Last Updated on April 3, 2025
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, a large percentage of the local trails near Mills River are dog friendly. That means both you and Fido can enjoy an afternoon of fresh mountain air, local critter sightings, socialization in the dog park, 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 Mills River, NC that you and your dog are sure to love!
Editor’s Note: Many WNC hiking trails were affected by Hurricane Helene in late September 2024. To the best of our knowledge, the trails listed here are open as of when this post was published, but the progress of trail repairs continues to change regularly. Check for any trail closures before you begin your hike, and be sure to follow all current posted safety precautions.
Mills River Park
Length: 1.25 miles
Difficulty: Easy
From dawn to dusk, locals love visiting Mills River Park. The park encompasses 48 acres behind city hall, stretching to the banks of Mills River. It has a playground, tennis courts, handicap accessible fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch, and picnic shelter that can be reserved for special occasions. Also inside the park are the Mills River Library and town community center. But Fido is going to love it for the dog park. Take your pet on a loop around the paved, multi-use trail. Then let him make some friends while he romps around the dog park. Learn more.
BONUS: Additional easy walking trails near Mills River
Casual hikers, those with accessibility issues, and older dogs will all appreciate these additional easy walks. Though, with our region’s beautiful mountain scenery, everyone will enjoy these routes:
- Ecusta Trail | 9.5 miles | Point to point | Learn more
- Etowah Park | 0.6 miles | Loop trail | Learn more
- Rhododendron Lake Loop | 0.7 miles | Loop trail | Learn more
- UNCA Kellogg Center Perry Rudnick Nature & Public Art Trail | 1.4 miles | Loop trail | Learn more
- Westfeldt River Park Trail | 0.6 miles | Loop trail | Learn more
Trace Ridge to North Mills River Trail
Length: 6.1 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
This adventurous out-and-back, multi-use trail near Mills River is intended to accommodate horse riding, mountain biking, and hiking. It remains less popular than other trails, meaning you may encounter fewer people while exploring. Over the course of six miles, you’ll only drop around 400 feet in elevation as you approach the North Fork Mills River. The second half of the trail travels along the river, with several creek crossings that may be up to two-feet high after heavy rain—a great opportunity to cool off in the summer heat! The route ends at the Hendersonville Reservoir Trail, which can be taken to complete a loop if you don’t want to double back. Learn more.
Turkey Pen Gap, Wagon Road Gap, and South Mills River Road Loop
Length: 6.2 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Active dogs will love this popular six-plus-mile loop route that features mountain views, lush valleys, and a long walk beside the river. Generally considered moderately challenging, you’ll experience an elevation gain of nearly 1,300 feet over the course of the hike. In fact, at one point, you will climb 600 feet in less than a quarter of a mile as you ascend Sharpy Mountain. But the route also features a long stretch of relatively flat terrain as you hike alongside South Mills River. A trail back 100 feet leads to a swinging bridge. Learn more.
Pilot Cove Slate Rock Trail
Length: 6.9 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Located west of town in Pisgah National Forest, this is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and hiking. From Yellow Gap Road, you and your dog will travel uphill more than 1,250 feet in elevation along the Pilot Cove-Slate Rock Trail through a beautiful and diverse forest. Along the route, you’ll pass mellow streams and Slate Rock Creek Falls. The trail then intersects with Pilot Cove Loop, which will bring you back downhill to Yellow Gap Road. This multi-use trail is shared by mountain bikers, so take caution and keep your dog properly leashed. Learn more.
Bradley Creek, Riverside, Squirrel Gap and Laurel Loop
Length: 11.8 miles
Difficulty: Hard
If you’re looking for a challenge, this 11.8-mile loop trail is a great way to spend the weekend in Mills River. This route consists of several connected trails: Bradley Creek Trail, Riverside Trail, Squirrel Gap Trail, and Laurel Creek Trail. But that means you get to experience the best features of each! Admire many beautiful water features along the way and have fun crossing a couple of small creeks. Though there aren’t many mountain views on this route, you and Fido will have plenty to see thanks to the abundance of wildlife and vegetation. Learn more.
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.
Make your home in Mills River, NC
The town of Mills River is located in western Henderson County near Etowah and Fletcher, and within a quick drive to Asheville Regional Airport and local shopping, health care, and amenities. With about 7,500 residents, Mills River is the second largest town in the county, as well as among the oldest communities in the area. Since incorporating in 2003 to have more control over development, the town has implemented a number of regulations to control how the area’s farmland and residential areas are divided and zoned.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Mills River now!
