Highlands, NC Is One of the Most Dog-Friendly Towns in the Mountains. Here's How to Make the Most of It.

Photo by Barnabas Davoti (@davotibarna) on Unsplash

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  May 24, 2026

On any given weekend in Highlands, the dogs on Main Street are impossible to miss. They stroll alongside their owners past the shops and restaurants, pause at water bowls set out on the sidewalk, and generally behave as though the town was built with them in mind. That is not far from the truth. Highlands has quietly become one of the most dog-accommodating mountain towns in North Carolina, and the welcome is genuine.

Highlands sits at just over 4,100 feet, making it one of the highest-elevation towns east of the Rockies. The cool air and surrounding trails were always going to draw outdoor-minded visitors. What stands out is how the town built real infrastructure and culture around that, rather than just tolerating dogs.

The Highlands Dog Park, located behind the Highlands Recreation Center just off Foreman Road, is the obvious starting point for any visit with a dog. It is off-leash, open to the public, and maintained well enough that locals use it regularly, not just tourists passing through. The Highlands Chamber organizes scheduled play dates there. If you are staying at Park on Main, the private Mr. Pickles Dog Park on the property is available to guests around the clock.

Lodging options worth knowing: Park on Main is the most upscale of the pet-friendly choices. Skyline Lodge accepts one dog up to 50 pounds or two dogs totaling 60 pounds per room. The Outpost Inn charges $50 per night for dogs under 50 pounds, with larger dogs accommodated by approval. Highlander Mountain House takes pets in the bunkhouse for a small additional fee. 200 Main accepts one dog at $75 per night upon request. Call ahead on all of these. Fee structures can change, and confirming size limits before you arrive saves friction later.

The dining situation is where Highlands stands out. The Ugly Dog's Fresser's Courtyard Café announces its intentions in the name. Highlands Smokehouse is a local favorite with outdoor seating that dogs are welcome at. Don Leon's, The Secret Garden, Wild Thyme Gourmet, Lakeside Restaurant, The Ruffed Grouse at Highlander Mountain House, and High Country Wine & Provisions all welcome leashed dogs outside. For a drink or a bottle to take back to the lodge, The Wine Shoppe and High Country Wine & Provisions round out the options.

For supplies and grooming, Highlands Mountain Paws on Main Street is the local go-to. If you need grooming during your stay, K9 Meadows in Glenville and Mountain Dog Spa in Cashiers, about ten minutes east, are both good options. The Animal Wellness Hospital of Highlands handles urgent care in town, and Noah's Ark Companion Animal Hospital in Franklin covers the broader Macon County area.

The events calendar adds another layer worth planning around. Outdoor Friday and Saturday night concerts run from May through October, and leashed dogs are welcome at all of them. The annual Highlands Dog Show in May draws owners and their dogs together for an afternoon of friendly competition and community gathering. Halloween on Main lets costumed dogs join the trick-or-treating.

A few practical notes for the trails: routes around the Cullasaja Gorge and toward Whiteside Mountain are popular with dogs, but the terrain and elevation can tire them out faster than a flatter hike would. Bring more water than you think you need. Keep your dog leashed on maintained trails, and check current conditions before heading out. The surrounding Cashiers and Glenville areas extend your options considerably if you want a full long weekend of hiking.

Macon County as a whole tends in this direction. Franklin, the county seat about 30 minutes from Highlands, has its own trails, parks, and pet care network. Cashiers adds more dining and lodging options that welcome dogs. If you are traveling in this part of the mountains with a pet, you are well supported throughout.

If a long weekend in Highlands has you thinking about what a slower, more permanent version of this mountain life might look like, Jon Tharp knows the Macon County market well and is glad to talk it through.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What dog-friendly restaurants are in Highlands, NC?

Highlands has a solid lineup of restaurants that welcome dogs at outdoor seating. The Ugly Dog's Fresser's Courtyard Café is a popular choice, along with Highlands Smokehouse, Don Leon's, The Secret Garden, Wild Thyme Gourmet, Lakeside Restaurant, The Ruffed Grouse at Highlander Mountain House, The Stubborn Bull at Mill Creek, Highlands Dive, The Vineyard at High Holly, and High Country Wine & Provisions. Many businesses along Main Street set water bowls out front, making it easy to bring your dog along for a stroll between meals.

Are there pet-friendly hotels in Highlands, NC?

Several hotels and lodges in Highlands accommodate dogs. Park on Main is a luxury option with a private on-site dog park for guests. Skyline Lodge accepts one dog up to 50 pounds, or two dogs totaling 60 pounds per room. The Outpost Inn charges $50 per night for dogs up to 50 pounds, with larger dogs accepted by approval. Highlander Mountain House accommodates pets in the bunkhouse for a small fee. 200 Main accepts one dog at $75 per night upon request. Call ahead to confirm fees and size limits before booking.

Is there a dog park in Highlands, NC?

Highlands has two dog parks. The public Highlands Dog Park sits behind the Highlands Recreation Center, just off Foreman Road at the corner of 4th Street. It is fully off-leash and well-maintained, with scheduled play dates organized through the Highlands Chamber. The second option, Mr. Pickles Dog Park, is a private facility exclusively for guests staying at Park on Main and is open 24 hours a day. Both parks offer off-leash space in a mountain setting that is difficult to match elsewhere in the region.

What dog-friendly events happen in Highlands, NC?

Highlands hosts several events where dogs are welcome throughout the year. The annual Highlands Dog Show in May brings owners and their dogs together for a community afternoon of competitions and casual fun. Outdoor concerts on Friday and Saturday nights run from May through October and welcome leashed dogs. Halloween on Main is a local tradition where costumed dogs join trick-or-treating along the main corridor. The Highlands Welcome Center at 108 Main Street also welcomes dogs during regular hours, making it a good first stop when you arrive in town.

Can you hike with your dog near Highlands, NC?

Dogs are welcome on many trails near Highlands, including routes around the Cullasaja Gorge and toward Whiteside Mountain. The terrain is rugged and the town sits above 4,100 feet in elevation, so dogs can tire faster than on lower-elevation hikes. Bring more water than you think you need and keep your dog leashed on all maintained trails. The Cashiers and Glenville areas nearby add more options. Always check current trail conditions and posted leash rules before heading out, as requirements can vary by trail and land management agency.