Great mountain towns deserve to be thoroughly explored, one (furry) foot in front of the other. And by knowing the right places beforehand, it’s easy to bring your dog along. Brevard, NC is one local town that’s full of paw-some spots that both you and your best friend will not soon fur-get.
No need to hound us for more information. Here is your complete list of dog-friendly places in Brevard, NC.
Dog-friendly restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Brevard, NC
Treat your pet to a day on the town! There are plenty of pet-friendly restaurants, cafes, and breweries in Brevard, NC that offer outdoor seating for you and a wonderful atmosphere for your top dog.
Brevard’s Social District
As of February 2024, downtown Brevard has a six-block social district in the heart of town. The district allows people to responsibly drink alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses as they walk through a defined area of downtown. The city prepared for additional foot traffic by placing additional outdoor seating in these areas. While dogs still aren’t allowed inside many businesses, there are plenty of spots to enjoy along the sidewalks of the district.
Learn more about Brevard, NC’s social district.
Bracken Mountain Bakery
Bracken Mountain Bakery specializes in crusty European-style breads and pastries, as well as American regional favorites. No wonder it is regularly voted among the Best of WNC by local Mountain Xpress readers. Dogs are welcome at their outdoor table—grab it quickly!
42 S Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 883-4034 | brackenmountainbakery.weebly.com
Cardinal Drive-In
Cardinal Drive-In is a casual eatery that serves up fast-food-style American fare. From hot dogs to malts, they have what you’re craving. Fido is welcome to join you at one of their pet-friendly outdoor picnic tables while you enjoy your meal.
344 S Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 884-7085 | facebook.com/The-Cardinal-Drive-In
Dugan’s Pub
This warm and friendly Irish pub offers 20 beers on tap and a variety of bourbon and whiskey options. The patio seating area welcomes dogs. And the humans will love their tasty food menu, which includes shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and a corned beef Reuben.
29 W French Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 862-6527 | dugans-pub.com
Ecusta Brewing
Ecusta Brewing is located right off the Brevard Bike Path, less than a mile from Pisgah National Forest, with plenty of outdoor seating. If you ask us, that makes it the perfect place to grab a beer after a hike with your furry friends. Their taproom features signature brews and a few seasonals, and leashed dogs are always welcome at their outside picnic tables.
451 Ecusta Road, Brevard | (828) 966-2337 | ecustabrewing.com
The Hub and Pisgah Tavern
There’s no better place for bikes, outdoor gear, and beer than the Hub. When your outdoor adventure is finished, come back for a local brew at Pisgah Tavern, which happens to be nestled within The Hub. Your furry friends will love their outdoor seating space.
11 Mama’s Place, Pisgah Forest | (888) 211-3323 | thehubpisgah.com
Oskar Blues Brewery Taproom
With an outdoor patio bar, the Tasty Weasel taproom is open daily and is a great place to hang with your pooch. The CHUBwagon food truck serves up CHUBurgers to accompany your beer. Pisgah National Forest is nearby and offers a number of pet-friendly trails to explore.
342 Mountain Industrial Drive, Brevard | (828) 883-2337 | oskarblues.com
The Square Root
There’s a reason the Square Root has been voted the best lunch and dinner restaurant in Brevard for 14 consecutive years. The menu includes options sure to please all ages, as well as anyone who enjoys delicious, fresh food at reasonable prices. Tables at the covered outdoor patio are dog friendly.
33 Times Arcade Alley, Brevard | (828) 884-6171 | squarerootrestaurant.com
Best Brevard-area parks and hiking for dogs
Speak softly and carry a big stick … for your dog! There are myriad dog-friendly places to get outdoors in Brevard, NC. Here are a few of our favorites.
Bracken Mountain Trail
Bracken Mountain Preserve, maintained by the City of Brevard, is a great location for beginning and experienced hikers. Its 395 acres abut Pisgah National Forest and its trails connect to the Fish Hatchery and the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education. There are several hiking and biking trails within the preserve, including the 7.2-mile Bracken Mountain Trail.
186 Pinnacle Road, Brevard | (828) 884-2171 | cityofbrevard.com
Brevard Bike Trail
The Brevard Bike Trail is a dog-friendly, 3.8-mile, heavily trafficked, out-and-back trail. The paved path begins at Lowe’s, ends at Brevard Middle School, and also features a river. The trail is good for all skill levels and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on a leash.
