Dog walking in Laurel Springs

Laurel Springs

The New River State Park is located in Laurel Springs, named for the New River, which meanders its way through the mountains and provides some of the most furtastic scenery in the region. Accessed via 2 parking lots, at Waggoner Road and US 221, the river park features walk-in camping and paddle craft access, and trails will take you from the river’s edge to the top of the surrounding hills. The majority of the trails are about 1 mile each and are out-and-back, great for short walks with Fido and the rest of the family. Each access location has a picnic area, and there are 2 covered shelters with grills for those al fresco meals during your day at the river. The park also contains the Fern Nature Trail, an easy 1-mile hike through woods and along the river. Open every day year-round, New River State Park is sure to provide adventure and tranquility for you and your doggo! Arf!

Roaring Gap

Roaring Gap is a neighbor of Laurel Springs, and home of the pup-friendly Stone Mountain State Park, which features a massive granite dome at the summit, a landmark for some as they hike the park’s trails, a challenge for others who dream of climbing the huge rock. Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the park offers more than 18 miles of trails for hiking, and a 90-site campground equipped for RVs and tents. Tent pads, tables and grills adorn each site, and some have hookups for water and electricity. The trails vary in difficulty, and feature waterfalls and some rocky terrain, not to mention scurrying wildlife and birds. Fido must be leashed within the park. Day picnickers and overnighters will find the 75 picnic sites convenient and scenic, and 2 shelters feature grills, water and restrooms. Streams covering over 20 miles crisscross the park, and are open for fishing, cooling off or just watching and listening as they gurgle by. This is a pawrfect destination for you and your fur-bud to explore!

West Jefferson

The Mount Jefferson State Natural Area is in West Jefferson, a town west of Laurel Springs. This natural space features 5 hiking trails that provide an opportunity for viewing beautiful wildflowers and other plant and wildlife, with one that is a tough but rewarding clamber over rocky ridges, bestowing spectacular views at its end. The park provides a huge picnic area with almost 20 tables and 8 grills where you and Fido can stop for a bite during your trek through the woods and over the rocks. Bring your fur-buddy here for a few hours or a few days to explore this somewhat wild and beautiful park – you’ll be glad you did!

Mulberry

This village just south of Laurel Springs is where you’ll find the dog-friendly Thurmond Chatham Wildlife Management Area, which features a trail where you and your fur-pup can hike and explore along Basin Creek. The out-and-back hike is about 10 miles round trip and challenges with several crossings, so be sure to wear or bring your water shoes! The gentle incline up a hill brings you to a summit where the remains of cabins left after a long-ago mudslide destroyed the Caudill Family homestead, and where you'll find furtastic views of the valley below. The park also contains walk-in campsites along the trail so you and Fido can stay for more adventure!

Wilkesboro Town Center

This town south of Wilkesboro is home to the Hidden Oaks Dog Park at Cub Creek Park that features a fully-fenced acre with separate small and large dog sections, and a covered area with benches and picnic tables for the humans to sit and socialize while their doggos do the same. The park provides water and waste stations, and has a grass surface for optimal cavorting, bobbing and weaving. If you’d like to take Fido for a walk in other areas of Cub Creek Park, you’re welcome to bring him along on his leash. The creek is a popular destination where you and your pup can cool off, and the fields provide ample space for throwing down a blanket and just relaxing or sharing a picnic meal.