The Ultimate Guide for a Pet-Friendly Trip in North GA
When planning a getaway to North Georgia, it can be tough to decide whether or not to bring your furry friend along for the adventure. But we're here to tell you: bring them! There's no better companion for hiking the stunning trails or lounging on the porch of your cozy Blue Sky cabin than your loyal pet.
This region in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains is known for being extremely pet-friendly and offering plenty of activities to keep everyone happy and entertained. Read on to learn how to plan the perfect vacation for the whole family, two-legged and four-legged alike!
Pet-Friendly Places to Stay in North Georgia
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, North Georgia is an unforgettable destination for any pet lover. A cluster of endlessly charming mountain towns awaits in North Georgia, including Blue Ridge, Ellijay, Morganton, Cherry Log, and Mineral Bluff.
Not only is this region home to picturesque landscapes and charming small towns, but it's also as pet-friendly as they come. Whether you're looking to take your furry friend out for a scenic hike or a leisurely stroll through one of the area's many charming vacation home rentals, North Georgia has you covered. You can even bring your dog along for a wine tasting at one of the many pet-friendly wineries in the area.
Opt for one of Blue Sky's pet-friendly cabins, which offer hardwood floors and more open floor plans so you can keep an eye on your pooch. Many also have decks or outdoor spaces where your dog can enjoy mountain views or frolicking in the woods. Once you experience a magical vacation with your dog included, you’ll never want to travel without them again!
Pet-Friendly Activities
North Georgia is the perfect destination for traveling with your pet. Offering endless outdoor activities and a culture that is very welcoming of your four-legged friend, you will not struggle to find amazing things to do.
Hiking
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Photo Credit: lzf
It will come as no surprise that hiking is one of the most popular pet-friendly activities in North Georgia. Our cabins offer premium easy access to some of the best treks in the area. There is no more enthusiastic partner to take in the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains than man’s best friend.
The area has nearly endless hiking opportunities, ranging from leisurely, scenic strolls to challenging multi-day excursions. Know the limits of you and your pet when choosing your hiking trails to ensure everyone has a fun and safe hike.
Long Branch Loop
One of the most popular hikes in the area is Long Branch Loop, located just south of one of our Blue Ridge cabin rentals in the Oconee-Chattahoochee National Forest. This 2.3-mile loop allows leashed dogs and is a wonderful scenic hike that offers amazing views without being too strenuous. The trail can get busy in high season, so start early to beat the crowds.
Wilscot Gap to Brawley Mountain Loop
Another great dog-friendly hike is the Wilscot Gap to Brawley Mountain Loop. This 5.7-mile loop is considered moderate to strenuous but offers incredible views from the summit and is typically not crowded. The trailhead is located off Highway 60, south of Morganton.
Many of the trails in the area are dog-friendly, as the national forest generally allows leashed dogs. For specifics on other trails, check with the AllTrails app before heading out, where you can also find information on whether the trail is truly suitable for dogs.
Boating and Lake Adventures
Photo Credit: Steve Harwood via Flickr CC2.0
Heading out on the water is a great activity for the whole family. Taking a relaxing paddle on Lake Blue Ridge is the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day or admire the colorful foliage in autumn. Your water dog will love swimming and playing along the shoreline. For those seeking a truly unique experience, the Chattahoochee River offers a tranquil and scenic route with a chance to spot some wildlife.
Depending on the size of your dog and its experience with paddling, you can take them out in a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Ensure they wear a properly-fitted life jacket, and never tie your dog to the boat.
If you plan on renting boats instead of bringing your own, check with the outfitter to see if they allow dogs in their vessels.
Shore Walks
Photo Credit: Tatyana Vyc
If you’d rather stay on shore, consider a walk around Lake Blue Ridge, where your dog can take a refreshing dip in the lake. Additionally, there are some calm sections of the Toccoa River where your pup can splash in the cool water. Just be sure there isn’t anyone fishing nearby, as they might not appreciate your dog disturbing the fish!
When you take your dog swimming, they should wear a life jacket and ensure you supervise them closely at all times.
Pet-Friendly Dining
Photo Credit: Tara Lynn and Co
Although many of our mountain cabin rentals are pet-friendly, North Georgia offers many incredible restaurants, breweries, and wineries that will welcome your dog. These charming mountain towns' culture is generally dog-friendly, and locals and visitors alike will opt for restaurants with a pet-friendly patio seating area.
The following restaurants are known for delicious food and pet-friendly seating areas, but dozens more in North Georgia will welcome your pup.
Cantaberry
- Price: $$
- Address: 524 E Main St, Blue Ridge, GA
- Address: 5 S Side Sq, Ellijay, GA
- Website: cantaberry.com
- What to Order: Tomato soup and a turkey Reuben
Cantaberry is a casual soup and sandwich joint that is a favorite with locals. Locations in both Ellijay and Blue Ridge make it the perfect spot for anyone visiting North Georgia. Their patios are dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pooch along and maybe slip them a french fry.
Black Sheep Restaurant
- Price: $$$
- Address: 480 W Main St, Blue Ridge, GA
- Website: blacksheepblueridge.com
- What to Order: Pork belly and lamb lollipop
If you are looking for one of the most pet-friendly establishments in Blue Ridge, Black Sheep is the place to go. Visitors rave not only about the mouthwatering dishes but also the large outdoor seating area, including a closed patio, which happily welcomes your four-legged family members.
River Street Tavern
- Price: $$
- Address: 40 River St, Ellijay, GA
- Website: riverstreettavern.com
- What to Order: A Tavern Burger and a cold beer
Head to River Street Tavern for the best burger in town, a huge selection of cold beer, and a dog-friendly patio. This local institution is known for its delicious, fresh food and friendly staff.
Tips for Traveling with Pets in North Georgia
Photo Credit: Likeable Images
Pack Properly
Proper packing is essential for ensuring your pet's safe and happy vacation. Besides the obvious things, like food, food bowls, leashes, and harnesses, bring some items from home that will bring your pet comfort.
Things like their favorite bed, plenty of toys, treats, and chews to keep them occupied, and sweaters or jackets for cold-weather travel will be appreciated by your pet. Also, don’t forget your poop bags, crate or kennel, and perhaps some extra towels if Fido goes swimming!
Prepare for Emergencies
Nobody likes to think about accidents while on vacation, but it’s always best to be prepared. Your pet could get injured while exploring the great outdoors or get sick during your travels. It is a good idea to locate a local veterinarian and emergency vet office where you can bring your fur babies if something goes wrong.
Update Records and Preventative Care
Any time you take your pets away from home, you should be sure to bring copies of their up-to-date vet records. Ensure you have their rabies certificate and any other necessary health certificates.
Consider having your pet microchipped if they aren’t already, just in case they go missing during your getaway. Microchipped or not, they should wear a collar with your contact information on it.
If you are traveling in warmer seasons, flea and tick preventatives are absolutely necessary. Even if your dog isn’t running through the woods, ticks are quite prevalent in the region, and you will be grateful for up-to-date preventatives.
Traveling with Man’s Best Friend in North Georgia
Have the perfect pet-friendly vacation in the North Georgia mountains by bringing the whole family, including your pets! Blue Sky Cabin Rentals offers many beautiful pet-friendly cabins, allowing you to bring your furry friends along to enjoy all the incredible outdoor recreation North Georgia provides.
So pack your bags, prepare for the mountain getaway of a lifetime, and don’t forget the doggy biscuits!