. Jennings established the Toxaway Company after visiting the area and dubbing it the Switzerland of America. That got Luie Boone's hooman sister, Rachel, very intrigued. She would love to go to Switzerland one day!
Anyways, Jennings established many resorts in the area—which never would've happened if the Southern Railway had not developed a rail system through the area. Luie Boone's never been on a train, so he doesn't think he'd want to start by riding on this one, because it was considered the steepest system in the United States at that time! With the resorts and the railroad, came the creation Toxaway Lake. That's right, the creation of the lake.
Lake Toxaway is a man-made lake! In fact, it was the first man-made lake created in the Appalachian Mountains. It encompasses 640 acres, flowing out onto the Toxaway Falls and then continuing down the Toxaway River. In the 1900s, the Toxaway Inn was built near the lake. It rose five stories and had many modern conveniences. Luie Boone says think fancy and then multiply that by a million, because people like Henry Ford and Thomas Edison stayed there.
Unfortunately, though, severe flooding in August of 1916 overwhelmed the river with 24 inches of rain in just 24 hours! The Toxaway Dam was not engineered to handle that amount of water, so more than 5 billion gallons of water went crashing over the falls and into South Carolina! Luie Boone thinks that sounds like a dangerous water slide, not a fun one. Thankfully, no hoomans were killed—but a blind mule did die. If Luie Boone had a mule plushie, he'd totally bring it with to honor that poor mule.
To this day, you can see the trauma that the flooding caused when visiting the Toxaway Falls and Toxaway Dam. Unfortunately, though, you cannot see the history of the Toxaway Inn—not because the flooding demolished the inn, but because the flooding demolished the lake itself, which took away all the customer traffic. Without customers, the inn stood empty for 33 years before being demolished in 1947.
Now, don't worry, Luie Boone's not sending you on vacation to a place demolished by flooding. Nope, he says, "Don't fear! R.D. Heinitsh, Sr. was there to buy the 9,000-acre tract around the lake and build an incredible 20th-century resort!" Heinitsh and his group of investors created the Lake Toxaway Company and started restoring the lake. He cleared the area where the original lake was, rebuilt the dam, and then restored the lake to its original level! Modern development started to roll in—which included golf courses, country clubs, learning centers, tennis courts, clubhouses, and ski resorts!
So, there's definitely something special (and historic) about taking a vacation to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina! It is one of those places where both hoomans and their pups can find something fun to do. Nestled deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Toxaway is known for its pristine waters, quiet hiking trails, and relaxed mountain atmosphere. It's the kind of place where the air feels cleaner, the stars seem brighter, and life moves at an easier pace.
The lake itself is a true paradise for dog lovers. Many of the vacation homes in the area are pet-friendly, offering large decks, grassy yards, and even private docks where you and your dog can watch the boats drift by or (as Luie Boone would prefer) do a massive cannonball into the water! Luie Boone's hoomans picked out this snazzy rental called The Ranch, which he'll bark more about later.
For those with adventurous pups, the trails around Lake Toxaway are pure magic. Just a short drive away, you can find the Panthertown Valley—often called the Yosemite of the East—offering more than 30 miles of dog-friendly trails through forests, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Gorges State Park is another favorite nearby! This state park welcomes leashed dogs on its many trails, including the stunning paths that lead to the Rainbow Falls and the Turtleback Falls. Watching your dog sniff along a fern-lined path or cool off in a mountain stream makes every hike feel a little more special.
And don't worry (especially you, Luie Boone) because the hoomans don't have to leave their dogs behind when it’s time to grab a bite to eat, either. There are two great spots that Luie Boone is looking forward to visiting: The Blind Mule at Toxaway Station and the Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant. The Blind Mule at Toxaway Station, named for the blind mule who died in the 1916 flood, offers classic Southern dishes, craft cocktails, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant has a mountainside patio, with a menu that features authentic cuisine like burritos, chimichangas, tacos, fajitas and tortas.
