I’m a self-proclaimed crazy cat lady, but on my days off, you’ll usually find me on a trail with Trixie, my little mixed breed dog. Asheville has felt like home since I arrived, and a big part of that is how many good places there are to walk a dog within a short drive of town.
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These are five of the hikes Trixie and I enjoy most. We included a mix of difficulty levels, from a flat, paved loop to a stair climb that’s better saved for cooler days, so there’s something here for young dogs, senior dogs, and the people at the other end of the leash. I’ve also added a few notes from the vet side of things along the way.
1. Bearwallow Mountain Trail, Gerton
This one comes with a surprise at the top: there are often cows grazing in the summit meadow. The trailhead is about 19 miles from downtown Asheville, and the summit has a historic fire tower and views over Hickory Nut Gorge, downtown Hendersonville, and into South Carolina. Many hikers go up the shaded trail and come back down the service road for a two-mile loop.
Good to know: The mountain is privately owned, and the landowner allows hikers in, so we keep our distance from the cows, keep dogs leashed, and pack out our trash. Make sure to have treats handy for your dog when you get to the top. The trail closes periodically in winter to protect it from freeze-thaw damage, but the gravel road to the summit stays open all year. Trail details from Conserving Carolina
2. Lower Catawba Falls, Old Fort
Catawba Falls is a beautiful walk along the river, and when it’s not too hot, we’d suggest continuing up to the upper falls. Just know there are a lot of stairs. The trail to the lower falls is rated easy, while the route to the upper falls is rated intermediate; the quarter mile between them is about like climbing a 30-story building. Returning on the Ridge Trail makes a 3.5-mile loop.
Good to know: A long climb in hotter weather is hard on dogs, especially seniors, flat-faced breeds, and dogs with heart or breathing conditions, so the lower falls alone can be a perfectly good day. Stairs can also be tough on older joints. As of this writing, the upper viewing platform and Wildflower Trail remain closed following Hurricane Helene, so check the Forest Service’s Catawba Falls page before you go.
3. Triple Falls Trail, DuPont State Recreational Forest, near Brevard
Triple Falls is wonderful after a good rain, when all three tiers are running full. The trail is less than half a mile long, open only to foot traffic, and connects Hooker Falls, Triple Falls, and High Falls from a single parking area. There’s a very steep section to reach the view of the falls, and dogs must stay leashed at all times.
Good to know: Officials estimate more than 700,000 people hike this trail every year, so it can be busy, which is worth considering if your dog is nervous around crowds. Wet rocks after rain can be slippery for paws and people alike. Leptospirosis is on my radar in this part of North Carolina, and it can spread through water contaminated by infected wildlife, so we bring fresh water for Trixie rather than letting her drink from puddles or the river. Vaccination is part of preventing it, and it’s worth asking your vet about. Some areas near the falls are still closed after Hurricane Helene, so check DuPont State Recreational Forest’s current closures before you go.
4. Moore Cove Falls Trail, Pisgah National Forest, Brevard
This is a short, easy introduction to waterfall hiking with a lovely payoff at the end. The trail runs about 0.7 miles each way over wooden bridges, steps, and boardwalks, ending at a 50-foot waterfall that drops over a rock ledge you can walk behind. Dogs are welcome on leash. Trail details from Explore Asheville
Good to know: There’s a small parking area and no facilities, so plan accordingly. Stay on the main trail; unofficial paths lead to the top of the falls and are dangerous. Tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, are a real concern here, so we check Trixie for ticks after every hike, especially around her ears, neck, and her armpits.
5. Lake Junaluska Park, near Waynesville
When we want something gentler, this paved loop around the lake is a wonderful walk. The full trail runs 3.8 miles, or you can take a 2.3-mile route across the footbridge and the bridge above the dam. It’s paved and mostly flat, with gazebos and benches along the way, and leashed dogs are welcome. Walking trail details from Visit NC Smokies
Good to know: This is the one we’d suggest for senior dogs, dogs recovering from an injury, or anyone who wants a level walk with places to rest. On hot days, pavement can get uncomfortable for paws; a quick check with the back of your hand helps you decide whether to go early, go later, or stay on the grass.
Before You Head Out With Your Dog
A few habits apply to every trail on this list, whether we’re climbing stairs at Catawba or strolling around Lake Junaluska.
- Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl, even on short hikes and cool days.
- Keep your dog leashed. All five of these places require it, and it protects your dog, other hikers, and the wildlife and livestock that live there.
- Stay current on tick prevention, and check your dog for ticks when you get home.
- Look at paw pads after rocky or wet trails for cuts, scrapes, or anything stuck between the toes.
- Match the hike to your dog on that day. Age, weight, coat, fitness, and health conditions all matter, and a shorter walk is always an option.
- Check trail status before you leave. Several trails in the region are still recovering from Hurricane Helene, and closures can change.
- I always bring some kibble for Trixie to toss in her water bowl after a hike. This helps her drink water trying to get the kibble and ensures she stays hydrated.
When to Call Your Vet After a Hike
Most hikes end with nothing more than a tired, happy dog. Here’s how we think about the times they don’t.
Go to an emergency vet right away if your dog:
- Collapses, seems confused, or can’t stand
- Is panting heavily and doesn’t recover with rest, shade, and water
- Has a deep cut or a wound that won’t stop bleeding
- May have been bitten by a snake
Schedule a house call within a day or two if:
- Limping or soreness lasts more than a day
- A paw pad cut or scrape looks red, swollen, or isn’t healing
- Your dog seems unusually tired, stiff, or off their food in the days or weeks after a tick bite
It’s usually fine to monitor at home if:
- Your dog is a little more tired than usual but eating, drinking, and acting like themselves
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always okay to reach out. That’s what we’re here for.
See You on the Trail
One of the things we love about Western North Carolina is that there’s a trail for almost every dog. Some days Trixie and I want stairs and a waterfall, and some days a slow loop around a lake is exactly right. Pick the one that fits your dog today, bring plenty of water, and enjoy the time together.
Trixie’s favorite activity is smelling a new or old spot. Taking our dogs on hikes or walks allows them to use that part of their brain which can help slow the progression of canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome. So be sure to let them sniff!
About the Author
Dr. Jordyn Sthay, DVM, is a house call veterinarian with Heal Asheville, serving Asheville, Fairview, Arden, Biltmore Forest, Weaverville, Hendersonville, Canton, Candler, Woodfin, Oakley, Biltmore Lake, Fletcher, Mills River, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain. She focuses on senior, palliative, and feline care, and she sees pets with her veterinary partner, Dr. Matthew Parisi. Read Dr. Sthay’s full bio.