The Ultimate Guide to Dog-Friendly Hotels in Highlands, NC
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I grew up about two hours from Highlands, spending summers exploring the mountain towns within easy reach of Asheville. Now, as a travel advisor based in Greenville, SC, I get to send my clients to do the same. My husband and I still treat Highlands as one of our favorite summer escapes — the elevation here means noticeably cooler air than the Upstate heat we're used to at home. I also spent a stretch a few years back working for the concessionaire that runs Cliffside Lake, which had me in and around Highlands regularly. These days, most of those Highlands trips include our dogs — so I've made it my business to know exactly which hotels, patios, and trails welcome them too.
Nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Highlands is one of the most charming small towns for animal lovers. From boutique hotels with dedicated pet-friendly amenities to dog parks just steps from Main Street, this guide covers the best dog-friendly hotels in Highlands, NC — plus the parks, restaurants, and local resources that make traveling with a dog here so easy.
About Highlands, NC
Located about 2 hours from Atlanta, and just over an hour and a half from Asheville, Highlands sits at over 4,000 ft of elevation in the mountains of Western North Carolina. It's surrounded by the lush forests of Nantahala National Forest and offers abundant outdoor adventures paired with sophisticated shops and dining. I once heard this area described as mountain chic and that totally fits.
Most of the restaurants and dining are centered along or within a couple of blocks of Highlands' Main Street. So, if you're looking for a walkable stay, keep this in mind!
A Note on Booking
Booking links are included throughout for your convenience. But if you'd like to take advantage of exclusive perks — resort credits, complimentary upgrades, early check-in/late checkout, and more — I'd love to help you book directly.
Dog-Friendly Accommodations in Highlands, NC
Quick Comparison
| Hotel | Rating | Pet fee | Weight limit | Location | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Park on Main | 4.8 ⭐️ | No additional fee | None | On Main Street | Book now |
| Trailborn Highlands | 4.5 ⭐️ | $65/night | 40 lbs (max 2 pets) | Short walk to Main St | Book now |
| Skyline Lodge | 4.2 ⭐️ | $125/reservation | 50 lbs (1 dog) or 60 lbs total (2 dogs) | ~5 miles from downtown | Book now |
| Highlander Mountain House | 4.0 ⭐️ | $50/night | 25 lbs (Main House), 50 lbs (Bunkhouse) | On Main Street | Book now |
courtesy of Park on Main
The Park on Main
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.8 ⭐️
Pet Fee: No additional fee
Restrictions: None
This is my top pick among the pet-friendly hotels in Highlands, it really goes the extra mile to welcome your pets. It pairs the widest range of pet-friendly amenities in town with no additional pet fee — a rare combo. And you won't be sacrificing quality for yourself either: this 24-suite luxury hotel is one of the most elevated stays in the area.
Each suite is decorated with canine oil paintings and ranges from an intimate setting for one or two to larger suites with a living area and connecting bedrooms — a perfect spot for families traveling together and needing plenty of room. A guest favorite feature for each room is the lovely white marble bathroom with heated floors. The centerpiece of The Park on Main is its lavish garden terrace, inspired by Central Park. A heated parking garage is also available for guests' convenience and their car's security.
Mr. Pickles, the hotel's resident handsome black Scottish Terrier, will greet your pet with a special toy at check-in. In-room, you'll find a designer dog bowl, an Orvis ToughChew® ComfortFill-Eco™ platform dog bed, a dog towel, and a doggie mat. One of my favorite touches: crates are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can slip away for time at a spa or a quiet dinner without your pup in tow. Throughout your stay, dogs enjoy complimentary all-natural treats at the front desk, 24/7. Mr. Pickles Dog Park is conveniently located just a block from the hotel, at the intersection of Spring Street and 2nd Street.
The hotel also partners with the Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society to host a foster dog onsite — be sure to say hello in the lobby during your stay.
courtesy of Trailborn Highlands
Trailborn Highlands
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Pet Fee: $65/night
Restrictions: Weight limit of 40 lbs, up to 2 pets per room
A 63-room boutique hotel just a short walk from Main Street, Trailborn Highlands was renovated and reopened in 2024. Highlights include an outdoor Nordic-style sauna and cold-plunge setup, a central lounge with a fireplace and complimentary morning coffee, guided local experiences like fly fishing and hiking, and the onsite Highlands Supper Club, housed in a historic 1930s log cabin. The overall vibe leans modern "outdoorsy boutique" rather than traditional Southern-inn style — a great pick if you're a Marriott loyalist looking for a pet-friendly hotel in Highlands.
Pet amenities include a Trailborn bandana and a branded silicone collapsible bowl at check-in. Pet-friendly rooms are limited to patio rooms, so it's recommended to contact the property directly before booking to confirm pet-friendly availability for your stay. Patio rooms include a private patio with outdoor chairs and a table.
