The Best Dog-Friendly Things to Do in North GA

Pet parents rejoice! A vacation in North Georgia is the perfect option for those who want to bring their furry family members along. The small mountain towns are generally quite dog-friendly and you will have no problem finding plenty of activities to fill your days.

Staying in one of the pet-friendly Blue Sky cabins means you get to enjoy your North Georgia getaway with the entire family, fur babies included.

Pet-Friendly Places to Visit

Blue Ridge

The quaint town of Blue Ridge, GA, is a great place to visit with your pup. Here you will find numerous dog-friendly restaurants and shops. Downtown Blue Ridge is filled with interesting stores and delicious food, so be sure to visit Blue Ridge one day!

Ellijay

Similar to Blue Ridge, Ellijay, GA, is one of the jewels of North Georgia. The town has numerous dog-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy a meal on the patio, or you can make your way over to the BJ Reece Orchards to pick some apples with your polite, leashed dog.

Blairsville

Blairsville, GA, is a short drive east of Blue Ridge and is a fantastic option for a dog-friendly day trip. This small town packs a big punch with plenty of restaurants, breweries, and shops that welcome your pup.

Relax with a glass of wine at the Odom Springs Vineyards, where a special treat will be provided for your furry companion, or hike any of the fantastic trails in the surrounding Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest. The nearby Brasstown Bald is the highest point in Georgia, at 4,784 feet above sea level. This hike is steep, but the views are worth it!

Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Toccoa River Swinging Bridge

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The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge trail is a must-do for all visitors to the Blue Ridge Mountains. This trail can be done in various lengths and is part of the greater Benton MacKaye trail, stretching 300 miles all the way to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee.

If a 300-mile hike isn’t on the itinerary today, you might prefer the 0.5-mile round trip version, which takes you to the picturesque swinging bridge over the Toccoa River, or the 2-mile round trip version that takes you over the swinging bridge and to the summit of the nearby mountain.

This pet-friendly trail is moderately strenuous and primarily consists of rolling hills, making it an excellent option for a hike with fido.

Fall Branch Falls

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Another great, easy hike on the Benton MacKaye trail is the Fall Branch Falls trail. Only 0.5 miles roundtrip, the steady uphill hike rewards you with a fantastic waterfall to rest at. Bring a picnic and relax while surrounded by rhododendrons and the sound of rushing water.

The trailhead for this hike is just outside of Blue Ridge and is perfect for a quick stroll with your pup.

Jacks River Falls

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Tucked away in the remote Cohutta Wilderness outside of Blue Ridge is one of North Georgia’s most beautiful hikes. This is one of the lesser-known outdoor activities that you and your doggie will love. Jacks River Falls is 9 miles roundtrip and gives hikers the opportunity to admire the incredible Jacks River Falls.

The swimming hole below the falls is a great reward after this challenging hike, and your dog will love the chance to splash about! Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, but be aware of your dogs’ fitness levels before you embark.

Amicalola Falls

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Amicalola Falls is one of the most beloved hikes in North Georgia, and it’s easy to see why! Amicalola Falls itself is Georgia’s tallest waterfall, cascading down an incredible 729 feet. There are numerous hikes in the park, three of which either take you to the waterfall or provide views of it.

The New Appalachian Approach Trail, also known as the Base of the Falls trail, is the most popular option. The hike is a series of stairs and decks that follow along the creek, bringing you to the waterfall overlook in one mile and giving you the option to continue on 7.5 miles to Springer Mountain.

Leashed dogs are welcome here, but note that it is a very steep trail and your dog should be very fit to complete this hike. Don’t forget water for all the hikers in your group, two-legged and four-legged alike!

Springer Mountain

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Springer Mountain is famous for being the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, a 2,200-mile trail spanning from Georgia to Maine. If the 8.5+ mile hike from Amicalola Falls is a little longer than you’re looking for, consider the 1.9-mile roundtrip route from the Springer Mountain trailhead.

Convenient to the town of Ellijay, this trail is a great way to get a taste of hiking the Appalachian Trail. As with most trails in the state parks of North Georgia, leashed dogs are welcome.

Bear Creek Trail

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Just outside of Ellijay is Bear Creek Trail, one of North Georgia’s most well-loved trails for hiking and mountain biking. This hike takes you through lush forests and follows a babbling stream, proving just how beautiful the mountains of this region are.

Hikers can choose to take the 2-mile route to the Gennett Poplar, the second-oldest tree in Georgia, or you can continue on for a 5.5-mile round trip hike that takes you up the nearby summit, providing sweeping views of the valley. Your dog will love the chance to explore the greenery and take a dip in the creek as you hike this trail.

Emery Creek Trail

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Located in the Chattahoochee National Forest near Ellijay, the Emery Creek Trail is a fantastic moderately-difficult hike that people and pups alike will appreciate. This 6.2-mile roundtrip trail follows the creek through lush forests and gives you and your dog plenty of opportunities to get wet; there are over 20 creek crossings on this route!

The end of the trail brings you to the roaring beauty of Emery Creek Falls, providing the perfect view for a trail snack. This trail is definitely best-suited for more experienced hikers due to the minimal trail markers and many creek crossings, but it is a fantastic option for a hike with little to no crowds.

Mineral Springs Walking Trail

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For a less strenuous walk, the Mineral Springs Walking Trail, only five minutes from Blue Ridge, is the perfect option. Kid-friendly and dog-friendly, this little slice of nature is a beautiful place for a stroll, and the educational signage will teach you about some of the native plants in North Georgia.

