Y'all, we're heading to the Volunteer State! Part 3 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to Tennessee — a state that somehow packs honky-tonks, world-class hiking, charming small towns, and some of the South's best craft beer all into one incredible destination. And yes, your dog is invited to most of it.
🐾 Why Tennessee?
Tennessee is one of the most dog-friendly states in the Southeast, full stop. Nashville's booming food and bar scene has embraced patio culture in a big way, the Great Smoky Mountains are a hiker's paradise, and charming towns like Franklin and Chattanooga have made welcoming dogs part of their identity. Whether your pup is a city dog or a trail dog, Tennessee delivers.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
Kimpton Aertson Hotel — Nashville (Midtown)
Kimpton's Nashville outpost is as stylish as the city itself, with zero pet fees and a prime Midtown location. Walk to Centennial Park and Vanderbilt's campus with your pup before hitting the town.
The Inn at Evins Mill — Smithville
A secluded retreat on the Caney Fork River in Middle Tennessee, Evins Mill welcomes dogs in select accommodations. Surrounded by waterfalls and forest trails, it's a peaceful escape from city life.
The Chattanoogan — Chattanooga
A full-service hotel in the heart of Chattanooga that welcomes pets. Steps from the Tennessee Riverwalk and the city's vibrant Southside neighborhood, it's a great base for exploring one of Tennessee's most dog-friendly cities.
The Lodge at Buckberry Creek — Gatlinburg
A stunning mountain lodge near the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pet-friendly cabins and rooms with breathtaking views make this a top pick for hiking-focused road trips.
The Franklin Hotel — Franklin
A boutique hotel in the heart of historic Franklin, just south of Nashville. Pet-friendly and perfectly positioned for exploring Franklin's charming Main Street and nearby Harpeth River Greenway.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden — Nashville
One of Nashville's most beloved burger joints with a massive, lively beer garden that is extremely dog-friendly.
Pinewood Social — Nashville
A Nashville institution with a sprawling outdoor patio, bocce courts, and a dog-welcoming atmosphere.
Milk & Honey — Nashville & Chattanooga
A beloved local café chain with dog-friendly outdoor seating at multiple locations.
The Bitter Alibi — Chattanooga
A craft cocktail bar and restaurant in Chattanooga's Southside with a dog-friendly patio.
The Porch Kitchen & Cantina — Franklin
A Franklin favorite with a welcoming patio for leashed dogs. Tex-Mex inspired menu and great margaritas.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Tennessee Brew Works — Nashville
A Nashville staple with a large dog-friendly patio right in the Gulch neighborhood.
Yazoo Brewing Company — Nashville
One of Nashville's original craft breweries. Their Dos Perros brown ale is practically made for dog lovers.
Oddstory Brewing Company — Chattanooga
A Chattanooga favorite with a dog-friendly taproom and patio.
Gatlinburg Brewing Company — Gatlinburg
A mountain brewery with outdoor seating where leashed dogs are welcome. The perfect post-hike stop.
Leiper's Fork Distillery — Leiper's Fork
A charming spot just outside Franklin with a dog-friendly outdoor area and some of Tennessee's best whiskey.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Leashed dogs are permitted on paved roads, campgrounds, and select trails including the Gatlinburg Trail and Oconaluftee River Trail.
Centennial Park — Nashville
Nashville's most iconic green space, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Very dog-friendly.
Radnor Lake State Park — Nashville
A peaceful natural area just minutes from downtown with dog-friendly trails around a serene lake.
Tennessee Riverwalk — Chattanooga
A 13-mile paved trail along the Tennessee River. Flat, scenic, and extremely dog-friendly.
Frozen Head State Park — Wartburg
A hidden gem in East Tennessee with over 50 miles of trails through old-growth forest.
Harpeth River Greenway — Franklin
A beautiful trail system along the Harpeth River, perfect before exploring Franklin's historic downtown.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Nashville → day trip to Leiper's Fork & Franklin → east to Chattanooga → north to Frozen Head State Park → finish in Gatlinburg & the Smokies. Best enjoyed over 5–6 days.
🐶 Pro Tips for Tennessee Road Trips
- The Smokies get extremely crowded in summer and fall — arrive early at trailheads.
- Nashville's Lower Broadway honky-tonks are generally not dog-friendly indoors — check before you go.
- Tennessee summers are hot and humid — limit midday outdoor activity for your pup.
- Chattanooga is consistently ranked one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US.
Up Next in the Series
Stay tuned for Part 4: North Carolina — Asheville's legendary brewery scene, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Outer Banks.
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in Tennessee we should add? Drop it in the comments!
🐾 This is Part 3 of 25 in our Southeast Dog-Friendly Road Trip Series.
← Part 2: Georgia | ↑ Back to the Series Hub | Part 4: North Carolina →