119 Ecusta Road, Brevard | alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/brevard-bike-trail
Cat Gap Loop
Cat Gap Loop is a moderately easy, 5-mile hike in Pisgah National Forest. Your dog will love this gentle trail that features water in the form of rivers, streams, cascades, and puddles. During the spring and summer, enjoy the many wildflowers along the trail. Between April 1–August 15, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times, and you’re advised to wear hunter orange. This path is slightly easier when hiked in a clockwise direction and takes three hours to complete.
NF-475, Brevard | bringfido.com/attraction/9425
Coontree Loop Trail
Coontree Loop Trail is a moderately easy, 3.7-mile hike in Pisgah National Forest that takes about 2 hours to complete with Fido. Visit in the fall for a kaleidoscope of colors, or come in early spring to see ridgetop views through trees that have not yet bloomed. Between April 1–August 15, dogs must be on a leash and under voice control at all times, and you’re advised to wear hunter orange.
U.S. 276, Brevard, NC | hikewnc.info/trails/davidson-river/coontree-loop
Estatoe Trail
Estatoe Trail is an easy 2.3-mile, heavily trafficked, out-and-back trail that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year round. Dogs are also able to use this trail, but must be kept on a leash.
alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/estatoe-trail
Pink Beds Trail
This relatively flat loop hike, which features a shortcut option, is all about water. You’ll see rare mountain bogs and pass through a forest in transition—beavers have dammed the South Fork Mills River to form their ponds, which are drowning out the trees. You’ll also find crystal clear brooks, wildlife meadows, scenic fern-filled woods, and an optional waterfall. Dogs must be on a leash between April 1–August 15 and must be under voice control at all times.
US 276, Pisgah Forest | hikewnc.info/besthikes/davidson-river/pink-beds-loop
Triple Falls and High Falls Trail
The Triple Falls and High Falls Trail is a moderately easy, 2.6-mile loop hike that will take about 1.5 hours to complete with your pet. Although this trail is short, it takes you past some of the most beautiful areas on the way to the waterfalls. Color is plentiful in spring when the flowers are blooming and in fall when the leaves are changing. Dogs must be on a leash and under control of the owner. Hunting allowed by permit on certain days.
204-226 Staton Road, Pisgah Forest | alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/triple-falls-trail
Pet stores and services in Brevard, NC
Man’s best friend deserves the best treatment. Here are our favorite pet stores, doggie daycare facilities, groomers, trainers, and other pet professionals in Brevard, NC.
Brevard “Head To Tail” Natural Grooming For Pets
Brevard Head to Tail is an all-natural pet grooming service located just blocks from Main Street. They can guide you on natural ways to feed your pets. Just ask!
365 S Gaston Street, Brevard | (828) 877-5616 | facebook.com/animallovers828
The Grateful Dog Pet Supplies
The Grateful Dog brings only the best in nutrition to the animals of Transylvania County. The business supports local rescues and shelters, and works actively with them to place homeless animals in loving forever homes.
29 W French Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 883-4383 | gratefuldognc.com
Mountain Mutts Canine Cuts
Mountain Mutts is Brevard’s premier dog grooming boutique. Their serene and well-balanced “free roam” environment means your pet doesn’t have to be stuck in an uncomfortable cage, anxiously awaiting their turn to be pampered. Book your service and special treatment in advance!
259 N Broad Street, Brevard | (828) 333-5164 | mountainmuttscaninecuts.com
Now and Zen Dog Training
Now and Zen has offered holistic training solutions since 1978. Their training philosophies are based on effective leadership and scientific methods, and are client friendly. Their mission is to help dogs and their humans attain a mutual understanding through compassionate training methods.
115 Blue Bird Lane, Brevard | (828) 507-3020 | nowandzendogtraining.com
Paws in Motion
This home kennel has been in motion since 2009. They offer doggie daycare and slumber parties, working hard to provide a place for family dogs to stay without stress. Paws in Motion has fun every day and provides fresh air and a safe, fenced backyard on a no-outlet street.
17 Serendipity Lane, Penrose | (828) 577-7053 | ncpawsinmotion.com
Give man’s best friend a home in Brevard, NC!
In addition to being dog-friendly, Brevard, NC has distinguished itself as an epicenter for outdoor adventures, education, art, and music. Tucked along the edge of the Pisgah National Forest, Brevard is a hotspot for eclectic in-town living and big mountain views. Downtown is a vibrant and walkable hub of independent shops, boutiques, galleries, pubs, and eateries. And Brevard is rich in summer events and festivals.