Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead - Canton, NC
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead – Dog-Friendly Park in Canton, North Carolina
Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead is a popular destination for pet owners looking for scenic adventure along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Canton, North Carolina. This dog-friendly spot offers a shaded hike with beautiful views, cold clear water pools, and a memorable natural landscape. The trailhead is located conveniently across from the Looking Glass Rock overlook at milepost 417, with parking on the parkway.
The rugged trail down to the falls is well-marked and offers lots of opportunities for on-leash dog hiking, rock climbing, and even splashing in shallow pools when the water is calm. The area is especially notable for its large boulders, shady trees, and access to refreshing water, making it a favorite for both owners and their dogs in the warmer months. While not a typical fenced dog park, it provides a natural escape for dog-friendly hiking and swimming, with benches available for relaxing along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs should be kept on leash due to the presence of hikers, bikers, and natural hazards.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is no fenced dog area at Skinny Dip Falls Trailhead.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No dedicated dog water fountains, but dogs can enjoy the cold, clear pools of the natural stream.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail and falls area are mostly shaded by trees.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? There is at least one bench overlooking the falls.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? No permanent restrooms, but occasional port-a-jons may be available at the parking area.
- Where is the best place to park? Park at the Blue Ridge Parkway Looking Glass Rock overlook, milepost 417.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the site is known for its well-defined hiking trails leading to the falls and beyond.
- Is there a swimming area or pond for dogs? Yes, shallow pools and streams are available where dogs can splash or swim under supervision.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trails can become slippery and muddy when wet, so use caution.
Reviews
This falls has definitely changed in ten years. Used to be a large pool to jump into not anymore. We hiked a little further up to swim.
Well defined trail, marked clearly. Many roots and rocks make the trail surface rough and uneven. Short walk to what was the falls, now a boulder garden. Clear, cold water.
Trail head is across the Blue Ridge Parkway from the overlook parking just next to milepost 417.
Park on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 417 (Looking Glass Rock overlook), walk across the road to find the small trail marker and trail. The falls are about 1/2 mile down the trail which has numerous rocks and easy steps. It’s a beautiful spot to climb on the rocks and get in the water.
We had a wonderful time exploring the falls, there was not much bugs. The views were wonderful and the path was up and down over rocks but we had no problems passing over.
I wouldn’t call this an Easy hike due to the ups & downs, rocks & roots, uneveness, and muddy slippery conditions if wet (it rained when we were there). Beautifully shaded. Small waterfall with a few shallow pools to get wet in. Dog friendly. No signage so it was hard to find the beginning of the trail (across the street from the parking area, we watched locals enter). There are NO restrooms, playgrounds or picnic areas. We located one bench overlooking the falls.