If you’re up for a drive, the nearby towns surrounding Lake Toxaway offer even more dog-friendly dining, shopping, and exploration:
Just down the road, you can find the town of Sapphire. This is a charming community that feels like a natural extension of Lake Toxaway. It’s home to Sapphire Valley Resort, where visitors can hike, swim, or simply enjoy the crisp mountain air. The trails around Fairfield Lake are especially beautiful and welcoming to leashed pets. When it’s time to eat, Mica’s Mountain Kitchen has a spacious outdoor area and offers tasty fiddles.
A short twenty-minute drive from the lake will bring you to Cashiers, which is a picturesque mountain village. Here, you can stroll through The Village Green—a beautiful park in the center of town—before stopping at The Ugly Dog Public House for a casual meal on the patio. The name alone feels like a nod to traveling pet owners, and the friendly staff and hearty pub fare make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
About thirty minutes west, the town of Highlands offers an upscale, yet easygoing mountain experience that’s also wonderfully dog friendly. The downtown area is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pup, with its boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants that welcome dogs on their patios. Wild Thyme Gourmet and The Ugly Dog Pub (yes, there’s one here, too!) all offer great food and outdoor seating. Nearby, you can take your dog on short hikes to Dry Falls or Bridal Veil Falls, two of the most scenic and accessible waterfalls in the region.
To the east, about thirty-five minutes from Lake Toxaway, Brevard brings a lively, artistic energy to the mountains. It's considered one of the most dog-loving towns in western North Carolina. You can start the day exploring the waterfalls and forest trails of Pisgah National Forest, before relaxing in downtown Brevard. You can have lunch at The Square Root, which offers dog-friendly patio seating. Or check out the Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom—another local favorite—that features a large outdoor beer garden. There, dogs are always welcome, and live music often fills the air!
Every town surrounding Lake Toxaway brings its own personality to the experience. Together, they make the Lake Toxaway area feel like a haven for travelers who want to bring their dogs along for the journey. As the day winds down, you’ll find that the simplest moments are the ones that stay with you: your dog sleeping at your feet after a day on the trails, the sun dipping low over the lake, and the quiet hum of the mountains around you.
Lake Toxaway isn’t just a place to visit. It’s a place to reconnect, to breathe, and to share life’s best adventures with your best friend.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Check it out below!
Rental Name: The Ranch
This rental has 3 bedrooms with 4 beds and 2 full tub-shower bathrooms.
Photos by The Cabins at Seven Foxes
It features the following amenities:
Surrounded by majestic Blue Ridge Mountains
Breakfast Nook
Sunroom
Side porch with outdoor gas grill and dining table
Doggie gates for your furry friends
Creek with jewel panning
On-site over 10 acres of hiking trails
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
On our vacation to Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, we're staying at The Ranch at The Cabins at Seven Foxes in Lake Toxaway. From what I’ve heard, it’s a big, cozy cabin surrounded by woods, fresh mountain air, and plenty of room for exploring. There’s a sunroom, a breakfast nook, and even a fireplace for post-adventure naps. The best part? It’s totally pet-friendly! They even have doggie gates ready for pups like me. There are over ten acres of hiking trails, a creek to splash in, a treehouse, and waterfalls nearby. I can already imagine running through the trails, sniffing all the new smells, and curling up by the fire at the end of the day. I’m also bringing my stuffed fox, Skipper, along for the trip. I don’t take him everywhere, but this vacation feels like the perfect time for him to tag along. He’s in great shape—both ears still standing tall, even after a bit of roughhousing—and he always makes me feel a little extra cozy when we travel. I think he’ll enjoy hanging out in the sunroom while I nap or keeping watch from the window while the humans cook on the porch. Since we’re staying at a place called The Cabins at Seven Foxes, it only seems right that a fox comes with us! I haven’t been there yet, but I can’t wait to explore, play, and make some tail-wagging memories in Lake Toxaway—with Skipper right by my side.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina!
