Tennessee
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AI-LewisClark
25 May 2025
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10 Best Places for Dog Friendly Weekend Getaways in Tennessee

Dog Friendly Weekend Getaways in Tennessee: Trip Itinerary Overview

Discover the perfect escape for you and your four-legged friend with this dog-friendly tour of Tennessee’s best outdoor destinations. Start your journey in the breathtaking Great Smoky Mountains National Park where miles of scenic beauty and pet-friendly picnic areas await. Venture to Chattanooga Riverwalk for relaxing riverfront strolls and time in the city, followed by a historic wander through the natural pathways of Natchez Trace Parkway. In Nashville, let your pup roam the green expanse of Centennial Park or explore state history at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. If you crave more wilderness, unwind amid the waterfalls and dramatic landscapes of South Cumberland State Park and the serene hiking trails of Frozen Head State Park. Montgomery Bell State Park offers peaceful forests and lakes, perfect for energetic pups, while Shelby Farms Park in Memphis delights with one of the country’s largest urban off-leash areas. Don’t miss the Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, a surprising retreat brimming with nature trails and wetlands. Each destination on this itinerary is selected for dog owners seeking memorable, stress-free adventures where both you and your companion are welcome to explore and relax together. Prepare for a Tennessee journey rich in nature, history, and special moments shared with your canine companion.

Recommended Activities

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    Great Smoky Mountains National Park

    This iconic park offers stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and pet-friendly trails and picnic areas, making it perfect for scenic hikes and outdoor adventure with your dog.
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  • Trip Point Pin2

    Chattanooga Riverwalk

    This beautiful, paved riverside path stretches for miles along the Tennessee River, providing a relaxed setting for leisurely strolls, outdoor dining, and public art with your furry companion.
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  • Trip Point Pin3

    Nashville Centennial Park

    Centennial Park is a spacious, picturesque urban park featuring walking trails, open green spaces, and the iconic Parthenon replica, where dogs are welcome on-leash to explore and socialize.
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    Natchez Trace Parkway

    This scenic route offers tranquil drives, historic sites, and picturesque trails where you and your dog can enjoy nature walks and a peaceful escape from city life.
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    Shelby Farms Park, Memphis

    One of the largest urban parks in the country, Shelby Farms features expansive off-leash dog areas, miles of trails, lakes, and plenty of open space for energetic pups to explore and play.
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    Montgomery Bell State Park

    Surrounded by forested hills, this state park offers pet-friendly hiking trails, lakes for swimming, and cozy picnic areas, making it great for outdoor adventures with your dog.
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    Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville

    This beautiful nature center features pet-friendly trails, boardwalks, and river views, allowing you and your dog to explore woodlands, wetlands, and natural play areas just minutes from downtown Knoxville.
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    South Cumberland State Park

    Known for its rugged landscapes, waterfalls, and extensive hiking trails, this state park welcomes leashed dogs and provides an adventurous escape into Tennessee's natural beauty.
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  • Trip Point Pin9

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

    Located in Nashville's heart, this urban park showcases Tennessee history with open lawns, walking paths, and monuments, making it a great spot for leashed walks and sightseeing with your pup.
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  • Trip Point Pin10

    Frozen Head State Park

    This park offers a peaceful retreat with scenic mountain views, tranquil creeks, and pet-friendly hiking trails, making it ideal for nature lovers and their dogs seeking solitude and adventure.
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Restaurants

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    The Bluebird Cafe

    4.6
    $$$$

    The Bluebird Cafe

    World-famous for its intimate songwriter performances, this Nashville cafe offers a unique dining and live music experience.
    4.6
    $$$$
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    The Arcade Restaurant - Memphis, TN

    4.1
    $$$$

    The Arcade Restaurant - Memphis, TN

    Established in 1919, this iconic Memphis diner is filled with retro charm and Southern comfort food, and is one of Elvis Presley’s favorite breakfast spots.
    4.1
    $$$$
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    Laffa Middle Eastern Restaurant & Bar

    Laffa Middle Eastern Restaurant & Bar

    Located in Chattanooga, this eatery serves flavorful Middle Eastern cuisine in a vibrant, artsy setting, perfect for adventurous palates.
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    The Tomato Head

    9.2
    $$$$

    The Tomato Head

    A Knoxville staple, known for inventive pizzas, fresh ingredients, and eclectic local art in a laid-back atmosphere.
    9.2
    $$$$
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    Cumberland Biscuit Company

    4.6
    $$$$

    Cumberland Biscuit Company

    Tucked away in a small town near South Cumberland State Park, this cozy spot serves up creative, freshly-baked biscuits in unique flavor combinations.
    4.6
    $$$$
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Hotels

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    The Peabody Memphis (Duck Palace)

    4.5

    The Peabody Memphis (Duck Palace)

    Famous for its daily duck march and historic charm, this iconic hotel is pet-friendly and unique to the city.
    4.5
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    The Graduate Nashville

    The Graduate Nashville

    A playful, music-themed hotel with vibrant décor, themed suites, and a rooftop bar, offering a quirky and memorable stay.
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    Treetop Hideaways

    4.8

    Treetop Hideaways

    Located near Chattanooga, these luxurious treehouse accommodations provide an immersive experience in nature with comfort and style.
    4.8
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    Blackberry Farm

