Southeast: 5 Dog-Friendly Trails to Explore This Summer
Photo Courtesy of Greg Tyree and All Trails
Beautiful weather is here, and the southeast is filled with spectacular dog-friendly trails for you and your pup to explore this season! Featuring breathtaking waterfalls, swimming holes, panoramic views and scenic trails, you’ll be planning your next adventure by the end of this blog. We included trails for various levels of difficulty so everyone can enjoy a day with their furry friends!
Looking Glass Rock Trail - Brevard, North Carolina
Photo Courtesy of BlueRidgeMountainLife.com
If you’re searching for a moderate, six-mile trail consisting of scenic views of the Blue Ridge Parkway, pretty wildflowers and crystal-clear cascades, Looking Glass Rock Trail in Pisgah National Forest is your spot. Hikers and their dogs come from across the country to see the breathtaking views atop Looking Glass Rock. This trail gets its name from the phenomenon that occurs when rainwater freezes over the rock’s surface and the sun’s rays cascade over the falls, creating a glassy effect that can be seen from afar. You can’t miss this trail when traveling, as you can see the massive rock soaring above the mountains while driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Pro Tip: Just minutes away from the trailhead is Looking Glass Falls, a 60-foot waterfall with a swimming hole for you and your pup to take a dip after completing the trek up to Looking Glass Rock. However, if you’re not in the mood for a long hike, this waterfall is easily accessible, located just steps off of U.S. 276.
Burgess Falls Trail - Baxter, Tennessee
Photo Courtesy of Kim Akins and All Trails
Torn between a lazy Sunday and an active one? Thanks to the Burgess Falls State Park, you can have the best of both worlds! The Burgess Falls Trail is an easy mile and a half out and back trail with little elevation. Although this hike is short, expect to see beauty all around you while hiking with your dog. This trail features a captivating river flowing alongside the trail, convenient steps to take you up subtle inclines, and one of Tennessee’s most beautiful waterfalls: Burgess Falls, a 135-foot cascading waterfall that is well worth the short hike!
Your dogs are encouraged to hike with you on their leash, so make sure to carve out two to three hours to fully enjoy the Burgess Falls Trail with your adventure partner!
Raven Cliff Falls Trail - Helen, Georgia
Photo Courtesy of Dillon Hammond and All Trails
This dog-friendly hike is a six mile out and back trail located in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Expect to be surrounded by Georgia’s most admired waterfalls and streams when walking through this scenic masterpiece. This waterfall wonderland consists of various kinds of terrain, keeping Raven Cliff Falls Trail interesting without being too difficult while also providing a nice refreshment to the humid weather. This trail is considered moderate with only about 600 ft. of elevation.
Make sure to arrive early to tackle this southeast trail, as the parking area can be limited, and fills up quickly! More information about Raven Cliff Falls Trail can be found here.
Wekiwa Springs Orange Trail - Apopka, Florida
Photo Courtesy of Jeff Woods and All Trails
Wekiwa Springs Orange Trail will have you and your dog feeling like you’re in a rainforest with its wildlife and scenery. This dog-friendly escape into nature is located at Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka, Florida. If you’re looking for a casual weekend walk through nature, the Wekiwa Springs Orange Trail is great for all skill levels and covers 5.3 miles of terrain. The park offers several trails to choose from if you’re looking to move off the Orange Trail.
Make sure to come prepared with plenty of water, sunscreen and insect repellent, as it can be humid and buggy during the summer months.
Cave Creek Trail from Cheaha Trailhead - Lineville, Alabama
Photo Courtesy of John Fleischauer and All Trails
Looking for some of the best views in Alabama? Cheaha State Park is your spot. We recommend hiking the Cave Creek Trail from Cheaha Trailhead. This dog-friendly trail offers adventurers an array of picture-worthy overlooks and a peaceful walk through nature. Considered a moderate trail, this seven mile loop can be completed clockwise or counterclockwise, although many hikers argue that the counterclockwise route is much easier!
Cheaha State Park has various other trails ranging from easy to hard if you’d like to explore other areas of the park. Adventurers also recommend downloading a map ahead of time, as the trail is claimed to be poorly marked in some sections.
Before you head out on your next adventure, don’t forget to pack your Triumph Treats! They give your dog a wholesome and delicious reward for conquering nature with you. Make sure to tag @triumphpetfood the next time you share your next adventure on social media to be featured!
