Dog-Friendly Adventures on the Peaceful Side

Written by: Emily Huffstetler

From pool parties to scenic hikes, the Peaceful Side of the Smokies offers a variety of dog-friendly activities. Whether you’re a local resident or just vising the area, there are plenty of opportunities for your furry friend to play, socialize and enjoy the great outdoors.

Paws in the Pool – Springbrook Pool

The 3^rd annual “Paws in the Pool” dog festival will take place at Springbrook Pool on Saturday, August 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The rain date is set for August 11 from 1 to 5 p.m.

Large dogs (over 40 lbs) check in at 8:30 a.m. and swim from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Small dogs check-in at 10:45 a.m. and swim from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Tickets cost $8 per pup on the day of the event, including swimming in the chlorinated pool, fun activities, on-site vendors, dog goodies and an event keepsake. Register by noon the Friday before the event for a discounted price of $5.

Dogs must be good swimmers or have their own life jacket to participate. You can learn more about the event on the Parks & Rec website.

Dog Parks on the Peaceful Side

The Petsafe Dog Park at Pistol Creek, nestled in Maryville’s Bicentennial Park, is open from dawn until dusk. It features a half-acre for small dogs, an acre for large dogs, a pavilion, benches, waste stations, dogs-only water fountains and an unleashing area.

Limited parking is available on McCammon Ave, or you can walk from the municipal lot or parking garage nearby on Harper Ave. Learn more about the park rules on the Parks & Rec website.

Louisville Dog Park, next to Henry Beal Park in Louisville, offers fenced-in areas for small and large dogs, including agility equipment, a dog water fountain, a digging pit and a hose to rinse your pup off. There’s also a lakeside loop trail nearby.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas and along roads in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park if they’re on a leash that doesn’t exceed six feet in length. Owners must clean up after their dogs immediately and should never leave them unattended in a vehicle or RV.

Only two trails in the park are open to dogs for their own safety and the safety of wildlife and other visitors. These two trails are the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.

The Gatlinburg Trail is a convenient option near the Peaceful Side. About four miles roundtrip, this riverside stroll winds through a cove hardwood forest and features historic chimneys. You can learn more about the trail, including where to park, on the GSMNP website.

Service dogs are allowed anywhere in the park that visitors can go. You can learn more about service dog policies on the National Park Service website.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants

The Peaceful Side has several restaurants with pet-friendly seating. In Maryville, some of our favorites include Diamondjack Wine Bar, which offer patio seating and a water bowl; Maryville Corner Market, known for its pet-friendly atmosphere; Southern Grace Coffee Co, with porch and patio seating; Peaceful Side Brewery, with patio seating; and Vienna Coffee House, also with patio seating.

We’d love to see what kind of adventures you and your pup get up to on the Peaceful Side. Be sure to tag us on social media (@peacefulsmokies).

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Born and raised in Maryville, Tennessee, with roots tracing back to Cades Cove, Emily Huffstetler is a proud Maryville College graduate and passionate storyteller of the Greater Smokies region.