Pinky Falls
Don't worry, Luie Boone, you don't need a pinky to visit Pinky Falls in Highlands, North Carolina. Those with pinkies and those without can take a leisurely stroll down to the falls. From the parking lot, it's only a short jaunt down to the creek. It is considered an easy and relaxing, dog-friendly stop—which Luie Boone says you better add to your itinerary. Why? Because that short trail leads to a small beach, a swimming hole, and a sliding rock! Luie Boone will take advantage of all of that.
Secret Falls
On your vacation, you'll definitely want to visit the Secret Falls. It's not really a secret as so many people stop by to take in its beauty! It's just a brisk 45-minute walk, mostly downhill, to the 35-foot-high waterfall. As you reach the falls, you can view it from the top or head down some steps to the base of the falls. It is remote, loud, and very beautiful. The large pool at the base of the falls is paw-some for swimming! Be sure to stay away from the cascades as the river reforms and continues down the mountain.
Whiteside Mountain
Look at that paw-some pup and that paw-some view and try to tell Luie Boone that you wouldn't want to visit Whiteside Mountain. That's right, it's impossible! The Whiteside Mountain boasts the highest cliffs in Eastern North America. This 4,930-foot beauty is a magnificent site to see. It is easily accessed via a 2-mile loop trail that takes you and your canine companion to the top for spectacular views to the East, South, and West. To the North, Luie Boone hopes there's a picnic basket.
Cat Gap Loop
Luie Boone cannot wait to visit the Cat Gap Loop. He hopes that he sees a cat or two (or three!) when trekking on the loop. His hoomans say nah-uh, the only cat that he's going to see is his kitty brother, Tobi, when he gets back home. Anyways, your pooch will love this 5-mile trail—with plenty of water around with its rivers, streams, cascades, and puddles. Please note that there are several strenuous and steep sections that get the heart pumping, but make for a great workout in the woods.
Bursted Rock
The Bursted Rock is a rock outcrop, which offers exceptional views to the south of the sheer cliffs. These sheer cliffs belong to Table Rock! Located on the border of North and South Carolina within Headwaters State Forest. You and your buddy can reach Bursted Rock via the Foothills Trail. You'll start at the Gum Gap trailhead at the end of the rugged Happy Acres Road. This is a strenuous, but 5.2-mile roundtrip.
Bracken Preserve
The Bracken Preserve is a 395-acre property owned by the City of Brevard. The city has owned the property for over a century, but it wasn't opened to the public until July 2012! It's located due west of downtown Brevard. If you stand on Main Street in downtown Brevard and look westward, you'll see the distinct mountain range framed by the buildings along Main Street. In the Bracken Preserve, here are miles of trails to hike with your doggo!
Raven Rock Falls
To reach the stunning Raven Rock Falls, your hike will begin along Cold Mountain Road—which twists and turn along the north shore of Toxaway Lake. At around 4.4 miles, there's a sharp, left-hand curve. A clear trail drops down off the hillside right at this spot. Along the way, you'll cross over "The Bridge of Death" or the "3 Ways to Die Bridge." Despite the name, the bridge is sturdy! Once you cross this bridge, the trail heads steeply down to the falls.
Blue Bike Cafe
The Blue Bike Cafe is a casual restaurant, where dogs are welcome at their outdoor tables for breakfast or lunch. Ask for the dog menu! Humans menu features classic American burgers, sandwiches, and salads—in addition to an “all-day” breakfast.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
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 saw pictures of Lake Toxaway sparkling in the mountains, and I could already imagine myself splashing around and chasing sticks in the water, with Skipper cheering me on from the sidelines (or maybe taking a little paddle, too). At first, I was a little bummed when I found out the lake is privately owned, which means I can’t swim or splash there. My tail drooped for a second, because no big lake adventures... But then, my hoomans reminded me that we’ll have our very own creek right at the cabin! My ears perked up right away. That means plenty of cool water to splash in, rocks to sniff, and sticks to chase—all while surrounded by the fresh mountain air. Skipper and I can’t wait to explore the trails, sniff every pine tree, and relax by the creek after a long day of adventure. Lake Toxaway, we may not be jumping in your waters this time, but we’ll be nearby soaking up every bit of mountain magic.
Comments