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Gatlinburg With Pets: 10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels, Activities, & More

Gatlinburg is one of the best places in Tennessee to visit with your four-legged friend. With the magnificent Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its doorstep, you’ll enjoy many outdoor activities for humans and pets alike. What’s more, there are plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg, too.

However, it’s not just the scenery that makes this Tennessee town so pet-friendly. Many of Gatlinburg’s attractions, accommodations, and activities allow you to bring your dog or cat along as well! 🐾

There are many restaurants, bars, and breweries that welcome four-legged friends on their patios. If that’s not enough, you’ll find several fantastic pet stores to spoil your fur baby while you stroll downtown. Below, we’re sharing the top pet-friendly Gatlinburg accommodation, activities, trails, restaurants, and more!

So whether you decide to hike a mountain, stroll through the woods, or refresh in a creek, your fur child will enjoy a Gatlinburg trip as much as you.

Keep reading below for our recommendations on trails, shops, restaurants, bakeries, and more pet-friendly places in Gatlinburg to enjoy on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

​​Top 10 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Gatlinburg, TN

To start off this guide, here are our ten favorite pet-friendly places to stay in Gatlinburg, including a mix of hotels, motels, and lodges.

1. Sidney James Mountain Lodge

The 3-star Sidney James Mountain Lodge is one of the favored pet-friendly hotels downtown with dedicated pet rooms. They allow up to 2 pets per room, weighing under 35lbs. There is a small fee of $10 per pet per night and an additional 12.75% tax for the pet-friendly room. 

You can keep your pet in your room when you go out, but they must be in a crate. Pets are not allowed in common areas such as the restaurant and pool. However, that’s no problem as the idyllic location of the lodge means there are many lovely areas just outside the hotel grounds. For example, there is a stream behind the hotel, so if your furry child likes water, they can splash about in it.

Because there are only a select few pet rooms, they fill up quickly. Therefore, we recommend booking in advance. You can check for availability here!

2. The Park Vista DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel

The Park Vista, located 1,000 ft. above Gatlinburg, is one of the best pet-friendly hotels with a view. As the hotel sits on a hilltop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you and your pet can enjoy splendid vistas over the city and mountains.

Pets of all sizes and breeds can stay here for $35 per pet per day. There’s plenty of free parking and some lovely grassy areas around the hotel to take your cat out for a walk. You’ll also enjoy the fabulous hotel facilities, such as the multi-level indoor pool and whirlpool, open all year round.

All rooms at The Park Vista have enclosed balconies, and although they look safe, they are not totally cat-proof. So take extra care to keep the door shut, so your kitty doesn’t escape. 

We particularly recommend the King Room with Parlor. It has a spacious lounge room with sofas and armchairs, giving your fur baby cozy sleeping spots and plenty of space to walk around. Check for availability here.

3. Cabin Fever near Gatlinburg

If you prefer to stay in a cabin than in a hotel, we highly recommend Cabin Fever in Black Bear Falls in Gatlinburg. This pet-friendly lodging in Gatlinburg allows pets for a minimal $50 fee. The cottage is also conveniently located on the outskirts of town, within two miles from downtown and to the top attractions in Gatlinburg. 

The 2-bedroom luxurious apartment sleeps up to six people and has a super cozy and romantic feel, perfect for that couple’s break you’ve been meaning to take. Plus, as it’s nestled in the woods, there are lovely forest trails to walk your fur child.

The studio-style cabin has an extra-large king beds, plus a jacuzzi. There is also a fully-furnished kitchen with a stove and oven, a fireplace and a large flat-screen TV. Book your stay here.

🐾 Find more pet-friendly cabins near Gatlinburg on VRBO 🐾

4. Quality Inn & Suites Gatlinburg

Quality Inn & Suites on Hemlock Street is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Gatlinburg for travelers wanting to keep costs low. Many of the affordable rooms here are pet friendly, allowing both dogs and cats up to 30 lbs. There is a small fee of $20 per pet per night. However, note that you cannot leave your fur child unattended in the room here. 

Quality Inn & Suites is conveniently located close to all the major attractions in town and just 3 km from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There is a seasonal adult pool for humans, and you’ll also get free parking and complimentary breakfast.

You can check which rooms are pet friendly here. All rooms have a small balcony, and some feature a fireplace. Moreover, all the pet-friendly rooms have two queen-size beds, so if it’s just you and your partner, your furry friend will enjoy having a whole bed to themselves.

5. Bear’s Lair Cabin Gatlinburg

If you’re looking for luxury but pet-friendly accommodation in Gatlinburg, you’ll love the Bear’s Lair Lodge. The lavish 1-bedroom cabin is set in a tranquil spot on Grey Fox Trail, 17 km from downtown Gatlinburg. 

You can enjoy a peaceful nature break here with your beloved pet. The cabin has an outdoor pool and hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, and a homely lounge. There’s also a lovely terrace for your pet to chill out on and plenty of walking trails you can explore with them.

This pet-friendly cabin sleeps up to 6 humans, so you can come with the whole family. Let the host know you’re bringing pets when booking, as a pet fee may apply. Check for availability here

6. Motel 6 Gatlinburg

Motel 6 just outside Gatlinburg town offers a budget pet-friendly stay with no pet fees. This animal-loving motel is just a 4-minute drive from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So you and your furry friend can be in nature in no time.

