Asheville is basically built for dog travelers. The brewery scene is massive and almost universally dog-friendly. The hiking is incredible. The culture is laid-back and welcoming. And there’s a Kimpton right downtown.

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Asheville with your dog.

My Pick: Kimpton Hotel Arras

Why this one?

The best pet policy in Asheville, hands down:

Kimpton’s pet policy is unmatched. No fee, no weight limit, no breed restrictions. They provide pet beds, bowls, and treats at check-in. The downtown location puts you walking distance from dozens of breweries, restaurants, and shops.

The Pet Policy Details

Kimpton genuinely loves pets:

• No weight limit — If your dog fits in the elevator, they’re welcome
• No breed restrictions — None at the corporate level
• No pet fee — $0
• Pet amenities provided — Beds, bowls, treats, and waste bags
• Pets can be left unattended — If you notify the front desk
• Nightly wine hour — Dogs are welcome to join

How to Book It Free

Kimpton is part of IHG, so you book with IHG One Rewards points. Asheville typically runs 40,000-60,000 points per night, spiking during leaf season (October) and summer weekends.

The math:

• The IHG One Rewards Premier card has a 175,000 point sign-up bonus
• That’s 3-4 free nights at this property
• You’d pay $0 in pet fees

Cash rates run $250-400/night depending on season, so points deliver strong value.

👉 Full breakdown of IHG cards

Dog Daycare While You Explore

If you want to visit places that aren’t dog-friendly (like the Biltmore house interior):

Asheville Humane Society Doggie Day Camp

Local option with proceeds supporting the humane society.

Camp Bow Wow Asheville

Reliable national chain with Asheville location.

Requirements: Dogs must be spayed/neutered (if over 7 months), current on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella.

Zen Dog

Local favorite offering daycare, boarding, and training.

Dog Parks

Azalea Dog Park

Asheville’s main off-leash dog park with great facilities.

• Address: Azalea Rd, Asheville, NC 28803
• Features: Separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations, shaded benches, agility equipment
• Hours: Dawn to dusk
• Distance from Kimpton: ~10 minutes by car

French Broad River Park

While not an official dog park, this riverside park is popular with dog owners and has trails along the water.

• Address: 508 Riverview Dr, Asheville, NC 28806
• Note: Dogs must be on-leash

Hiking with Your Dog

This is why you come to Asheville. The hiking is incredible, and most trails welcome leashed dogs.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Multiple trailheads along the Parkway offer dog-friendly hiking:

• Craggy Gardens — Stunning views, moderate difficulty, dogs on-leash
• Graveyard Fields — Popular waterfall hike, dogs on-leash
• Black Balsam Knob — Above the treeline hiking with 360-degree views

Bent Creek Experimental Forest

Miles of trails perfect for dogs. Mountain biking is popular here too.

• Address: 1577 Brevard Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
• Features: Easy to moderate trails, creek access for swimming
• Note: Dogs on-leash required

DuPont State Recreational Forest

About 45 minutes south of Asheville. Famous for waterfalls and miles of trails.

• Features: Multiple waterfalls, swimming holes, varied terrain
• Dog policy: Dogs on-leash allowed on most trails

Pisgah National Forest

Endless trails of varying difficulty. Some popular options:

• Looking Glass Falls — Easy walk to a waterfall
• Moore Cove Falls — Short hike to a walk-behind waterfall
• Catawba Falls — Moderate hike with waterfall payoff

Note: Dogs are NOT allowed on trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about an hour away). Stick to Pisgah, DuPont, and Blue Ridge Parkway trails.

Dog-Friendly Breweries

Asheville has more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in America, and most welcome dogs. This is just a starting point:

Sierra Nevada Asheville

Massive brewery with a huge outdoor space and full restaurant.

• Address: 100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 28759
• Features: Tours, restaurant, huge patio, dog-friendly throughout outdoor areas
• Distance from downtown: ~20 minutes

Burial Beer Co.

