Where to eat, drink, walk, shop and stay with your dog in Black Mountain, Swannanoa and Old Fort, NC.
Black Mountain is a dog town. Walk down Cherry Street or State Street on any nice afternoon and you’ll see pups waiting patiently under patio tables, getting water bowls at the brewery and making new friends on the sidewalk. Folks here love their dogs, and most local businesses are happy to welcome yours too.
Whether you live here or you’re visiting with your four-legged travel buddy, here’s our local guide to enjoying Black Mountain with your dog.
The Simple Rule of Thumb
If a restaurant, brewery or coffee shop has outdoor seating, your dog is almost always welcome to join you there. Inside dining rooms are a different story because of health rules, so plan on the patio, porch or deck.
A few easy courtesies go a long way:
- Keep your dog on a leash and close to your table.
- Bring water and a bowl, especially in summer.
- If your dog is having a barky or restless day, it’s OK to take a walk and come back another time.
- Policies and patio seasons can change, so a quick call ahead never hurts.
Places to Eat With Your Dog
Breakfast, Brunch and Coffee
Louise’s Kitchen is a local breakfast and brunch favorite, and the wraparound porch is a great spot to settle in with your pup.
Blue Ridge Biscuit Company serves up Southern breakfast and biscuits, with outdoor tables where your dog can join you.
Veranda has a back deck that’s just right for a slow breakfast or lunch with your dog at your feet.
Recess Coffee & Baked Goods is an easy stop for coffee and a pastry before a morning walk.
Lunch and Dinner
The Trailhead Restaurant welcomes dogs on the back porch, with a menu that covers everything from burgers and tacos to dinner plates.
Foothills Grange has an outdoor seating area where well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Black Mountain Bistro offers umbrella-covered tables on its patio.
Phil’s Bar-B-Que Pit has a covered porch, so you and your pup can enjoy barbecue rain or shine.
The Bush has a covered outdoor patio and owners who are dog lovers themselves.
Craving pizza or a burger? My Father’s Pizza, Fresh Woodfired Pizza and Mac’s Burgers & Cheesesteaks all have a few outdoor tables where dogs can join you.
Browse all of our Black Mountain restaurants and look for the ones with patios or porches.
Something Sweet
The Hop on Cherry Street shares a courtyard with Bone-A-Fide Pet Boutique, and the two neighbors have teamed up on Doggie Ice Cream Socials. Keep an eye on our event calendar for the next one.
Breweries, Music and Drinks
Pisgah Brewing Company has a big lawn next to its outdoor stage, which makes it one of the most popular spots in the valley to enjoy a beer and live music with your dog.
Lookout Brewing has a laid-back beer garden that feels like a friend’s backyard, and dogs are regulars there.
White Horse Black Mountain, the town’s community music venue, doesn’t mind if you bring along a well-behaved dog.
See our full list of breweries, taprooms and bars for more ideas.
Walks and Trails
Lake Tomahawk Park
The easiest walk in town is the flat loop around Lake Tomahawk, a little over half a mile with views of Graybeard Mountain and the surrounding peaks. It’s just a few blocks from downtown, free to visit and a favorite with local dog owners. Keep your pup leashed and watch for the ducks and geese.
Point Lookout Trail
Just down the mountain toward Old Fort, the Point Lookout Trail follows an old stretch of US 70 that’s now closed to cars. It’s paved, about 3.6 miles one way and climbs steadily with views over the Royal Gorge and the railroad far below. Leashed dogs are welcome, and you’ll share the trail with walkers and bikes. The Old Fort Picnic Area is the main parking spot from May through October. Make a day of it and visit Old Fort afterward.
More Trails
Many trails in the nearby national forest and around Montreat welcome leashed dogs. Check out our local’s guide to the best hikes around Black Mountain, and check each trail’s current rules and conditions before you go.
Off-Leash Fun: River Walk Dog Park
River Walk Dog Park is Black Mountain’s fenced dog park, located behind the old Bi-Lo at 205 NC-9, on the other side of the railroad tracks from downtown. The park was badly damaged during Hurricane Helene. The town has since replaced the fencing and shade structure, and a local teen has been leading a project to add picnic tables, flower beds and birdhouses. It’s a good example of how this community takes care of its own, including its four-legged neighbors.
Check with the Town of Black Mountain for current hours and conditions before you go.
Shop With Your Dog
Bone-A-Fide Pet Boutique at 118-A Cherry Street has been spoiling local pets since 2003. Your dog is welcome to come inside and help pick out homemade baked treats, toys and quality food. It’s also a handy stop if you forgot something at home.
Some other downtown shops are happy to have a well-behaved dog browse with you, but it’s always polite to ask at the door first.
Where to Stay With Your Dog
Black Mountain has a good mix of pet-friendly places to stay, from the historic Black Mountain Inn to hotels and vacation rentals with fenced yards. Pet fees, size limits and rules vary, so check the details before you book. Browse our places to stay in Black Mountain to start planning.
Mark Your Calendar
Every fall, the Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade fills downtown with costumed pups and proud owners. It’s been a local tradition for more than 20 years and is one of the most fun community events of the season.
Watch our event calendar for dog-friendly happenings all year long.
Good to Know
- Leashes: Plan on keeping your dog leashed in parks, on trails and on patios.
- Wildlife: Black bears live in these mountains. Keep your dog close on trails and don’t leave food or trash out where you’re staying.
- Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Pavement can get hot in summer, and higher trails can be icy in winter.
- Emergency vet: The closest 24-hour emergency animal hospitals are in Asheville, about 25–30 minutes away. VEG Asheville is at 1856 Hendersonville Road and MedVet Asheville is at 677 Brevard Road. Both are open 24/7.
Bring Your Best Friend
Some of the best moments in Black Mountain are the simple ones: a morning walk around the lake, a biscuit on the porch and a cold drink on a patio while your dog naps in the sun. Bring your best friend along and enjoy it together.
Planning your visit? Start with our event calendar, and sign up for our local events newsletter so you don’t miss what’s happening in the Swannanoa Valley.
