Peacefully tucked away in the uninterrupted beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the tiny outpost town of Hot Springs quietly reigns as one of North Carolina’s best-kept secrets.
The town was named after the legendary mineral springs that flow freely from the Earth, making it a popular pit stop for hikers traveling along the Appalachian Trail. Although dogs are not permitted on this section of the world-famous trail, Hot Springs still offers plenty of exciting activities for you and your pup to discover together.
Whether you’re just passing through, interested in fun day trip ideas from Asheville, NC, or searching for the perfect spot where you and your pooch can take a break from your everyday routine, Hot Springs, NC is an Appalachian paradise that you won’t want to overlook.
Planning an exciting trip with your pets? You’re in for a memorable adventure!
Just like with any trip, however, it’s important to ensure you’re prepared and have everything you and your family will need to stay safe and healthy during your travels, including the furry members.
That’s why I’d love to give you my handy dandy Doggie Packing Checklist for FREE! This is the same checklist I use when preparing for a trip with Lady and it has saved me from numerous headaches and potential disasters.
Our checklist has already helped hundreds of pet parents stay organized during the packing process, and I’m sure it will do the same for you. Download your free copy right now!
3 Things to Do in Hot Springs, NC With Your Dog
1. Go Camping at the Hot Springs Resort and Spa
Hot Springs Resort & Spa is the town’s crown jewel, and it’s for good reason!
The resort is one of the only two spots in town where you can soak in the world-famous hot mineral spring water. If that wasn’t enough, several of the resort’s campground sites and cabins are also pet-friendly!
These accommodations can be found right across the street from the resort’s Main House and cuddled along the banks of the French Broad River. If you and your pup feel like roughing it beside the water, you can reserve a Hot Springs, NC camping site for only $30-$65 per night.
Each site comes with picnic tables, a fire ring, incredible water views, and guaranteed opportunities to relax and get back in touch with the tranquility of nature.
The campsite is also home to several Hot Springs, NC cabins that allow you and Fido to enjoy everything you love about camping without sacrificing modern conveniences like air conditioning or electricity.
There is a total of 12 pet-friendly cabins to choose from, so you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to finding your ideal rustic escape.
The pet-friendly cabins do not include linens on the beds, so don’t forget to bring your own!
2. Explore Pisgah National Forest
Abundant with towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and fascinating wildlife, Pisgah National Forest is a wonderland of natural beauty in the Appalachian Mountains.
The forest is located just a short drive from Hot Springs and boasts some of the most incredible hiking trails in the east. Luckily for you and your pup, all of the trails in Pisgah are dog-friendly! There are literally dozens of exciting trails to discover, most of which provide awe-inspiring views that will have you scooping your jaw up off the ground.
Here are just some of the best trails near Hot Springs, NC that you and your dog won’t want to skip:
- Max Patch Mountain (1.5 miles)
- Van Cliff Loop Trail (2.6 miles)
- Laurel River Trail (3.6 miles)
- Rich Mountain Tower (14.1 miles)
If you’re staying in Hot Springs, don’t forget to check out the hiking trails that wind right through town, including the Lover’s Leap Loop Trail or the Pump Gap Loop!
3. Stop by the Iron Horse Station
During your visit to Hot Springs, it’s impossible to miss the iconic landmark known as the Iron Horse Station.
This historic building, nestled in the very heart of town, serves as an inn, restaurant, tavern, and shop all in one! While dogs are not allowed inside, it’s a great spot to run inside and grab some ice cream or coffee.
There are a couple of tables located right outside the shop doors for you and your pup to relax, watch the trains go by, or just take in the fresh mountain air.
During our visit to the Iron Horse Station, I got a delicious mint chocolate chip ice cream cone (my favorite) before Lady and I proceeded to explore the rest of town. It was the perfect treat after a full afternoon of hiking in the mountains.
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Hot Springs is the very denotation of a countryside destination that is truly away from it all! Lady and I enjoyed every moment of disconnecting from everyday responsibilities to explore one of the east’s most visually stunning regions and historic towns.
Do you plan on stopping by Hot Springs anytime soon? If you’ve been there before, what’s your favorite thing to do? Let us know in the comments!