Questions about a specific dog? Reach the hotel directly at (855) 870-3992 or highlands-reservations@trailborn.com.
courtesy of Skyline Lodge
Skyline Lodge
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.2 ⭐️
Pet Fee: $125 per reservation
Restrictions: One dog up to 50 lbs, or two dogs totaling 60 lbs, per guest room
A mid-century-modern mountaintop retreat about five miles (roughly a 10-minute drive) outside downtown Highlands, Skyline Lodge sits at 3,700 feet with views toward the Smoky Mountains on a clear day. Originally built in 1930 by an architect connected to Frank Lloyd Wright, the property was reimagined in 2021 and now includes a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and an onsite restaurant, Oak Steakhouse — a great option if you want a quieter, away-from-Main-Street setting with resort-level amenities.
Upon arrival, dog guests are welcomed with a "pup cup" topped with cool whip, an in-room dog bed, two dog bowls with a placemat, and chef-made, in-house dog treats (peanut butter and oats). Dogs are welcome anywhere on-property except indoors at Oak Steakhouse; they're allowed on the Oak Steakhouse terrace.
courtesy of Highlander Mountain House
Highlander Mountain House
Tripadvisor Rating: 4 ⭐️
Pet Fee: $50 per night
Restrictions: Weight limit of 25 lbs in the Main House, up to 50 lbs in the Bunkhouse. Some breed restrictions apply — call the hotel for specifics.
Housed in a charming 19th-century building right on Main Street in downtown Highlands, this boutique 18-room inn is a short walk from The Bascom and the Highlands Nature Center. It's a solid choice if you want to stay centrally located without booking a full resort. The Main House rooms are appointed with Western North Carolina meets the English countryside aesthetic while Bunkhouse rooms lean more rustic.
While this hotel is pet-friendly, it doesn't offer any pet-specific amenities.
Dog Parks in Highlands, NC
Mr. Pickles Dog Park
Hours: 24/7
Terrain: Mostly grass, with an area of small pebbles
Limited to Park on Main guests only.
Highlands Dog Park
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Terrain: Mulch
Fully fenced with a covered area. Includes separate areas for small, skittish, or elderly dogs. Located on Foreman Road about a 15-minute walk from Highlander Mountain House and a 20-minute walk from Trailborn Highlands.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Highlands, NC
Highlands has many restaurants that offer outdoor seating and keep water bowls topped off — perfect for you and your pup:
Blue Bike Cafe — breakfast and lunch, with a dog-specific menu
Wild Thyme Gourmet — lunch & dinner, American cuisine with an Asian twist
The Ugly Dog — lunch & dinner, American pub food
Highlands Smokehouse — lunch & dinner, BBQ
Kilwins — ice cream and fudge, note that you would need to send someone in to order while another person stays outside with your pup
What to Pack for a Dog-Friendly Getaway
Exact needs will vary by what amenities your accommodations provide. A few things to be sure you account for:
Dog bowls
Dog food & plenty of treats!
Dog bed
Travel crate if your dog uses one
Check out all of my dog travel essentials on my Amazon storefront.
FAQs
Where can I purchase pet supplies in Highlands, NC?
Highlands Mountain Paws, located on Main Street in downtown Highlands, has you covered.
What can I do with my dog in Highlands, NC?
Highlands, NC is incredibly dog-friendly. Some ideas include:
Chase waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls, Dry Falls, and Glen Falls
Hike
Dine al fresco
Shop
Check out my guide for a comprehensive list of things to do in Highlands, NC.
When is the best time to visit Highlands, NC with my dog?
Summer is the best time to visit! Summer daytime temps are generally in the 70s, making for the perfect weather to enjoy time on patios for a meal. Spring and fall would also be lovely, but keep in mind that cooler temps may make for less enjoyable outdoor dining.
We've visited in winter with our dogs, but opted for room service or to-go meals from our favorite spots to eat in our room. It worked great for us but I recognize that this might not be ideal for all travelers.
Dogs are welcome at select special events including Friday and Saturday night outdoor concerts that occur May through October, the Highlands Dog Show (May) and Halloween on Main.
Are there leash laws in Highlands, NC?
Yes, the short answer is that dogs must be on leash when not in a car or in a dwelling within the municipal district of Highlands and owners are required to dispose of any animal waste. For the full ordinance language and a map of where leash laws apply, check with the Town of Highlands.
Where is the nearest emergency vet to Highlands, NC?
The closest 24/7 animal hospital is Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital & Veterinary Emergency Hospital, located in Flat Rock, NC, approximately a 1-hour drive from Highlands. There are a few local vets that hold standard business hours Monday-Friday.
Planning the rest of your trip? See my guide to Highlands, NC for waterfalls, hikes, and more to fill out your itinerary.
Hi, I’m Jess
I’m here to help you plan epic adventures. If you’re looking for authentic travel guides that mix luxe lodging and incredible dining with out of this world hikes and adventures, you’re in the right place.
