Oconaluftee River Trail

Dogs on a leash all year

One of only two Smokies trails open to dogs. Riverside path from the Oconaluftee Visitor Center to Cherokee.

Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina side): Pets. Checked October 28, 2026.

Route shown on the map: about 2.7 km of trail as mapped in OpenStreetMap. Trails can include side paths, so check the park map for the walk you plan.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina side): the rule in full

Only two trails in the park allow leashed pets: the Oconaluftee River Trail (North Carolina) and the Gatlinburg Trail (Tennessee).

Nearby beaches

• Oak Island beachOff-leash dogs allowed from October 15 to March 15. Dogs on a leash from March 16 to October 14. Dogs on a leash the rest of the time
• Kure BeachNo dogs 9am to 5pm, from April 1 to September 30. Dogs on a leash all year
• Emerald Isle beachDogs on a leash all year
• Kill Devil Hills beachNo dogs 9am to 6pm, from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dogs on a leash the rest of the time
• Nags Head beachDogs on a leash all year