North Slope Trail

Looking for a pet-friendly hike where you can be one with nature in the beautiful forest of North Carolina? Look no further than the North Slope Trail, located within the Pisgah National Forest just outside of Brevard, NC. Here, you and Fido can enjoy the wooded trail and explore the surrounding woods. There are many activities to do once you’ve made it to the North Slope Trail. You can connect to other paths in the area, such as the Art Loeb Trail, and continue through the area. Otherwise, you can stick to the loop.

This trail is excellent for the outdoor adventurer who pre-furs more challenging routes with inclines and elevation throughout. The hike starts off a bit steep, and then the descent begins at about two miles. Eventually, the North Slope Trail runs alongside the rushing Davidson River for a short time before continuing along. Once you pass this area, you’ll be just outside the Davidson River Campgrounds. If you are thinking about making this trip an overnight stay, you can settle into one of the pet-friendly sites!

Aside from a few obstacles and rocks to look out for, you and Fido will walk along a mostly level trail with an abundance of wildflowers in spring. The park is open year-round, but the path is most pawpular during spring and summer. If you enjoy cold weather walks, you can continue to visit this path into the winter. In fact, many visitors claim you get better visibility into the heavily wooded area thanks to the lack of leaves on the trees.

Keep in mind that the North Slope Trail is indeed a nature hike, with no paved roads or facilities in the area. You should pack an adequate amount of water for both you and your pup. Don’t forget snacks and treats, too!