Dog walking in Banner Elk

Crooked Creek

Start off in Banner Elk in the quaint town center. Stretch your paws at the nearby Tate-Evans Park to warm up those muscles around the park’s ¾ mile loop trail before attempting to hike Grandfather Mountain. This well-kept community park offers a small off-leash dog park section, a volleyball court, playgrounds, picnic tables, and often hosts events. When it’s time to eat, check out the Banner Elk Cafe where your pup is welcome to chow down alongside you on the patio. Sink your teeth into the ever pawpular blueberry pancakes or shrimp po boy for a delightful dining experience. Drinking bowls are provided for furry customers!

Norwood Hollow at Sugar Mountain

If you’re out for a day of skiing at the nearby Sugar Mountain, then don’t forget to stop by at some of Banner Elk’s most loved eateries. When the weather permits, take Fido for a feast at the Pedalin’ Pig BBQ. This local hotspot is renowned for its heartwarming barbeque, pulled pork, and succulent baby back ribs, among other BBQ side favorites. If the Pedalin’ Pig is too busy or closed, just nextdoor is Nick’s Restaurant & Pub. Grab a seat here for tasty sandwiches, burgers, and seafood served in a typical American style setting. Both restaurants happily offer pup-friendly seating at one of their outdoor tables (if it’s not too cold!)

Seven Devils

A short drive southeast of Banner Elk will land you in Seven Devils country. Take Fido for a wine tasting at the Grandfather Vineyard Winery for a pawsome local experience. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you as you taste a variety of North Carolinian white, red, and sweet wines. This dog-friendly activity is pawfect to enjoy with Fido, rain or shine. To soak up all those grape juices (wink wink), dine at the Eat Crow restaurant for specialty and gourmet dishes and desserts. Eat Crow is happy to welcome you and your pup during the summer months at one of their fur-friendly outdoor tables.

Balm

Directly east of Banner Elk’s town center lies two pawsome pup-friendly places for and you Fido to enjoy together. Head to the Banner Elk Winery and Vineyards for another delightful wine tasting with your canine (she won’t judge you for going twice). Awe at the variety of local wines and artwork while you warm up your paws at the fireplace or sit outside on the relaxing porch. For a great night’s sleep in the peaceful woods, reserve your spot at the cozy Banner Elk Cottage. This fully-furnished rental welcomes one pet and up to two humans. A pawfect place to unwind with your pup after a long day!

Beech Mountain

You and Fido are smack dab in the middle of some of the most beautiful mountains in the nation. With that being said, take a short drive north of Banner Elk for incredi-paw mountain and country landscapes in Beech Mountain. Less than five miles from downtown Banner Elk is the Beech Mountain Bark Park, where Fido can run free off-leash in a pawsitively won-fur-ful space. There are separate play areas for small and large pups, in addition to fully-equipped dog watering and waste stations. Folks love this bark park for its safety gates, graveled pathways and natural landscaping; and best of all, your pup is sure to love it, too!