Top Dog-Friendly Places to Explore and Hike in West Virginia
Let’s continue our West Virginia road trip. In the second part, we’ll explore the western region of West Virginia, featuring remarkable places to see and excellent hiking options.
If you skipped the first part, please go to Road Trip West Virginia With a Dog.
8. Carnegie Hall
Looking for a short hiking break? Visit Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg—a historic performing arts venue and cultural gem. On non-performance days, you can explore the grounds with your dog. Visiting in summer? Don’t miss the FREE outdoor concerts every 2nd and 4th Thursday, June through August, from 6:20–8 PM. Pack a lawn chair or blanket, bring a picnic, and enjoy a perfect summer evening!
The Asylum is a nearby restaurant with a great covered patio, making it the perfect spot for a lunch break.
9. Babcock State Park
Situated in Fayette County, West Virginia, Babcock State Park is well-known for its expansive natural beauty and diverse hiking opportunities. Among its cherished attractions is the historic Glade Creek Grist Mill, meticulously reconstructed from parts of three West Virginia mills. It is a favorite among photographers for its picturesque charm and rustic ambiance.
Babcock State Park features a network of trails for hiking enthusiasts, including the Skyline, Rocky, and Narrow Gauge Loop, totaling 4.40 miles of moderately challenging terrain. These trails traverse varied landscapes—from dense forests to rocky paths—and offer hikers an immersive experience in the rugged wilderness of West Virginia.
Island in the Sky Trail is short and steep, and features lots of rock formatuons and rocky steps.
10. Hawk Nest State Park
Hawks Nest State Park, established in West Virginia in 1970, offers 270 acres of recreational bliss in the heart of whitewater rafting country. Located just 10 miles north of the iconic New River Gorge Bridge, the park is renowned for its scenic overlook, providing breathtaking views of the rugged New River Gorge National Park and Preserve below. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including hiking trails and nature museum.
The park also once featured an aerial tramway, a favorite attraction for its stunning panoramic rides. However, the tramway is currently closed for a replacement project that is part of a broader $200+ million investment in state park improvements. While the aerial tramway at Hawks Nest remains closed for now, the project underscores the state’s commitment to enhancing its park facilities for future generations.
In the meantime, visitors can look forward to exhilarating, dog-friendly jet boat rides offered by New River Jet Boats. Boating season begins in May each year, with dates varying. The experience includes a convenient shuttle from the park to the boat dock in the New River Gorge, followed by a thrilling 30-minute jet boat adventure. For current schedules and additional information, please visit HERE.
Another aerial tram can be found at Pipestem Resort State Park. Unfortunately, it too is currently undergoing reconstruction, but once completed, it will add to the array of unique outdoor experiences available in West Virginia’s state parks.
11. New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is a must see landmark and one of the most photographed places in West Virginia.
In 2006, the U.S. Mint chose the bridge to represent West Virginia on the state commemorative quarter. In 2013, the National Park Service listed the New River Gorge Bridge in the National Register of Historic Places, which signifies its importance as a historic resource.
The completion of the New River Gorge Bridge on October 22, 1977, resolved a significant travel challenge. This engineering marvel transformed what was once a 40-minute drive into a journey of less than a minute, eliminating the need to navigate narrow mountain roads over an ancient river. Building roads through mountains poses significant challenges, but at New River Gorge, engineers overcame these obstacles with a stunning masterpiece of structural art.
The New River Gorge Bridge is the longest steel span in the Western Hemisphere and the third-highest bridge in the United States. Its iconic design has made it a symbol of West Virginia’s natural beauty and engineering prowess.
12. Nuttallburg – Coal Mining Complex
Nuttallburg was established in 1870 to meet the nation’s demand for coal. It thrived through the early 20th century, notably under Henry Ford’s ownership in the 1920s. Despite its eventual decline and closure in 1958, the National Park Service preserves Nuttallburg’s historical significance today. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the most intact coal mining sites in West Virginia and the United States.
Explore the historic Nuttallburg Trail, a challenging but rewarding West Virginia hiking option. It is 5 miles round-trip with steep sections and approximately 1500 feet of elevation gain. Start at the Headhouse Trail trailhead, then continue on Keeney’s Creek Trail and Conveyer Trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter remnants of a coal mining operation, including the former tipple and railroad used to transport coal to the river for processing. The trail descends to the river, offering fascinating glimpses into West Virginia’s coal mining history.
Check Zen’s experience while visiting Nuttallburg.
Arrowhead Bike Farm is an eatery featuring craft beer and sandwiches. It has a great covered porch and is very dog-friendly.
13. Grandview Visitor Center
Another place to see in West Virginia is the Grandview Visitor Center at the park’s highest elevation. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views spanning nearly 1,400 feet from the rim to the river below.
The center is a gateway to several scenic trails, including the Castle Rock Trail, named for its rocky outcroppings that resemble a castle. This trail is known for its rugged terrain, so we recommend sturdy shoes and hiking poles for added stability.
Alongside the Castle Rock Trail, the Grandview Rim Trail offers equally stunning views and is worth exploring during your visit to West Virginia.
14. Sandstone Falls Boardwalk
Sandstone Falls is a dog-friendly, must-see destination where Zen had a great time! It’s the largest waterfall on the New River, stretching 1500 feet across and dropping from 10 to 25 feet. Accessible via a 0.25-mile boardwalk, the falls are divided by islands, with observation decks offering spectacular views and access to fishing spots.
The boardwalk traverses the Appalachian riverside flatrock community, home to a rare assortment of plants in a few locations along energetic Appalachian rivers. Many of these plants are exclusive to the New River Gorge area.
Check out our video to see how Zen enjoyed exploring Sandstone Falls!
If you like our West Virginia road trip, you can find more dog-friendly DESTINATIONS.
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