One of Asheville’s best breweries with a great outdoor area.

• Address: 40 Collier Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
• Try: Skillet Donut Stout
• Vibe: Industrial-chic, excellent beer

Wicked Weed Brewing

Popular brewery with a large outdoor space. They also have the Funkatorium nearby for sour beer fans.

• Address: 91 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
• Features: Full restaurant, big patio
• Note: Gets crowded on weekends

Wedge Brewing Company

Local favorite in the River Arts District with a large outdoor area.

• Address: 37 Paynes Way, Asheville, NC 28801
• Vibe: Laid-back, artist crowd, food trucks

Hi-Wire Brewing

Multiple locations including the Big Top in Biltmore Village.

• Big Top Address: 2 Huntsman Pl, Asheville, NC 28803
• Features: Large outdoor area, circus theme, games

Zillicoah Beer Company

Beautiful riverside location with spacious outdoor seating.

• Address: 870 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801
• Features: River views, chill vibes

Bhramari Brewing Company

Downtown location with creative beers and a dog-friendly patio.

• Address: 101 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

New Belgium Brewing

Large facility with tours, a restaurant, and river access.

• Address: 21 Craven St, Asheville, NC 28806
• Features: Tours, outdoor games, river views

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Patios

White Duck Taco Shop

Asheville institution with creative tacos and a dog-friendly patio.

• Locations: River Arts District, South Slope
• Must-try: The Jerk Chicken Taco

Chai Pani

Indian street food with a patio on Biltmore Avenue.

• Address: 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
• Note: Small patio, can get crowded

Sunny Point Café

Breakfast/brunch spot in West Asheville with a dog-friendly patio.

• Address: 626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
• Must-try: The Huevos Rancheros

The Bywater

Cajun restaurant with a good patio.

• Address: 796 Riverside Dr, Asheville, NC 28801

12 Bones Smokehouse

Famous BBQ spot (Obama ate here). Outdoor seating available.

• Address: 5 Foundy St, Asheville, NC 28801
• Note: Cash only, long lines at lunch

French Broad Chocolate Lounge

Dessert and drinks with a dog-friendly patio.

• Address: 10 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

What Else to Do

Biltmore Estate

America’s largest home. Dogs are allowed on the estate grounds and gardens but NOT inside the house, winery, or restaurants. Consider leaving your pup at daycare if you want to tour the house.

• Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803
• Dog policy: On-leash on grounds only

River Arts District

A collection of artist studios, galleries, breweries, and restaurants along the French Broad River. Very walkable and dog-friendly.

Downtown Asheville

Walk around downtown, browse the shops on Lexington Avenue, grab coffee. Some stores allow dogs — look for signs or ask.

French Broad River Float

Several companies offer tube and kayak rentals. Some allow dogs in canoes/kayaks. Call ahead to confirm.

Other Hotels I Considered

If Kimpton Hotel Arras doesn’t work for your dates:

Aloft Asheville Downtown — Marriott brand known for being pet-friendly. Usually no pet fee but check current policy.

AC Hotel Asheville Downtown — Marriott property with pet fees and weight limits.

Hyatt Place Asheville — Standard Hyatt pet policy with fees.

The Foundry Hotel — Hilton Curio Collection property. Pet-friendly but has fees.

Home2 Suites Asheville — Hilton extended-stay with kitchens. 75 lb limit, ~$75 pet fee.

For no hassle with large dogs, Kimpton Arras is the clear winner.

Quick Reference

The Bottom Line

Asheville is one of the best dog-friendly destinations in the Southeast. The brewery scene alone is worth the trip, and almost every spot welcomes dogs. Add in the hiking, the food, and the general vibe, and it’s hard to beat.

The Kimpton Hotel Arras makes it easy: no pet fee, no weight limit, downtown location, and bookable with IHG points.

Have you stayed here with your dog? I’d love to hear how it went — leave your pawprint or email me at woof@thepointspup.com.

This is part of my Destinations series — one hotel pick per city, plus how to book it free with points.

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