hiking and dogs

[Jennifer]

My husband and I are going to the SM this weekend. We have been there twice before but this will be the first time that we are doing some backcountry hiking. We were looking into doing a 3 day/2 night hike along the Maddron Bald Loop does anyone have any advice, suggestions or comments that can be helpful? Also, I've read several places that pets (dogs) are not allowed on the trails, is this true?

[Matt]

If you are not a backpacker, the easiest route is Low Gap to the A. T. 1st night Cosby shelter, next day A.T. to Inadu Knob & down Snakeden to Maddron Bald Trl & down to #29 Otter Crk,(tent sight)3rd day backup Maddron to Snakeden &then down snakeden to Cosby. Both sights are reservation sights. Dogs are a $500 fine & you are escorted from the park. Dogs are okay only in developed campgrounds. There are 2 or 3 other loops, but they are more strenuous.

[James]

Dogs are not allowed on trails in GSMNP but are allowed on trails on the Blue Ridge Parkway.