If you’re looking for a lively night of fun, head to The Freefolk Brewery in Fayetteville. Play a game of ping pong and order a round of Moondog Golden Ales, then make your way to the expansive outdoor space dotted with inviting fire pits. West Virginia’s most dog-friendly brewery also hosts larger bonfires when the weather gets cold. Hungry hounds will find something to satisfy their cravings at one of the visiting food trucks, too. For an active adventure in the area, discover endless beauty in the Mountain State on the Endless Wall Trail.

Quality Inn New River Gorge makes a great base camp between brewery visits and outdoor excursions.

Slip on Fido’s hiking boots and trek 20 miles of scenic trails that wind through beautiful Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia’s most dog-friendly state park. Tucked away in the rugged Allegheny Mountain Range of northern West Virginia, the park is named after its 57-foot amber waterfall, one of the state’s most photographed natural attractions. Snap a selfie in front of the cascading marvel before climbing to the top of Lindy Point and Pendleton Point Overlook to capture gorgeous views of verdant valleys and cloud-filled skies. Use the wooden walking paths and observation platforms, or venture out with your dog along numerous man-made side trails.

From April through October, Blackwater Falls State Park Campground welcomes campers and their pets at tent and trailer sites, and at 10 pet-friendly cabins. You can also make your home away from home at White Aspen, a dog-friendly rental a short drive from the park.

The Mountain State is full of spooky pet-friendly attractions for ghost-busting pups. One of the creepiest is the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, which has a haunted history that hounds will love to sniff out. This gothic-style prison was in operation from 1876 to 1995 and was the setting for bloody riots and fires. More than 100 inmates were put to their deaths here, including an unfortunate Bloodhound who refused to help search for an escaped inmate in 1907. It’s no wonder the grounds of the most pet-friendly attraction in the Mountain State are said to be haunted by those who walked in but never walked out. Learn more on a private paranormal tour of the grounds or a historical tour with your leashed pooch.

Fortunately, you and your pooch are able to leave the prison after your tour and return to a more comfortable accommodation. This pet-friendly guest suite has a private deck and pet-friendly trails on the property.

Although camping with Fido at Harpers Ferry/Civil War Battlefields KOA is fun any time of year, you won’t want to miss the final day of pool season each September when it all goes to the dogs. Each year, the annual dog swim at West Virginia’s most dog-friendly campground also includes a weekend of dog-themed events like a kids and dog paint party and dog games. Your pup can enjoy the many features of the Bark Zone Dog Park any time of year, like a doggie teeter-totter, fire hydrant, weaving poles, and plenty of room to play ball or fetch. Multiple dogs are allowed for an additional fee of $1.50 per dog, per night.

Located off the Buckhannon Riverwalk Trail, Buckhannon Dog Park has been revamped to meet the highest of canine standards. Inside the fenced space, dogs can rehydrate at an awesome water station that has been designed to look like a fire hydrant and run through a tunnel that’s been turned into a dog. Small pups can play quietly next door in their own section, while bigger pooches bounce around the main park. Shade trees have been planted on both sides, plus there are benches for humans to sit at and enjoy the fun.

For an affordable stay, look no further than Centennial Motel. Fido can stay for free at this welcoming motel within walking distance of the dog park.

New River Gorge National Park is home to the world’s second-oldest river. The New River cuts through the Appalachian Mountains, which are dominated by deciduous trees like oaks and maples. The newest national park in the system has a variety of pet-friendly trails, but none are more popular than the Endless Wall Trail. Ramble with your Rottweiler on a winding pathway through rich forest, over Fern Creek, and along a cliff edge to many beautiful vistas and overlooks on West Virginia’s top trail to hike with your dog. This trail is over two miles in length and is rated easy for all hiking levels to enjoy.

Downsize with your dog at this nearby tiny home. Pups can play off leash in the shared backyard while you gather around a fire pit.

Experience a Southern-style mansion at the Bluefield Inn, West Virginia’s best pet-friendly B&B. Built in the early 1900s, the stunning property was used as a judge’s residence and an elementary school before it became a bed and breakfast. Three pet-friendly rooms feature hardwood floors, private entrances, and share a private deck. Hop in the car and drive the short distance to Pinnacle Rock State Park for pet-friendly hiking trails and a panoramic view of the region.

Bluefield Inn welcomes dogs to stay for an additional fee of $20 per pet, per stay.

Who doesn’t want to celebrate hot dogs with their wiener dog? Held during National Hot Dog Month in July every year, West Virginia’s can’t miss dog event, WV Hot Dog Festival in Huntington celebrates the area's unusually large amount of hot dog businesses and the local people’s devotion to dogs with a variety of fun activities like a hot dog-eating contest for humans, a pooch parade, a canine costume contest and the ever-popular wiener dog races.

Take your hot doggy bag back to Delta Hotels by Marriott Huntington Downtown for a midnight feast in your cozy room.

If our Best of West Virginia preview left your dog drooling for more, we hope you check out our book - Ruff Guide to the United States. Remember to use gift code BEST to get a copy for just $10. Happy Travels!