Last Updated on October 29, 2024
Are you and your dog tired of taking the same old route through your neighborhood each morning? This weekend, take your pet on an adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Our area of Appalachia has some of the most beautiful mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and views in the world—and we don’t think we’re being biased. Best of all, many local trails are dog friendly. That means both you and Fido can enjoy an afternoon of fresh mountain air, local critter sightings, and cool mountain streams. You may even come across a waterfall or two!
Do something fun for yourself and your pet. Here are five popular hiking trails near Hendersonville, NC that you and your dog are sure to love!
The Park at Flat Rock: Ed Lastein Perimeter Trail
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
There are many places in the nearby Village of Flat Rock that are dog friendly. The Park at Flat Rock, located at 55 Highland Golf Drive, is open from dawn to dusk year round. The park currently remains in the development stage, and portions of the park may be closed to the public at times, so please obey all construction zone instructions. A 1.5-mile perimeter trail, called the Ed Lastein Perimeter Trail, loops around the park. Other smaller trails cut through from the perimeter trail to various park features, making this an interesting spot to take your dog year round. Dogs are welcome as long as they stay on a leash at all times. Learn more.
Bradley Nature Preserve: Lazy Girl Loop
Length: 1.5 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Located in Polk County, just over the Henderson County line, is the dog-friendly town of Saluda. The nine-acre Bradley Nature Preserve, mostly within Saluda’s town limits, features the Lazy Girl Loop, an easy out-and-back trail that runs through the woods of the preserve. There is a Connector Trail that links the Lazy Girl Loop to Laurel Drive. However, dogs are not allowed on the lower loop sections of the trail. Parking is located at the intersection of Esseola Drive and Substation Road. Learn more.
BONUS: Little Bradley Falls Trail
Bishop Branch, Pulliam Creek, Big Bradley, and Big Hungry trails are also located within the Bradley Nature Preserve. But for a delightful dog-friendly adventure we recommend Little Bradley Falls Trail. This wide, 50-foot waterfall cascades down four tiers into a pool that’s perfect for summer swimming. In fall and winter, you can still appreciate the moderately difficult trail through dense hardwood forest and over Cove Creek. Bring waterproof hiking boots or water shoes to avoid cold, wet feet! Learn more.
The Bradley Nature Preserve is maintained by the Saluda Community Land Trust (SCLT).
Bent Creek Network: Rice Pinnacle – Ledford Loop
Length: 4.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Established in 1927, Bent Creek is the oldest experimental forest in the East. The area near Arden, NC is now used to research current issues that threaten or enhance the health and productivity of forests. The Bent Creek trail network features a variety of hiking, biking, and off-road trails. This loop trail takes you on an exploration of serene woods and lush forests, offering glimpses of wildlife and peaceful surroundings. This route follows wide gravel roads and dirt trails, making it also a popular route for mountain biking. The trail is open year round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Parking is available at the Rice Pinnacle Parking Area. Learn more.
Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Trail
Length: 5.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Travel about 40 minutes into the Upstate of South Carolina to discover this out-and-back trail near Landrum. The Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve Trail weaves upward through the preserve, eventually reaching the South Pacolet River. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and walking, making it likely you will encounter other people and dogs while exploring. The trail is open year-round and offers great scenery no matter the season. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. An orange vest or hat is required during hunting season. Learn more.
Bracken Mountain, Burl Mountain, and Brushy Creek Loop
Length: 7.3 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Brevard, NC, is another nearby mountain town that offers many dog-friendly activities. Bracken Mountain Preserve, maintained by the City of Brevard, is a great location for beginning and experienced hikers. The preserve’s 395 acres abut Pisgah National Forest and its trails connect to the Fish Hatchery and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. There are several hiking and biking trails within the preserve, including the 7.3-mile Bracken Mountain Trail. This is a popular year-round trail for hiking and mountain biking, but you and your dog can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Beginning with a gradual climb, the trail provides beautiful river and waterfall vistas. However, the ascent is steep, so keep an eye on your footing. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Learn more.
Other great dog-friendly trails near Hendersonville, NC
The options above are just a short list of the dog-friendly trails near Hendersonville that are currently accessible following the destruction left by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Many other great trails and areas around trails remain closed due to fallen and damaged trees. Please practice caution when hiking and follow all safety and closure instructions.
As roadways and park sites continue to safely reopen across the region, we recommend checking out these trails with your pet, as well:
- Memminger Trail Loop to Big Glassy Mountain at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site in Flat Rock, NC
- Graveyard Fields Loop Trail (Easy) or the connecting Graveyard Upper Falls Trail (Moderate) off of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 418.8)
- The 12 trails of varying difficulty at the NC Arboretum, all of which are dog-friendly
- Little Bearwallow Mountain via Wildcat Rock Trail, which curves around the base of Bearwallow Mountain
Safety tips for hiking with your dog
Before you head out on the trail, take a moment to assess your dog’s fitness, health, and behavior. While the trails above are all dog-friendly, not every trail is, and not all dogs are fit for hiking. Whatever your dog’s fitness, make sure to bring clean water to keep your dog cool and hydrated. For long hikes, bring nutritionally balanced dog food and snacks, as well. On the trail, watch out for approaching cliffs, do not wander off the trail into the homes of native flora and fauna, and remember to give dog-less hikers the right of way.
Keep the trail fun and enjoyable for everyone—including your dog—by keeping your pet leashed at all times. Make sure your dog is wearing a snug collar with your contact info and his or her rabies tag on it. And please remember to leave no trace.
