Dog walking in Newport

Hot Springs

One of the closest places to Newport where you and your pup can exercise together is the Max Patch Trail. This trail is located around 28 miles from Newport and its gentle incline makes it pawfect for beginners. It's even suitable for small children. The length directly to the top is 1.4 miles, and the loop length is 2.4 miles long. The hilltop is completely bald; it doesn't have even one tree. The scenic views from the top are a great reason to have a family picnic. Don't forget to leash your pup and to bring plenty of water and waste bags with you.

Liberty Heights

If your pup prefers a simple, enclosed dog park where he can socialize with other pups, you'd be barking mad to miss Morristown Dog Park. Morristown's Liberty Heights neighborhood is located ruffly 22 miles from Newport, and the short drive is worth every minute! Small pups and large dogs have separate sections to play in, and human visitors have seating where they can relax while watching their pups play. Free waste bags for cleaning up your pup's messes are available at the park. The park has a couple of doggie obstacles as well as night lighting, so you and Fido can play anytime!

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Fifteen miles away from Newport, you'll find the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This national park is 800 acres, but dogs are not allowed on most of the trails there. The trails that allow puppers are Gatlinburg Trail, which is 1.9 miles, and the Oconaluftee River Trail, which is 1.5 miles long. Dogs are also welcome on the campgrounds and picnic areas. Your pup has to be leashed at all times while visiting this park. Along the Gatlinburg Trail, there is a little creek where your dog can cool off. Bring drinking water with you and don't forget to keep the place clean! 

City Center

For something a little different, visit Gatlinburg, which is located around 32 miles away from Newport. Here, you can either visit The Village Shops or Gatlinburg Sky Lift. The Village Shops include 27 specialty shops that have the pawfect gift for every member of the family -- furry members included! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome to accompany you, and if you visit the Simply Animals store, you can get some treats or toys for your pup. On the other paw -- er, hand -- the Gatlinburg Sky Lift gives you the chance to take your dog with you on the sky lift and go to the top of the mountain! What an adventure, right?

Tremont

Another fairly easy trail that you and your dog will surely enjoy is the 7-mile Laurel River Trail. The trail is around 38 miles from Newport and is rated moderate in difficulty. You'll need approximately 3.5 hours to complete this trail. Along the way, you'll find some cool ruins of the former town of Runion, as well as some furrific camping and swimming spots. If your hound loves the water, pack a towel and let him splash in the river! Locals note that this trail has some incredible scenic views, so snap a photo of Fido before you leave! Dogs have to be on-leash and you'll have to clean up after them.