    Blackberry Farm

    Nestled in the Smoky Mountains, this lavish countryside resort blends gourmet farm-to-table cuisine, outdoor adventures, and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
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    The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    The Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel

    Set in a former train station, this historic hotel lets guests stay in restored train cars with pet-friendly rooms and on-site attractions.
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Local Events & Happenings

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    Powerslave and Alice Unleashed

    Powerslave and Alice Unleashed

    Hop Springs is a standing room venue and has minimal seats available for this show that are on a first come, first serve basis. You may bring lawn chairs at your own discretion, but may be asked to move in order for some show elements to work or for ...
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2025
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    Da Sunday Open Jam

    Da Sunday Open Jam

    Sundays at Hop Springs - Come Spend the Day with us!We Open at 12PMCome relax with us!Jam Band Sign-up starts at 2whether you sing or play, get on our stage!The Blues Jam w/Da Jam Band starts at 2:30Enjoy AWESOME singers & musicians!
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon28 Sep 2025
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    Avent's Jazz Revue

    Avent's Jazz Revue

    Avents Jazz Revue at Hop Springs will feature guitarist Adam Hernandez, violinist Elaine Winters, Avent on bass, Sam Baker on percussion and special guest Mollie Lane keyboards and vocals! This will be an eclectic blend of jazz and pop!
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Oct 2025
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    Forever Abbey Road Beatles Experience: Live at Hop Springs

    Forever Abbey Road Beatles Experience: Live at Hop Springs

    Forever Abbey Road is a collective of successful Nashville musicians who work hard at creating a unique show that demonstrates what the Beatles might sound like if they were around today with current technology and modern rock energy. These musicians...
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
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    Siegel High School Class of 2015 Reunion

    Siegel High School Class of 2015 Reunion

    The event will take place at Hop Springs in Murfreesboro.
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
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    Line Dance Night

    Line Dance Night

    Line Dance Night w/ The Rockin Country Band s Go Girls! Its time for some boot-stompin good times!Instruction begins at 6:30Live Band begins at 7:30Location:The TaproomTickets:FREEDont miss outgrab your tickets and lets dance!
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon9 Oct 2025
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    Women of Country

    Women of Country

    📆 October 10th, 2025🕖 7pm📍 Hop Springs TaproomNight of women country, three up and coming female artists/ groups here in NashvilleUp-and-coming country artist Conner Brooke will first capture your attention with her powerful voice and then quickly...
    Map IconHop Springs in Murfreesboro (19.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon11 Oct 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Looking for suggestions of places that are great dog friendly weekend trips not far from Nashville. I (30F) live in the Nashville area and want to

    Dog friendly weekend trip

    Looking for suggestions of places that are great dog friendly weekend trips not far from Nashville. I (30F) live in the Nashville area and want to

    /r/nashville
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  • Reddit Icon

    I looked on BringFido but I love locals opinions and would really appreciate it :)

    Best hiking trails/parks that are dog friendly?

    I looked on BringFido but I love locals opinions and would really appreciate it :)

    /r/Tennessee
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    We like to travel with our dog. We tend to explore different sites as well as bars brewery's, dog parks and restaurants. On a Scale of 1-5 (five

    Is Nashville a dog friendly city?

    We like to travel with our dog. We tend to explore different sites as well as bars brewery's, dog parks and restaurants. On a Scale of 1-5 (five

    /r/nashville
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  • Reddit Icon

    Im heading to Nashville late February with my buddy and his dog. Any suggestions on air b&b rentals or cool places to stay that are dog friendly?

    Suggestions on where to stay with a dog

    Im heading to Nashville late February with my buddy and his dog. Any suggestions on air b&b rentals or cool places to stay that are dog friendly?

    /r/nashville
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  • Reddit Icon

    Visiting Nashville for the first time at the end of April, Im debating on taking my small dog with me who usually travels everywhere with me no

    Just how dog friendly is Nashville?

    Visiting Nashville for the first time at the end of April, Im debating on taking my small dog with me who usually travels everywhere with me no

    /r/VisitingNashville
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Music for Your Journey

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    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads

    A classic road trip anthem that celebrates scenic drives and the beauty of the countryside.
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    Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey

    Chris Stapleton - Tennessee Whiskey

    A soulful track that pays homage to Tennessee, perfect for driving through the state.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Energizing and fun, this song adds excitement and adventure to any road trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

    A beloved sing-along tune that captures the spirit of Southern travels.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009

    The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - Remastered 2009

    Upbeat and optimistic, this classic is perfect for starting your journey each day.
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    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    A reflective yet uplifting song that pairs well with open stretches of highway.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    An iconic ode to travel that belongs on any road trip playlist.
    Listen on Spotify
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    The Osborne Brothers - Rocky Top

    The Osborne Brothers - Rocky Top

    A Tennessee favorite, this bluegrass tune celebrates the state’s joyful spirit.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

    Florence + The Machine - Dog Days Are Over

    A vibrant and energetic track, great for those moments of joy and freedom on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis

    Marc Cohn - Walking in Memphis

    A heartfelt song that recalls the sights and sounds of Tennessee, perfect as you explore Memphis and beyond.
    Listen on Spotify
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