Other Dog-Friendly Activities

Restaurants

When you are ready to take a break from the fantastic hikes in North Georgia, be sure to take advantage of the many dog-friendly restaurants in the area. Many of the establishments in places like Blue Ridge and Ellijay have patios or outdoor areas that well-behaved, leash dogs are welcome to enjoy as you eat your meal.

Harvest on Main, located in Blue Ridge, is a great option for dining with your pup. Sit on the dog-friendly patio as you enjoy a meal from locally sourced ingredients.

River Street Tavern in Ellijay, GA, offers a dog-friendly patio where you can try their famous burgers and brews. Live music can be enjoyed on weekends.

For great breakfast food served all day, check out Hole in the Wall in Blairsville, GA. With another dog-friendly patio, the whole family can have a great meal at this local institution.

Vineyards

It may come as a surprise, but North Georgia actually has a thriving wine industry. A day spent trying new wines is a fantastic addition to your vacation, and many of the local wineries and vineyards are also dog-friendly.

• Engelheim Vineyard in Ellijay is a must-visit for wine connoisseurs. The German-inspired vineyard offers a tasting room where you can try any of their 20+ delicious wines. Engelheim is very pet-friendly and your dog is welcome to join you for an afternoon relaxing amongst the vines.
• Ott Farms and Vineyard, also in Ellijay, is another great option. They have a wide range of wines as well as some tasty appetizers to pair with your drinks. On weekends, enjoy live music at the vineyard. The patio is dog-friendly, so bring your pooch along.
• Bear Claw Vineyards & Winery in Blue Ridge welcomes your dogs, even bringing them water bowls so your pup can stay hydrated while you taste the delicious wines on offer. Take advantage of their educational wine tour before sitting down to enjoy a glass while you watch the sunset.

Apple Picking

North Georgia is known for its apples, like Southern Georgia is known for its peaches, and the apple orchards in this area are hard to beat. Ellijay is considered the apple capital of Georgia and even hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival every October. If you are visiting in the autumn, taking your pup apple picking is an unforgettable memory.

BJ Reece Orchard in Ellijay is a top attraction, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to join you as you explore the expansive orchard. In addition to apple picking, you can enjoy the petting zoo, orchard tour, and the gift shop selling fruit and cider.

Water Activities

With all the lakes, rivers, and creeks in North Georgia, there is no shortage of water activities available for you and your pup!

Head over to Blue Ridge Lake to walk along the water. If you brought kayaks or canoes, Blue Ridge Lake is the perfect spot to take your pup out to enjoy the water.

Toccoa River can also be a great activity for a day with your dog, but do be mindful of the rapids along the river. They are small, but nervous dogs might not appreciate the rushing water. Either way, don’t forget your pup's life jacket, and remember to never tie your dog to the boat!

Tips for Traveling with Dogs

Whether it is your first time vacationing with your pooch or you are both seasoned travelers, there are a few tips that are good to remember and help ensure a fun, easy, and safe trip for everyone involved.

Know Your Dog

A vacation should be fun and stress-free for everyone, including your dog. If they tend to get nervous in certain situations, do your best to either avoid those situations or leave your dog in your cabin to keep them happy.

Even if your dog is great off-leash, it’s best to keep them safely leashed during your trip. In the towns and on many trails a leash is required anyway, but even in off-leash areas, it’s a good safety precaution. If they happen to get spooked and run off, they are in a new place and might struggle to find you again. Additionally, there are black bears and other large wildlife in the area that you don’t want your dog to interact with.

Knowing the fitness level and hiking ability of your dog is also an important consideration. Dogs that are older, less active, or small breeds may not be able to hike as far or climb tough trail obstacles as fitter dogs can. Know what your dog can handle, and be prepared to head back early if your pooch is getting too tired.

Stay Up-to-Date on Care

Staying up-to-date on your dog’s vaccines and flea/tick preventative is always necessary, but be sure to double-check and make sure everything is current before you head out. Many cities, parks, and accommodations require that certain vaccines be current, as well as some sort of flea and tick preventative. Besides that, you’ll appreciate the peace of mind knowing your dog is protected.

It is also a good idea to know where a local emergency vet is whenever you travel. Hopefully, this is not necessary, but it’s always best to be prepared! Mountain Emergency Vet Center in Blue Ridge is your best bet for overnight vet care.

Pack Carefully

Nobody wants to forget something when they go on vacation, but when you are traveling with your dog it is even more important to be sure you have everything. Pack a bag for your dog with all the necessities: food, bowls, toys, harness and leash, poop bags, and anything else your dog might appreciate. If your dog is kenneled at home, consider bringing it with you. There might be days you want to do an activity that isn’t dog-friendly, and your pup will appreciate having their kennel to nap in when they’re home alone.

A good thing to bring with you is a collar with up-to-date tags with your current phone number. If something were to happen and your dog needed to be returned to you, a collar with tags is the quickest and easiest way for that to happen.

You’re Ready to Enjoy a Pet-Friendly Vacation

If you hate the idea of leaving your furry friend behind when you go on vacation, don’t fret! Blue Sky Cabin Rentals allows you to bring your pup with you when you visit North Georgia, meaning your family vacation gets to truly include the entire family.

The North Georgia Mountains are a fantastic destination for dogs and you will have no trouble finding dog-friendly hikes, restaurants, and other activities. Your dog will appreciate the chance to join your adventures!