Explore Dog-Friendly Tennessee: A 2-Day Adventure Guide

On our return journey from Colorado to Virginia, we began our dog-friendly Tennessee experience in Nashville.

Read more about our Colorado road trip.

We did not have time for a more extended stay, so we focused on two main areas: Nashville and Smoky Mountains National Park.

Day 1. Nashville

Nashville, also known as Music City, is the capital city of the state of Tennessee and was the first stop in our dog-friendly road trip. It is a vibrant and culturally rich city renowned for its thriving music scene, Southern hospitality, and diverse entertainment options.

Nashville holds renowned acclaim as the epicenter of country music. Its musical heritage is rooted in the 1920s when Nashville became the broadcasting hub for the iconic Grand Ole Opry. As one of the oldest and most esteemed live country music radio shows, the Grand Ole Opry was pivotal in shaping Nashville’s rich musical legacy. Many legendary country music stars like Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson began their careers in Nashville. The city is also home to numerous recording studios and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, which celebrates the history and artistry of country music.

But you don’t have to be country music fun to visit it. Beyond country music, Nashville offers a diverse and flourishing music scene. The city embraces genres like rock, pop, jazz, blues, and folk, attracting talented musicians worldwide. Broadway Street and the surrounding areas are packed with honky-tonks and live music venues where you can enjoy performances by established artists and emerging talents.

Broadway Street

You can expect a crowd, a lot of people and loud music. So, avoid the main street if your dog is uncomfortable in such an environment. The best time to visit is Monday through Wednesday from the end of the week and at the weekend. Broadway Street, located in downtown Nashville, is the epicenter of the city’s party scene. This stretch of road is lined with honky-tonk bars, where live music performances occur throughout the day and night. Walking along Broadway Street could be challenging if you have a dog that is not used to crowds, and you must be prepared for an energetic atmosphere.

Country Music Hall of Fame

If you feel uncomfortable on the main street, you can always turn to a side street and take a break. Also, a square with the Country Music Hall of Fame is a nice open space where your pup can take a photo with his favorite singer’s name.

Just a step from Broadway Street, close to the river, you can walk through Riverfront Park and allow your dog to play in Riverfront Dog Park.

Additionally, you can cross the street and enjoy great food in Liberty Common, a hip, dog-friendly cafe in Nashville, Tennessee. Dogs are welcome to join you at an outdoor table. Their menu features delicious coffee, pastries, burgers, frozen cocktails, charbroiled oysters, cold beer, truffle fries, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Other dining options can be found here.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a beautiful escape from downtown Nashville’s energetic and bustling atmosphere. Located just two miles away, It offers a serene and peaceful environment where you can unwind and recharge.

Centennial Park is a beautiful urban green space that spans 132 acres. It is known for its iconic replica of the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the ancient Greek structure. The park provides a tranquil setting with its well-manicured lawns, scenic walking paths, and peaceful lake. Indeed, it’s the perfect place to take a stroll, picnic, or relax under the shade of a tree.

Centennial Park welcomes dogs to accompany visitors to various attractions. These include the iconic Parthenon, a picturesque one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, historical monuments, and a versatile event center. Moreover, there is a dedicated dog park where visitors can enjoy some off-leash playtime.

Day 2. Smoky Mountains National Park

After a hectic day in the lively party town of Nashville, I eagerly anticipated a serene day in the dog-friendly Great Smoky Mountains National Park. However, I soon learned that this renowned park, which straddles the border between Tennessee and North Carolina and draws millions of visitors yearly, has limited options for those exploring with pets.

To my initial disappointment, only two trails in this popular national park are dog-friendly: the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail. Pets are not allowed on other park trails, which initially seemed limiting. Despite this, the Gatlinburg Trail still offers a pleasant and scenic walk. This trail spans about 2 miles one way, running from the Visitor Center to the town of Gatlinburg, providing a beautiful and enjoyable experience for both dogs and their owners.

Gatlinburg

It is a charming mountain town in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains in eastern Tennessee, just a few miles from the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gatlinburg attracts millions of visitors yearly because of its picturesque setting, family-friendly attractions, and outdoor adventures.

The downtown area is a bustling entertainment, dining, and shopping hub. Further, visitors can stroll along the Parkway, the main thoroughfare, lined with unique shops, galleries, and boutiques.

A unique experience for your pup will probably be Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, a pet-friendly attraction in Tennessee. The only way to access the top of the mountain with your dog is via the yellow SkyLift chairs. Moreover, your dog is welcome as long as he is well-behaved, leashed at all times, and held on to by his owner. When you get to the top, stroll along the bridge, which offers excellent views across the Tennessee landscape.

After an exciting ride on SkyLiftPark, you can relax in a Tennessee Cider Company. You can taste ciders in one of two fashions;

VIP tasting allows the customer to taste all the hard ciders, honey mango mead, and blackberry dessert wine for 5 dollars. Another option is a free tasting, where you can choose any three hard ciders from the ones available on tap.

Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden

If you still have time, visit dog-friendly Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden, a unique attraction in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, near Gatlinburg. This tropical paradise is where visitors enjoy nature’s beauty and interact with colorful parrots and other exotic birds.

Parrot Mountain and Garden of Eden stand out for their exquisitely landscaped aviaries, which accommodate a diverse selection of tropical birds. Visitors can explore the gardens and walkways and enjoy vivid flowers, trees, and enchanting water features. Within the aviaries, one will encounter colorful parrots, macaws, and cockatoos, offering a truly captivating and immersive experience.

Leashed dogs are welcome inside Parrot Mountain and the Garden of Eden.

Unfortunately, we did not have more time to explore Tennessee, but we hope we will have an opportunity another time.

Don’t miss out on our other exciting DESTINATIONS.