Ellijay and Blue Ridge Pet Friendly hikes and restaurants
Blue Ridge and Ellijay are both pet friendly towns. If you follow us on Facebook or Instagram you may catch a glimpse of our big black schnauzer “Raven” running around. She is always with us exploring. We love trying new places and must of the time she is right by our side. Hopefully, this will help you plan your trip to the North Georgia Mountains.
Hiking
Most hiking trails allow pets but there are a few that do not allow our four-legged friends for their own safety. We would recommend you check to make sure any trail is dog friendly before going but here are some of our favorite dog-friendly hikes! The Duncan Ridge Trail is a part of the famous Benton McKaye Trail and the Appalachian Trail. If you check it out along the way you’ll pass Long Creek Falls, The Toccoa River Swinging Bridge, and many other beautiful sights. Just follow the blue vertical blazes (marks on the trees) for the Duncan Ridge and the white diamond blazes for the BMT. We also love the hike to Fall Branch Falls because it’s short, easy, and a beautiful waterfall awaits you at the end! Tumbling Waters Trail in Ellijay is our favorite for our pets and kids alike, its an easy hike and everyone gets to play in the water including Raven while we are there. Be sure to walk in your swimsuit and have towels with you so you are ready to play! Stanley Gap is another favorite. It doesn't have any waterfalls or stunning views but is a great trail to get you out in the woods and under the trees.
Eating
We bring our dog Raven with us out to eat all the time! If you are ok with eating on the porch, most restaurants in the area will let them dine with you in style.
Blue Ridge
Rin Tin’s Barks & Brews is a place your pup can have a birthday party or a play date while you eat and enjoy the Rum Lounge. They have a full dognasium so your friend can have all kinds of play time!
The Black Sheep has a wonderful outdoor dining area with a great atmosphere and live music on the weekends. Occasionally they have special Yappy Hour events and provide free treats and even a dog-friendly beer! I would suggest calling ahead and making reservations.
The Dogwood is great for just hanging out and enjoying a drink with friends. On Saturday nights their dog-friendly patio is alive with great music, amazing drinks, delicious food, and an awesome atmosphere! There’s plenty of room for you, your pup and all your friends to spread out on this large patio with 150 outdoor seats! You’ll choose from a limited menu of just 10 items, but we assure you everything here is DELICIOUS! You can choose from amazing craft cocktails, a specially selected wine list or create your own six pack from their Beer Garage which has over 70 different beers to choose from. You’ll spend a wonderful evening here under the stars and the 100+ year old trees with all your best friends human and pup!
Toccoa Riverside Restaurant is one of our favorite places to stop for a bite to eat after a long day of exploring the trails; and the good news is your dog can join you! Eat riverside on the Pooch Patio or at the River Rest area, where you’ll feast on award-winning steaks and seafood to power you up for the rest of your adventure. Your dining experience will truly be a Blue Ridge one, with views of the Toccoa River and a wide variety of menu items caught right here in the Blue Ridge area. And don’t worry, you’ll have no shortage of trout options to choose from while dining in the trout capital of Georgia!
Ellijay
Most all of the restaurants in downtown Ellijay are dog friendly for outside patio seating too. We have only been in one that didn't allow dogs but don't worry they have a big sign on the door now and you are not missing out by not going.
If its raining or a colder day check out Canterberry as they have a covered patio that is enclosed during the colder months and dogs are always welcomed. They are known for their soups and salads and offer a great variety for everyone. Ellijay Wood Fired Pizza makes all their dough from scratch. If you like to people watch while eating on the patio this is our go to place to just chill during the summer. However, my kids will tell you that The Shack is the best restaurant in Ellijay. Both of these restaurants have limited outside seating so they would be best on beautiful weather days with a small group and your furry friend. If it has been a lot of eating out and you really just want a handmade sandwich with mama's pasta salad and really good tea go to The Back Porch Bistro. They will treat you as a local and welcome you and you furry friend. If you want something more upbeat and your dog is ok with heights check out Ellijay from up high at The Roof. They have great outdoor seating and an elevator to get you there!
Breweries & Wineries
If you are ready to explore breweries and wineries then you are in the right place. Grumpy Old Men Brewing has 18 beers on tap, fun games on the large patio like Jenga, food trucks, live music, and more! The owners of Grumpy Old Men Brewing advertise that “Dogs are welcome, and people are tolerated!” Dogs are even allowed in the tap room here, so no matter the weather, you know that you and your dog are always welcome. Every October Grumpy Old Men Brewing and the Humane Society of Blue Ridge host Barktober Fest. This wonderful event is full of beer, food, fun, and lots of dogs; and proceeds are donated to the Humane Society of Blue Ridge to help more dogs in need!
Also check out other great dog-friendly breweries in Ellijay, Blue Ridge and the Copper Basin like Cartecay River Brewing, Fannin Brewing Company, Copperhill Brewery, Tipping Point Brewing Co, and Buck Bald Brewing. Dogs are welcome on the patios here while you enjoy a delicous craft brew!
If you prefer a nice glass of wine instead, bring your pup along with you to Engelheim, Cartecay Vineyards, Ott Farms & Vineyard Bear Claw Winery, Serenberry Vineyards, or Cartecay Vineyards. You’ll get a gorgeous view of the mountains at any of these wineries; along with live entertainment, a good glass of wine, and plenty of room for you & your pup to explore the beautiful vineyards.
