Can You Bring Your Dog to New River Gorge?
Yes — and West Virginia might be one of the most dog-friendly places we've ever visited, full stop. We're not just talking about trail access. We're talking about the dog hanging out the passenger window at the Tudor's Biscuit World drive-through that we stopped to pet the other day. People here are friendly, and their dogs are too.
New River Gorge itself is one of the best national parks in the country to visit with a dog — which is worth saying out loud, because a lot of national parks barely tolerate dogs at all. Many only allow them on paved roads and parking areas, keeping them off trails entirely. New River Gorge is a completely different story. Here's what you need to know.
Sweet Bandit on the drive across the bridge to Thurmond.
The Park Is Almost Entirely Open to Dogs
Dogs are welcome on every single trail in the park, which puts New River Gorge in genuinely rare company among national parks. The only real rule is a 6-foot leash at all times. Dogs aren't allowed inside park buildings — so your pup waits outside while you pop into the visitor center — but everywhere else is fair game. All the overlooks, all the trails, the primitive campsites, Fayette Station down by the river. Bring them everywhere.
Make Your Dog a B.A.R.K. Ranger
Stop at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and ask about the B.A.R.K. Ranger program. Your dog can be officially sworn in, earn a certificate, and pick up a tag from the bookstore for about $6. It's a genuinely fun stop and kids absolutely love it. B.A.R.K. stands for Bag your waste, Always leash, Respect wildlife, and Know where you can go — all things you're already doing.
Off-Leash Time
If your dog needs to stretch their legs properly, there's a dog park at Charlie McCoy Town Park right in Fayetteville and another at Doc Hamilton Dog Park in Oak Hill. Both are good options for burning off energy before or after a day on the trails.
A Few Things Dogs Can't Do
Dogs can't join you for ziplining or whitewater rafting! (lol) So if those are on the agenda, you'll need to plan for your pup during that time. A few good local options:
NRG Doggy Day Camp in Victor, WV basically exists for this situation — they cater specifically to visitors adventuring in the park, with outdoor play areas and 24/7 camera monitoring. Half-day and full-day options available. (304) 445-5503 · nrgdoggydaycamp.com
Barks & Boops Boarding in Oak Hill offers boarding and daycare with the added bonus of funding the New River Animal Rescue — a great local option. 201 Maple Ave, Oak Hill · (681) 238-3110
Hide & Seek Dog Retreat in Fayetteville is another local boarding option worth calling. (304) 640-6406 · facebook.com/HideandSeekDogRetreat
We'd recommend calling ahead for any of these to confirm availability and current hours before your trip.
If you're staying in one of our dog-friendly rentals, another easy option is simply leaving your dog crated comfortably in the house while you go out for an activity or two. They'll be rested and ready for the next trail when you get back.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Fayetteville has a genuinely good food scene and several spots that welcome dogs, especially in the warmer months when outdoor seating opens up.
Secret Sandwich Society is one of the most beloved restaurants in town and absolutely worth a stop. The brussels sprouts are legendary. They have outdoor seating beyond the usual covered area — an open yard space that's dog friendly and a great place to spend an afternoon.
The Take Out @ The Stache is two great things in one spot: fresh bowls, salads, and sandwiches from The Take Out, and ice cream from The Stache next door. Both have outdoor seating and welcome dogs — a great stop after a morning on the trails.
Arrowhead Bike Farm is right outside town near the Long Point trailhead and has a relaxed Biergarten with picnic tables, fire pits, and plenty of space for dogs. Food, WV craft beer, and resident goats that will make your dog very confused and very interested.
Bridge Brew Works has a large outdoor space with picnic tables and a grassy area where leashed dogs are welcome. They rotate food trucks, so you'll get something different every time.
The Freefolk Brewery is about 12 miles north of Fayetteville in Hico, just across the bridge — a scenic drive that's worth the trip on its own. They're dog friendly both inside and outside, and connected to Ample Pizza, so you've got great craft beer and wood-fired pizza in one stop.
Wood Iron Eatery has a dog-friendly patio and is one of the better breakfast and lunch spots in Fayetteville if you're starting your day in town.
Cathedral Café — a former church turned into one of Fayetteville's most beloved hangouts for coffee and food — allows dogs at the outdoor tables.
Pies & Pints doesn't allow dogs on their patio, but their pizza and craft beer are too good to skip entirely. Grab takeout and find a spot nearby.
Dog-Friendly Places to Stay
Finding pet-friendly accommodation in the gorge area is genuinely easy, and several of our own Appalachian Escapes properties welcome dogs.
Our dog-friendly houses include:
(Steampunk) — coming soon!
Beyond our properties, both Airbnb and VRBO have good filters for pet-friendly rentals in the area. Search "New River Gorge" or "Fayetteville WV" and filter by pets allowed — you'll find plenty of options at a range of price points.
The Short Answer
So tell your pup — the gorge is yours. It's one of the most dog-welcoming national parks in the country and the surrounding town is genuinely set up for visitors who travel with their animals. Come on down.