Trailborn Highlands Blog
A Dog Friendly Weekend in Highlands NC: Where to Stay, Eat, and Explore With Your Pup
Is Highlands, NC Dog Friendly?
Highlands, NC is one of the most dog-friendly mountain towns in the Southeast.
With its abundance of outdoor spaces, walkable downtown, and welcoming local businesses, it’s an easy destination to explore with your dog. From waterfall trails to patio dining and scenic drives, many of the best experiences in Highlands naturally lend themselves to bringing your pup along.
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a longer stay, Highlands offers a balance of adventure and ease, for both you and your dog.
Dog Friendly Things to Do in Highlands NC
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Highlands with a dog is how naturally the destination lends itself to shared outdoor experiences. From waterfalls to scenic overlooks, many of the best things to do in Highlands, NC are dog friendly by default.
Explore Waterfalls Together
Waterfalls are one of the defining features of the Highlands area and many are easily accessible with a dog.
Dry Falls is a must-visit, with a short paved walk leading to a dramatic cascade you can even walk behind. It’s one of the most accessible waterfall experiences in the region and a great first stop.
Nearby, Bridal Veil Falls offers another quick and unique stop, where you can (carefully) walk behind the falls or view it from the roadside.
For something more scenic from a distance, Cullasaja Falls provides a dramatic roadside viewpoint, ideal for a quick pause along a drive.
Check out our information guide to Highlands Waterfalls, for more information.
Hike Scenic Mountain Trails
Highlands is surrounded by national forest and protected land, making it an excellent destination for dog-friendly hiking.
Popular trails include:
- Whiteside Mountain – a moderate loop with panoramic cliffside views
- Sunset Rock Trail – a shorter hike with a rewarding overlook near town
- Ranger Falls & surrounding forest trails – quieter, shaded options ideal for warmer days
These trails offer a mix of terrain and difficulty, allowing you to choose something that fits your dog’s energy level.
Take a Scenic Drive Along US-64
Not every activity needs to be a hike. Scenic drives are one of the best ways to experience Highlands with your dog, especially if you’re balancing activity with downtime.
Driving along US-64 (part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway) offers:
- Multiple waterfall stops along the way
- Mountain views and forested stretches
- Easy pull-offs for short walks and breaks
It’s a relaxed way to explore while still experiencing the landscape together.
Stroll Through Downtown Highlands
Downtown Highlands is compact, walkable, and dog friendly, making it easy to explore with your pup.
You can spend time:
- Walking along Main Street and nearby side streets
- Browsing shops with outdoor displays
- Stopping for coffee or a casual bite at dog-friendly cafés
The pace here is slower and more relaxed, which makes it especially enjoyable with a dog in tow.
Spend Time at Highlands Dog Park
If your dog needs space to run and play, the Highlands Dog Park is a great addition to your itinerary.
It offers:
- Fenced areas for off-leash play
- Open space for exercise and socializing
- A convenient stop between other activities
This is especially helpful if you’re staying for a few days and want to mix in unstructured playtime.
Relax Outdoors Between Activities
One of the underrated parts of a dog-friendly trip to Highlands is simply slowing down.
Between hikes and outings, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy quieter moments – whether that’s sitting outside, taking in the mountain air, or letting your dog rest after a full morning of exploring.
These in-between moments often end up being just as memorable as the more active parts of the trip.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Highlands NC
Dining out with your dog is easy in the Highlands, thanks to a strong selection of dog friendly restaurants with outdoor seating and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
Many spots offer patios, porches, or garden seating where dogs are welcome – especially during warmer months – making it simple to bring your pup along without overthinking logistics.
You’ll find a mix of casual cafés, elevated dining, and local favorites, including:
- Mountain Fresh Grocery – A go-to for casual lunches, sandwiches, and coffee, with outdoor seating that makes it especially dog friendly. Perfect for a quick, easy stop between activities.
- Calder’s Coffee Café – A cozy spot for coffee and light bites, with a welcoming patio where dogs can join you for a slower morning start.
- The Ugly Dog Pub – A casual, lively option with a dog-friendly patio – great for something low-key after a day outdoors.
Local tip:
Bring water for your dog and plan around peak dining times – patio seating can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons.
Where to Stay: Pet Friendly Hotels in Highlands NC
Finding the right place to stay is key to a smooth, enjoyable trip, especially when traveling with a dog.
Highlands offers a mix of pet friendly hotels, inns, and cabins, but the best options go beyond simply allowing pets, they’re designed with the full experience in mind.
Trailborn Highlands offers a relaxed, design-forward basecamp that makes traveling with your dog feel effortless. With easy access to nearby trails, outdoor space to unwind, and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a natural fit for travelers bringing their pup along.
Rather than feeling restrictive, the experience here is flexible – giving you the freedom to come and go, explore the outdoors, and settle in comfortably at your own pace.
Getting Around Highlands With Your Dog
One of the reasons Highlands works so well for a dog-friendly trip is how easy it is to navigate. Such as,
- Short drive times between waterfalls, trails, and downtown
- Walkable areas once you’re in town
- Scenic drives that allow you to explore without constant stops
This flexibility makes it easy to build a day that feels balanced, active in the morning, relaxed in the afternoon, and social in the evening.
Tips for a Smooth Dog Friendly Highlands Trip
A little planning can go a long way in making your trip seamless.
- Keep your dog leashed on trails and in public areas
- Bring water for hikes and outdoor activities
- Be mindful of wildlife in forested areas
- Check patio availability when dining out
Highlands is welcoming to dogs, but like most nature-focused destinations, respecting the environment helps keep it that way.
Stay Close to It All at Trailborn Highlands
The best dog-friendly trips are the ones that feel easy from start to finish, and where you stay plays a big role in that.
Trailborn Highlands offers a comfortable, well-located base for exploring everything the area has to offer, from waterfalls and hiking trails to downtown restaurants and scenic drives.
With a setting that naturally blends outdoor access with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, it’s a place where both you and your dog can settle in quickly, and spend more time enjoying the experience, rather than planning around it.
Browse our dog-friendly rooms and start planning your Highlands getaway.
