Rattlesnake Lodge - Weaverville, NC
Rattlesnake Lodge: Dog-Friendly Hiking Near Weaverville, NC
Discover Rattlesnake Lodge, a unique dog-friendly hiking spot right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Weaverville, North Carolina. This historic park offers pet-friendly trails that wind through lush forests, scenic mountain views, and remnants of an early 1900s mountain getaway. The trails are well-maintained with a variety of terrain features, including hill climbs, rocky stretches, small creek crossings, and open fields for your pup to explore—ideal for those seeking dog-friendly hiking adventures near Asheville.
Rattlesnake Lodge is not just a walk in the woods; it’s a journey through local history, wildflowers, and mountain scenery. While there is no fenced dog park, leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and ample parking can be found along the Parkway. With plenty of shade, beautiful natural surroundings, and areas to unwind outdoors, this trail remains a favorite for both locals and visitors looking for a peaceful dog walk in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must remain leashed on the trails for their safety and the safety of local wildlife.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Rattlesnake Lodge features well-maintained hiking trails suitable for dogs and their owners.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are many trees throughout the area, providing plenty of natural shade along the trails.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a designated parking area along the Blue Ridge Parkway, though space is limited to just a few cars.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Reviews note that the trails are clean and well maintained, although occasional debris may follow storms.
Reviews
I went to this trail after Hurricane 🌀 Helene… There are only 3 spaces for parking; but it’s not busy. There are SO MANY trees 🌳 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 down. So, lots of scrambling over & under; I enjoyed the challenge. Next time I go, I’m bringing a handheld, battery operated saw. I was able to get about 2/3 of the way before there was just too much debris… The colors of the mountain were beautiful. I will definitely do this trail again…
I went to this trail after Hurricane 🌀 Helene… There are only 3 spaces for parking; but it’s not busy. There are SO MANY trees 🌳 🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳🌳 down. So, lots of scrambling over & under; I enjoyed the challenge. Next time I go, I’m bringing a handheld, battery operated saw. I was able to get about 2/3 of the way before there was just too much debris… The colors of the mountain were beautiful. I will definitely do this trail again…
Beautiful trail, difficult during uphill portion. Watch for multiple yellow jacket nests within first half mile. Dog friendly with leash. Lots of wildflowers, mushrooms, creek crossings, and a Mountain View.
Beautiful trail, difficult during uphill portion. Watch for multiple yellow jacket nests within first half mile. Dog friendly with leash. Lots of wildflowers, mushrooms, creek crossings, and a Mountain View.
Quick hiking trail, only 0.4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (one way), and close to Asheville. In the early 1900s, Rattlesnake Lodge used to be a mountain getaway but it was destroyed in a fire in 1926. Some remains can be found in the area. Although the trail is short, it can be hilly, especially for those not from the area with a few (small) creek crossings. The trails are well maintained and there is a decent amount of parking available along the Parkway.
Quick hiking trail, only 0.4 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway (one way), and close to Asheville. In the early 1900s, Rattlesnake Lodge used to be a mountain getaway but it was destroyed in a fire in 1926. Some remains can be found in the area. Although the trail is short, it can be hilly, especially for those not from the area with a few (small) creek crossings. The trails are well maintained and there is a decent amount of parking available along the Parkway.
Neat Trail. I liked the part past the lodge on the hill behind it. We went up the white trail on the right and came down a steep blue trail back to the ruins. It looked like where Totro lives. I don’t have pictures that show how cool it was. I’m sharing a few of my pictures from this hike. Please don’t use them without my permission.
Neat Trail. I liked the part past the lodge on the hill behind it. We went up the white trail on the right and came down a steep blue trail back to the ruins. It looked like where Totro lives. I don’t have pictures that show how cool it was. I’m sharing a few of my pictures from this hike. Please don’t use them without my permission.
This was a great out and back hike with remnants of and old lodge that burned down in the past. You can see evidence of some of the features. The hike has switchbacks to make the elevation increases easier to take. The trail was a bit rocky, but I was ok wearing trail runners.
This was a great out and back hike with remnants of and old lodge that burned down in the past. You can see evidence of some of the features. The hike has switchbacks to make the elevation increases easier to take. The trail was a bit rocky, but I was ok wearing trail runners.