Pet-Friendly Blue Ridge

Wide open spaces, friendly faces, and a dog friendly community make Blue Ridge the ideal place for your whole family and your dog to explore! Miles upon miles of hiking trails, streams to splash in, and fresh forest smells will keep your pup full of pep and eager to see what’s around the bend. Blue Ridge is the perfect pet friendly destination and here are a few paws-itively fun things to do when you visit!

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Re-Tail Stores

You know how your dog is so excited to see you when you come home? Well, that’s the same excitement you’ll feel when you stroll the streets of downtown Blue Ridge and check out all the neat shops. Many of our boutiques welcome your pups and some even cater to them! At Love Dogs and Cats Too you can find all your holistic pet needs like pet food, accessories, novelty items and an incredible treat bar to spoil your furbaby. Before you head out to the trails to burn some energy, stop by Blue Ridge Adventure Dog for all your outdoor gear, plus they have the most incredible doggie donuts that are a perfect treat for your good boy or girl. Just down the road in the pet friendly twin Cities of McCaysville, GA & Copperhill, TN you can buy Fido a new toy or harness at Mainstreet Mutt Pet Boutique & Gifts and explore the whole walkable Copper Basin area.

Shopping at a festival on Main Street

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Bone Appétit!

When you are feeling doggone hungry there are a wide variety of options to dine with your pooch. Many of our local area restaurants have outdoor seating areas and decks that welcome your dog to dine with you. Stop by The Dogwood for Yappy Hour featuring drink specials for you while your pup enjoys treats, toys, and doggie beer. The Toccoa Riverside Restaurant not only has a Pooch Patio, but they even have a special Canine Menu where you can order a “Hot Diggity Dog”, “Bow Wow Vegetables” or a “Doggie Delight” for dessert! For more suggestions on places to dine read our blog; Blue Ridge Georgia Dining: Alfresco with an Attitude!

Black and white dog running through the water at the river in Blue Ridge GA

Playing in Lake Blue Ridge

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Having a Ball!

There is no shortage of outdoor fun here in Blue Ridge. Spend time on leash in the Aska Adventure Area hiking the trails and exploring waterfalls. There are four trails to choose from: Flat Creek Loop, Green Mountain Trail, Stanley Gap Trail, and the Long Branch Loop which will lead you to Long Branch Falls. If you have a water dog with you, consider exploring the Toccoa River at Sandy Bottoms Recreation area which provides easy access to the river or splash into Lake Blue Ridge at the Morganton Point Recreation area. On your way to the Copper Basin, Horseshoe Bend Park is a lovely place to throw a ball or catch a frisbee and in McCaysville there is a fenced in dog area for leash free fun at The Toccoa River Park. Speaking of off leash fun, the Blue Ridge Adventure Dog has a large outdoor dog park that is perfect for dogs to socialize off-leash and people to unwind with beer, wine, and snacks.

Rest Your Tired Dogs

When it’s time to put your feet up, kick back, and relax Blue Ridge is bursting with pet friendly lodging and accommodations. From cabins to lodges you can find luxurious retreats and comfortable rental homes for the whole family to enjoy. Many properties offer fenced in yards and doggie gates to keep your pets safe in their home away from home. If you are traveling in an RV, you’ll love our new KOA Campground that offers Kamp K9, a perfect place for your furry travel companions to hang out when you go tubing or out to dinner.

Find your Best Friend

If you are looking for a new best friend, the Humane Society of Blue Ridge would be happy to help connect you with your next pawmate. Their staff is friendly and helpful and can direct you to veterinary care if you are in need while on vacation. They also offer an off-leash Dog Park where you can let your pup go mutts in a safe and controlled environment. Make plans to visit Blue Ridge in October for their annual Paws in the Park
event which features a Pet Parade, Costume Contest, Blessing of the Animals, Pet Photos, Rabies Clinic, Micro-chipping & more!

Who Let the Dogs Out?

As you can see Blue Ridge is the most pawsome place to vacation for both dogs and humans alike. Important Tip: Always keep your dog leashed, dogs smell things that are unfamiliar to them which sets them off to exploring in an area they aren't familiar with. For more trip planning information and to create custom itineraries use our itinerary builder and download our app to be in the know while you are on the go! Be sure to stop in one of our Visitor Centers for a free pet bag dispenser with biodegradable bags and a backpack for you!