Dog Friendly Hikes

Pisgah National Forest

Looking Glass Rock Hike: about 6 miles up and back with stellar views at the top. Parking area is small and fills up by 9:30’ish on nice weekends. This trail can be narrow when meeting other hikers going the opposite way. If you need to step off the trail, watch your footing as PNF is home to a variety of critters, also a good reason to keep your pups on leash.
Davidson River Trail: Nice stroll along the river that can be any distance you’d like. It’s a great hike on a hot day as there’s several spots to jump in the river and cool off. Parking for this trail is typically found at the Art Lobe parking lot. If that’s full, there’s two additional lots across the road (hwy 276)
Andy Cove to Exercise Loop to Davidson River Trail: Pretty scenic for a short hike, this one is around 3 miles. Park at the Visitors station, make your way up Andy Cove Trail, to the suspension bridge (photo op!), down and back towards the center, before you arrive at the center you can cross the hwy to the Old Chapel, then along the river and loop back.

DuPont is known for its many waterfalls. Parking at the Hooker Creek Falls parking lot puts you in reach of Hooker Falls, Triple and High. If you’re feeling more energetic, you can hike out to Bridal Vail Falls and have lunch on the rocks. Mostly fire-road’s with some short, steep hills. With Bridal Vail its around 6 miles, without around 3. The parking lots at DuPont fill up around 9 on nice weekend days