West Virginia is an intoxicating playground for outdoor lovers. It’s home to six national parks, the Monongahela National Forest, 45 state parks and forests, and the rushing New River, one of the oldest on the continent. From heart-thumping whitewater rafting on the Gauley River to hundreds of miles of converted train tracks providing access to nature's serenity to the 600-mile Hatfield-McCoy Trail System that’s custom made for all-terrain vehicles, there's something for everyone. Those seeking to embrace the Appalachian culture will appreciate the Mountain Music Trail, where dozens of venues and music festivals keep the regional musical genre alive, as well as the vibrant downtown districts, diverse lodging, and warm hospitality felt throughout the state. And history buffs won't want to miss iconic sites like Antietam Battlefield National Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. You can do it all on a pet friendly trip to West Virginia!
Best Time To Visit
West Virginia is prettiest in fall when the state's endless forests put on a colorful show and many popular festivals take place. Summer is also popular, with hot, sunny days perfect for enjoying water-based activities. Winter is fantastic for skiers and snowboarders, but for everyone else there's little to do as many attractions close for the off-season. Spring is the least popular time to visit West Virginia, which making it perfect for a pet friendly trip! You can enjoy the pleasant temperatures, avoid the crowds, take advantage of hotel deals, and enjoy watching the trees and flowers burst into life.
Things Not To Miss
Covering more than 900,000 acres, with an extensive system of backwoods roads and 825 miles of pet friendly trails, the Monongahela National Forest is a wild paradise that you could easily spend a lifetime exploring.
Hike the Raven Rock Trail in the Coopers Rock State Forest near Morgantown for a view of one of the state's most spectacular gorges.
Rent a pet friendly canoe, kayak, standup paddleboard, or pontoon boat at Summersville Lake Retreat in Mt. Nebo and spend a day on Summersville Lake.
Bike or walk a section of the Greenbrier River Trail, a leisurly rails-to-trails path that follows its namesake river for 77 miles.
Visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park, a significant site in the Civil War and the point where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet. Be sure to ask how your pet can become a BARK Ranger during your visit!
Experience the New River Gorge, a rugged river flowing northward through deep canyons, and don't miss the dazzling Sandstone Falls.
Hit the trails and wander the vacant buildings in Thurmond ghost town, a former railroad hub for trains carrying coal and timber from the surrounding area.
For nearly 100 years the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today you can enjoy this pathway while discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures along the way.