Facilities for humans at Motel 6 include an outdoor pool, 24-hour front desk, and free parking. A range of rooms is available, including the spacious king room with a spa bath, fireplace, and cozy armchair that makes an ideal pet bed.

There are also quadruple rooms that sleep up to 4 humans and 2 pets. Check availability and book here!

7. Super 8 by Wyndham Downtown Gatlinburg

Super 8 by Wyndham is another of the top downtown Gatlinburg hotels that allow pets of all shapes and sizes in their designated pet rooms. However, a pet fee of $30 plus tax per pet per night applies. 

The central location makes this motel an excellent choice if you want to be close the attractions in town. In addition, it offers free parking and WiFi, complimentary coffee in the lobby and daily breakfast included in your price. Therefore, although there is a pet fee, this is still an excellent value for money option for your stay in Gatlinburg.

The rooms are pretty basic, but you can choose a family room with an extra double bed to give your pets their own sleeping space. Book your stay at Super 8 here.

8. Bear Necessities Log Cabin in Gatlinburg

Bear Necessities is one of the best pet-friendly cabins in Gatlinburg. The cozy 1-bedroom wooden cabin sits in a nature-rich spot, giving you plenty of places to take your furry friend for a morning walk. 

The 2-story holiday home has a spacious patio and outdoor jacuzzi, perfect for fall vacations in the Smoky Mountains with family. There’s also a fully equipped kitchen, arcade, pool table, and a cozy fireplace to sit around. The bright and airy cabin has many windows, so your pet can sit and watch the wildlife outside, and can accommodate up to 8 humans!

Pets are welcome, making this a great choice for pet-friendly accommodation in Gatlinburg, but you there is a one-time $80 fee and you should let the owners know when booking.

9. Twin Mountain Inn & Suites (Pigeon Forge)

Twin Mountain Inn & Suites in Pigeon Forge is one of the best pet-friendly hotels near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood.

They allow you to bring two cats or dogs per room with a weight limit of 80 lbs-100 lbs. They charge a small pet fee of $15 per pet per night, plus tax.

The inn features an outdoor pool, free parking, and complimentary WiFi. There’s also an excellent hot breakfast included in the price, so you can fuel up ahead of a busy day walking and exploring with your furry friend.

The suites feature a balcony, fireplace, and two large double beds. Click here for details.

10. Wild Bear Inn (Pigeon Forge)

Wild Bear Inn in Pigeon Forge is a pet-friendly hotel near Gatlinburg that allows you to bring one cat or dog. It’s located just 7km from Gatlinburg and a 14-minute drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. So, it’s an excellent low-cost option for pet parents with an only (fur) child.

Wild Bear Inn offers a free pancake breakfast to all guests, complimentary coffee in the lobby, and a seasonal pool onsite. In addition, the rooms are equipped with everything you need, such as coffee makers and refrigerators.

However, the downside is that Wild Bear Inn charges a pet/cleaning fee of $170 regardless of the duration of your stay. Additionally, you’ll need to pay a refundable $100 pet deposit. Find out more and book here.

Which of These Gatlinburg Accommodations Is Best for Pets?

Gatlinburg may not have as many pet-friendly hotels as other US cities, but there are still many excellent choices for you and your furry friend. You’ll find the ideal accommodation to match your vacation style, from luxury hotels to cozy cabins to budget motels.

If we had to choose, our top three furry-friendly Gatlinburg accommodations, covering all price spans, are:

  1. Sidney James Mountain Lodge is one of our top places to stay in Gatlinburg with pets. They charge a small fee of $10 per pet per night and allow up to two pets to stay with you. You can keep your fur child in the room when you go out, but they will need to stay in a crate. There are also some lovely grassy areas around the hotel and even a stream right behind it.
  2. Cabin Fever Lodge is one of the best furry-friendly Gatlinburg lodges you can find. The 1-bedroom apartment feels cozy and homely, and as it’s nestled in the woods, you’ll find plenty of forest trails to walk your fur child. Plus, they don’t charge any additional fees to bring a pet!
  3. Motel 6 Gatlinburg is and ideal choice for those looking for a budget-friendly Gatlinburg stay. They don’t charge any pet fees and the affordable rooms come with a spacious king bed, spa bath, and fireplace. The room also has a comfy armchair that perfectly serves your pet’s bed.

However, no matter which one of these pet-friendly hotels or cabins you choose, we recommend booking in advance!

Pet-Friendly Activities in Gatlinburg

Once you have your accommodation booked, it’s time to set out onto the town with your pup or kitty. From breathtaking natural sights to peaceful walking trails, you’ll find many pet-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

Walking Trails

Although Great Smoky Mountains National Park has many fantastic walking and hiking trails, only two allow pets. Don’t worry, though, as both tracks are magnificent and there are also some other options just outside the park. Dogs have to stay on leashes on the following trails, so they are safe for your kitty.

