The rolling nine-acre landscape of Barkwells looks like it was lifted straight from a Norman Rockwell painting. At its center, a swimming pond reflects blue mountain skies and the quiet sway of surrounding trees. Nine cabins — each with its own front porch and private fenced-in yard — dot the hills, offering comfort and plenty of space to unwind.
In the property’s meadow, dogs bound through the grass, noses lifted to the breeze, tails wagging in that unmistakable rhythm of pure contentment. At this mountain hotel, dogs aren’t just welcome, they belong.
With prime waterfront views, the vacation cabin “Libby” sits to the right of Barkwells’ office and offers easy dock access. Photography courtesy of Barkwells
Owners Jeff and Patti Krider describe their space as “dog-centric, not dog-friendly.” They understand firsthand what it means to travel with dogs. Their own pack includes a 15-year-old white Lab, a 14-year-old “golden something,” and two spirited German shepherds from the same litter.
“A lot of places say they’re dog-friendly, but there are limits — size, breed, number,” Patti says. Here, the rules are simple: up-to-date vaccinations and friendly personalities.
Since opening in 2004, Barkwells has welcomed more than 30,000 furry guests. Photography courtesy of Barkwells
That accessibility shapes everything about Barkwells. Guests return year after year, often timing their stays to match familiar faces. “It’s so cute,” Patti says. “The dogs remember each other. They’ll run straight to their friends’ cabins looking for them.”
Positioned where North Carolina’s foothills rise into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Henderson County offers the kind of landscape dogs seem made for: shaded trails, cool streams, waterfalls, and open stretches to explore at their own pace. Inspired by Barkwells’s philosophy, locals are quick to share their favorite places to roam, rest, and reconnect (alongside their favorite four-legged companions) in Henderson County.
Make Hendersonville the base camp for your summer adventures and take in the beauty of Western North Carolina. Ride the Ecusta Trail, hike to hidden waterfalls, cool off in the river, visit award-winning mountain-view vineyards, and experience Gratitude at Altitude™!
Sample smashburgers, smoked trout dip, and beef tallow fries at Ecusta Market & Café. Photography courtesy of Ecusta Market & Café
Winding through the heart of Henderson County, the Ecusta Trail follows a former rail corridor from Hendersonville through quiet farmland and wooded stretches. The path is wide and welcoming, giving both two- and four-legged visitors plenty of room to wander and sniff.
It’s here that Robert and Emily Gunn created Ecusta Market & Café, a gathering place that feels like an extension of the trail itself. This is a destination where muddy paws are just as welcome as hiking boots. Their dog, Bentley, even helped inspire the vision.
With a focus on local sourcing, Ecusta Market’s shelves are filled with regional meats, produce, and small-batch goods. Photography courtesy of Ecusta Market & Café
“Bentley was our baby before we had babies,” Robert says with a laugh. “He’s 10 now, and he was the first thing in our lives.”
Today, Bentley still leads the way when he visits the market, and he heads straight toward the treats. Inside, pet owners can find the perfect snacks designed just for dogs. The Brevard-based Pisgah Pet Treats supplies beef liver strips and pig ears. And Big Spoon Roasters, headquartered in Hillsborough, makes irresistible “wag butters,” the perfect complement to Big Spoon’s array of small-batch artisan nut butters (for humans!). Outside, the patio hums with life: cyclists stopping for a break, families sharing a meal, dogs snoozing in the shade.
A community gathering space, the market also hosts events such as cookie-decorating and candle-making classes. Photography courtesy of Ecusta Market & Café
The café’s food reflects the same thoughtful approach. “We focus on sourcing local and regional products,” Robert says. “We call it ‘real food.’” From hearty breakfasts to fresh, flavorful lunches, it’s the kind of place where people linger — and where dogs are happy to do the same.
But what stands out most is the sense of community. “We have so many locals here every day,” Robert says. “It’s part of their routine.”
Stroll along the Little River to reach Triple Falls, where a one-mile hike leads to a trio of cascading waterfalls. photograph by Joshua_O_Rice/iStock/Getty Images Plus
A short drive from Hendersonville, DuPont State Recreational Forest offers one of the region’s most beloved playgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs. It’s the kind of place where you can tailor the day to your dog’s personality, whether that means a quick, satisfying hike or a longer adventure with plenty of stops along the way.
Hooker Falls honors the legacy of Edmund Hooker, who operated a mill just downstream of the falls in the late 1800s. photograph by Dee/iStock/Getty Images Plus
“Hooker Falls is a great one,” Robert says. “It’s a short hike with a big payoff.” The trail leads to a wide, cascading waterfall where the pool below invites both people and pups to cool off. On any given day, you might see a Frisbee sailing through the air, a dog splashing after it, and laughter echoing off the rocks.
For those looking to explore a little farther, the forest’s network of trails widens to even more scenic rewards. Jeff Krider counts Triple Falls among his favorites, where water tumbles down a dramatic, multi-tiered cascade. “We love the waterfalls,” he says. “There’s just so much variety, ponds to swim in, and trails to wander.”
Just beyond DuPont, Pisgah National Forest offers a different kind of experience, one more rugged and expansive.
“This is some of our favorite hiking,” Robert says. “It’s woodsy, with streams and all these little offshoot trails along the Davidson River.”
In the summer, the forest’s popularity is easy to understand. But visit on a weekday or during the quieter months, and the pace shifts. Trails open up. The air feels stiller.
For Bentley, it’s the ideal setting to be a dog outdoors. “He’s more of a nature guy,” Robert admits. And in Pisgah, that instinct comes alive, whether it’s following the scent of water, navigating rocky paths, or pausing to take it all in.
Downtown Hendersonville is best explored on foot. Public parking is plentiful, so leave the car and take a slower pace. photograph by Todd Bush
Back in town, Hendersonville offers a different kind of charm, one that’s just as welcoming to dogs as the wilder trails surrounding the town.
You could easily spend a day exploring without ever stepping foot on a hiking path. Along Main Street, shop doors open to sidewalks lined with water bowls, and friendly passersby are quick to offer behind-the-ears scratches.
“A lot of our guests love walking downtown with their dogs,” Patti says. “If your dogs like people, they’ll love Main Street.”
Shop for gourmet dog treats, stylish collars and outfits, enticing toys, and more at Hendersonville’s pet boutique. photograph by Jared Kay
Patios invite you to take your time over a meal while your dog rests at your feet, watching the world go by. Inside nearby shops, you’ll find everything from handcrafted goods to playful surprises, including Wag!, a boutique dedicated entirely to pets, complete with treats and accessories.
Whether you’re wandering forest trails or strolling past storefronts, there’s a shared understanding here: Dogs aren’t an afterthought. They’re part of the experience.
At the end of the day, back at Barkwells, the pace slows again. The meadow grows quiet, save for the occasional playful yip or ruff. The pond reflects the fading light. And dogs, happily worn out from the day’s adventures, begin to settle in beside their people. By the end of a weekend here, it’s hard to imagine traveling any other way. Experience it yourself; click here to start planning your own dog-friendly getaway.
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