Dog-Friendly Activities in West Virginia

Step back in time with a visit to the dog-friendly Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, WV. Visitors are guided by tour guides dressed in period dress. Dogs are welcome on the daytime History & Heritage tours only and need to be leashed at all times. Please note that some tours require the use of stairs, and strollers must be carried on the stairs. The facility is open from late March through early November.

The world's only Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, WV, is dog friendly! Home of the original Mothman sightings, leashed pups of any size are welcome inside to view the most extensive collection of props from the Mothman Prophecies with you.

New River Gorge National Park & Preserve in Glen Jean, WV, is pet friendly. Dogs are allowed on the trails that wind around the banks of the river which passes through rocks, rock outcrops, trails and coal mines. In the gorge, there is typically a 1,000-foot difference in elevation between the river bottom and the adjacent plateau. The park is 70,000 acres, ideal for hiking, rock climbing and rafting on a whitewater river. Take Fido along the 2.4-mile Endless Wall Trail which passes through rich forest, crosses Fern Creek, then zig-zags along the cliff edge until reaching the overlook at Diamond Point.

Tamarack Marketplace is a dog-friendly artisan market in Beckley, WV. Your leashed pup is welcome to walk with you around the outdoor areas while you look at sculptures from local West Virginia artists. Fido is welcome inside to shop for gifts and souvenirs, and you can also order food from on-site eateries to enjoy at one of the outdoor patio tables.

Located in the Allegheny Mountains of Tucker County in Davis, WV, Blackwater Falls State Park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needles. Leashed dogs are welcome on the 20 miles of pet-friendly hiking trails. The falls, along with a few of the park’s other features like Elakala Falls, Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook, are some of the state’s most photographed spots. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views year-round by taking steps to the falls or using viewing platforms.

Leashed dogs can join their owners at the pet-friendly Babcock State Park in Clifftop, WV. You and your pooch can explore the old Grist Mill that the park is famous for before embarking on one of the many hiking trails. For the most spectacular views in the park, take the two-mile, moderately complex Skyline trail, which follows along the steep cliffside. Take the half-mile Island-In-The-Sky trail for a less challenging route with impressive views.

Located on Main Street in downtown Sutton, Flatwoods Monster Museum is pet-friendly. The museum is dedicated to the legend of the Flatwoods Monster and has been featured in such programs as Small Town Monster’s, The Flatwoods Monster: a Legacy of Fear, America’s Got Aliens (Hong Kong), Nerdist’s Bizarre States, and the Unseen World. Popular exhibitions include collections and artefacts, historic items, memorabilia, books, and more. The best part is that it doesn't cost anything to enter for you or Fido. Let them know if you're bringing your pooch, so the owners can put their cat in the back.

Long Point Trail in Fayetteville, WV, invites you and your leashed canine companion to embark on a pet-friendly hiking adventure. This 3.2-mile out-and-back trail is generally classified as an easy route, allowing you to enjoy the scenic journey. The trail culminates at a point that offers breathtaking views of the gorge and the iconic New River Gorge Bridge.

Grandview is a pet-friendly recreation area in Beaver, WV. Your leashed four-legged family member is welcome to tag along to explore. The park is known for its dramatic scenery and is the perfect spot for hiking, fishing, picnicking, and sightseeing. Be sure to come out during the Spring to see the Catawba rhododendrons bloom.

Shepherdstown Mystery Walks offers pet-friendly tours of Shepherdstown, WV. The outings are open year-round, giving visitors a chance to hear all about the spooky history of this quaint town in the chilly winter and hot summer. Bring Fido along to hear stories of residents who may have left this world but not the homes they lived in. The guides take you along the streets by spooky candlelight. Fido beware; you're in for a scare!

Upper Tract, WV, is home to the pet-friendly Swilled Dog Hard Cider. Leashed dogs are welcome inside their taproom and on the patio. Outside, they have a designated area for pups to use the bathroom with a clean-up station. This distillery in the mountains offers hard cider tours and tastings. Bring your dog along to unwind beside you as you sample the range of unique flavors in their beverages.

West Virginia State Farm Museum in Point Pleasant, WV, is dog friendly. Well-behaved, leashed pups are welcome throughout the property, including the buildings. You can explore the Blacksmith Shop, gardens, schoolhouse, museum, cabins, nature trail, sawmill and more.

Bring your pup along to the dog-friendly Greenbank Observatory in Green Bank, WV. This property is over 2,400 acres and home to the world's largest fully steerable radio telescope. Fido is not allowed inside the visitor center or museum, but he can walk with you on the property and see the telescopes while you take a self-guided tour.

Hawk Knob Appalachian Hard Cider is a pet-friendly destination located just outside downtown Lewisburg, WV. They offer traditional, Appalachian-style ciders, both in bottles and on draft. Hawk Knob is located on a working farm with plenty of outdoor seating and activities. Enjoy a cider while fishing in the stocked pond, playing hammerschlagen, or just relaxing on the patio. Be sure to check their Facebook page for upcoming live music and events.

Furry friends visiting Martinsburg, WV, are invited to join their owners at The Rusty Nail Winery. This local attraction offers pet-friendly seating both inside the tasting room and on the seasonal patio outside. They feature a variety of wines, including red, white and fruit options. They even provide pet beds, treats and toys for Fido!

Huntington's Petsafe Dog Park is located in Ritter Park in Huntington, WV. This 3.5-acre fenced-in recreation area offers separate spaces for large and small dogs. Other amenities include a water fountain, agility toys, benches, trash receptacles and more. Dogs must be leashed when entering and exiting the dog park.

The gothic-style West Virginia Penitentiary, located in Moundsville, WV, offers dog-friendly daytime tours. Fido is welcome on Historical Day Tours, but not during Paranormal Tours, North Walk Tours, or Haunted House tours. The facilities are rumored to be haunted by previous inhabitants. The facility operated as a prison from 1876 to 1995. There are no inmates nowadays, but you can still tour the buildings and grounds with your leashed pooch.

Ritter Park is a 75-acre, pet-friendly community recreation space in Huntington, WV. This spacious park offers trails, green areas and a rose garden to explore. Bring your leashed pup with you to walk on the pathways around a creek and stop off at the dog park. Dog owners are reminded to clean up any mess their pups leave behind.

Mason-Dixon Historical Park in Core, WV is dog-friendly! BringFido along for a hike on one of the many trails, including the Fairy Trail where you'll spot fairy houses among the trees, and the Mason-Dixon Marker trail where your pup can stand on the Mason-Dixon Line. Launch a canoe or kayak into Dunkard Creek, have a picnic or just enjoy the sights of nature and wildlife during your visit.

Pipestem Resort State Park is a pet-friendly attraction in Pipestem, WV. Bring your furry family member on a leash to discover the wonders of this 4,050-acre park. From hiking to boating, fishing and beyond, there's something for every adventurer. With over ten pathways catering to various endurance levels, you and your pup can embark on memorable journeys together.