  • Gatlinburg Trail — This 1.9 mile (3.8 miles/ 6.28 km round-trip) hike begins at Sugarland Visitor Center and finishes on the outskirts of Gatlinburg city. The short Smoky Mountains track is primarily flat, so it is accessible for most. It gives beautiful river views and has a peaceful ambiance. You can do it one way or out and back; the latter takes around 90 minutes. 
  • Oconaluftee River Trail — This 1.5 mile (3 mile/ 5 km round trip) trail is the second dog-friendly walking route in the national park. It starts at Oconaluftee Visitor Center and goes through the forest and along the river to the outskirts of Cherokee. Like the Gatlinburg Trail, you can do it one way or out and back to make it into a 3-mile walk. The trail is relatively flat and is popular with dogs who enjoy splashing in the stream. 
  • Townsend Historical Trail — This river walk is located just outside the Smoky Mountains in Townsend. The 9-mile ‘out and back’ trail makes for an excellent day walk and will undoubtedly tire out your four-legged friend. If you want a shorter walk, you can do it just one way. It runs along Little River and passes many points of interest, such as the historical railroad and Lumber Company Museum.

Attractions & Activities

  • Gatlinburg SkyLift is one of the town’s top attractions, giving incredible views over the Smoky Mountain Range. What makes it even better is that it’s pet friendly, so you can also bring your fluffy friend along for the experience. You’ll need to keep your pet leashed or in a carrier and put them on your lap while in the lift. Once you reach the top, you can take some amazing selfies with your fur baby.
  • Sugarlands Distilling Company on Parkway hosts tastings, tours, and live music events that you and your pet can attend. As no food is served on the premises, the company allows you to bring your dog or cat to inside and outside areas. So you can sip on some Moonshine with your fur child in tow. 
  • River Rat Tubing in the Smoky Mountains allows you to bring your pet along for the ride for just $5. You can take your pet on the tube with you, or if they are super confident in the water, let them ride on their own. However, we recommend using a rope if you choose the latter. Unless your cat is a water lover, this is probably one for the dogs!

Pet Bakeries

Bonediggity Barkery at The Village Shops is one of the best dog-friendly Gatlinburg establishments. It sells tasty homemade treats and awesome toys and accessories for fur babies of all sizes. Most of the items are for dogs, but there are some cat products, so it’s definitely worth a visit while in town.

Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg has plenty of dog and cat-friendly eateries with lovely patios to sit and dine with your fur baby. Some will even give them a little treat, too. Here are our top picks.

  • Mad Dog’s Creamery by The Island in Pigeon Forge is a must-visit for any traveling in Gatlinburg with their pets. They serve an impressive array of sweet donuts and cakes and plenty of ice cream choices. However, this creamery is the best because they have a selection of dog donuts and mini ice-cream treats. Speak with the staff to see which ones are suitable for felines.
  • Fox & Parrot Tavern is a British-themed restaurant serving traditional pub grub like Shepherd’s Pie and Fish & Chips. They also have an impressive 33 draught beers to wash it down with and a large outdoor deck to sit with your dog or cat. They often let well-behaved pets inside, too.
  • Howard’s Steakhouse in Gatlinburg has a pet-friendly back patio where you can dine with your fur child. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds of the peaceful mountain stream that runs alongside it as you tuck into a tasty burger. 
  • Yee-Haw Brewing is an excellent pet-friendly brewery in Pigeon Forge. You can enjoy a drink in their outdoor seating area, but you’ll need to keep your pet leashed or in a carrier.
  • The Apple Barn and Cider Mill is another establishment that lets you bring your pet. They have lots of shaded outdoor seating where you can relax with your dog or cat and taste their freshly-made apple cider.

Other Pet Resources in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Sign of Doggywood in Gatlinburg
  • Smoky Mountain Cat House — This is our favorite pet store in Gatlinburg, and if you’re a cat owner, you’ll surely adore it. This warm and welcoming cat shop opened in 1985 and has since served as a place for cat lovers to unite. Here you can stock up on catnip and cat grass for your feline and treat yourself to a pair of cat-themed earrings.
  • Holly and Willows Pet BarnThis cute pet store sells unique toys, apparel and accessories for cats and dogs. The friendly owner is always happy to meet your furry friend and will give them a free treat. Many items are made by hand, and the treats are homemade with love.
  • Paws & Claws Pet Fashion — This is another pet store you should visit in Gatlinburg. They specialize in cute clothing for dogs and cats. So if you’ve ever wanted to dress up your fur baby (and they allow you), now is your chance.
  • Doggywood — If you’re visiting the famous Dollywood amusement park, you can board your dog at the onsite kennel. Dogs are not allowed inside the amusement park, but they’ll have the time of their lives at Doggywood instead. They have 12 kennel runs and 4 dog cottages that your pup can use. Unfortunately, Dogwood does not have facilities for cats, though.
  • Annual cat show at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center – The Volunteer Cat Club holds an annual cat show at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. The date and theme change every year, but you should definitely check it out if you’re in town for it. 

We hope this pet-friendly Gatlinburg guide is useful to you and your furry friend! If you’ve previously visited Gatlinburg with your fluffy child, leave a comment and tell us how you found this Tennessee mountain town!