Wild and wonderful — that's West Virginia's motto, and it couldn't be more accurate. Part 11 of our 25-part Southeast road trip series takes us to one of America's most dramatically beautiful and undervisited states. From the stunning New River Gorge — now a national park — to the charming Victorian streets of Lewisburg, the whitewater of the Gauley River, and the Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia is a dog-friendly paradise hiding in plain sight.
🐾 Why West Virginia?
West Virginia is the most forested state east of the Mississippi, and it shows. The mountains are ancient and dramatic, the rivers are wild and clear, and the small towns have a genuine, unhurried character that's increasingly rare in America. Dogs are welcome on virtually every trail, in most state parks, and at the growing number of dog-friendly restaurants and breweries that have sprung up alongside the state's outdoor recreation boom. This is a road trip for dogs who love to hike, swim, and explore.
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels & Stays
The General Lewis Inn — Lewisburg
A beautifully preserved historic inn in the heart of Lewisburg — one of America's most charming small towns — that welcomes dogs. Antique-filled rooms, a lovely garden, and a prime location steps from Lewisburg's excellent restaurants and shops make this a standout stay.
Adventures on the Gorge — Lansing (New River Gorge)
A full-service adventure resort on the rim of the New River Gorge with pet-friendly cabin accommodations. Steps from world-class whitewater, hiking, and zip-lining, it's the ultimate base camp for an active dog-friendly West Virginia adventure.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park — Davis
West Virginia's flagship state park resort in the stunning Canaan Valley welcomes pets in select accommodations. Surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest and Dolly Sods Wilderness, the hiking and scenery here are absolutely world-class.
The Greenbrier — White Sulphur Springs
One of America's most legendary resorts, The Greenbrier welcomes pets and offers an extraordinary experience on 11,000 acres of manicured grounds and surrounding mountains. A bucket-list stay for bougie pup parents who want to experience old-school American grandeur.
Elkins Motor Lodge — Elkins
A comfortable, pet-friendly base in Elkins — the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest and the Highlands Scenic Highway. Affordable, welcoming, and perfectly positioned for exploring some of West Virginia's most spectacular backcountry.
🍽️ Pet-Friendly Restaurants & Cafés
The French Goat — Lewisburg
A beloved Lewisburg restaurant with a dog-friendly outdoor area and a menu that celebrates local Appalachian ingredients with French-inspired technique. One of the best restaurants in West Virginia, full stop.
Forks of Cheat Winery — Morgantown
A beautiful winery just outside Morgantown with dog-friendly grounds and a patio overlooking the vineyards. A lovely stop for a glass of West Virginia wine with your pup on a sunny afternoon.
Pies & Pints — Fayetteville & Multiple Locations
A West Virginia original with creative wood-fired pizzas and a dog-friendly patio at their Fayetteville location, steps from the New River Gorge. A perfect post-hike meal with your pup after a day on the trails.
Stardust Café — Lewisburg
A charming Lewisburg café with a dog-friendly outdoor area and a menu of creative sandwiches, soups, and baked goods. A perfect lunch stop after a morning exploring Lewisburg's beautiful historic district.
Hawk's Nest Trading Post — Ansted
A casual spot near Hawk's Nest State Park with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. A great stop for a quick bite between adventures in the New River Gorge area.
🍺 Dog-Friendly Breweries
Fayetteville Brewing Company — Fayetteville
The heart of the New River Gorge craft beer scene, with a dog-friendly outdoor space and a tap list that celebrates the adventurous spirit of the gorge. A must-stop after a day of hiking or whitewater.
Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company — Lewisburg
West Virginia's most celebrated craft brewery with a large dog-friendly outdoor space in Lewisburg. Their Mothman IPA is a local legend, and the taproom has a great community feel that captures the best of Lewisburg's character.
Morgantown Brewing Company — Morgantown
A Morgantown institution with a dog-friendly outdoor area and a rotating tap list. A great stop in West Virginia's college town, with a lively atmosphere and solid craft beer.
Big Timber Brewing — Elkins
A craft brewery in the gateway to the Monongahela National Forest with a dog-friendly taproom and patio. A perfect post-hike stop after a day in the Highlands, with a welcoming atmosphere and great beer.
Weathered Ground Brewery — Charleston
A Charleston craft brewery with a dog-friendly outdoor space and a creative tap list. A great stop in West Virginia's capital city, which has more to offer than most people expect.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Parks & Trails
New River Gorge National Park — Fayetteville
America's newest national park — designated in 2020 — is one of the most spectacular in the entire system. Leashed dogs are welcome on most trails, including the Long Point Trail with its stunning gorge overlook and the Grandview Rim Trail. The gorge itself is breathtaking.
Dolly Sods Wilderness — Monongahela National Forest
One of the most unique and otherworldly landscapes in the Eastern United States — a high-elevation plateau of wind-sculpted spruce trees, open heath barrens, and sweeping views that feel more like Canada than Appalachia. Dogs are welcome on leash and will love the cool temperatures and wild terrain.
Seneca Rocks — Monongahela National Forest
One of the most dramatic rock formations in the Eastern US, with dog-friendly trails to the base and surrounding forest. The views from the observation platform are stunning, and the surrounding Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area has miles of dog-friendly trails.
Blackwater Falls State Park — Davis
A stunning state park in the Canaan Valley with dog-friendly trails to the dramatic amber-colored Blackwater Falls and through the surrounding spruce forest. One of West Virginia's most photographed and beloved natural landmarks.
Greenbrier River Trail — Statewide
A 78-mile rail trail along the Greenbrier River through some of West Virginia's most beautiful mountain scenery. Flat, scenic, and extremely dog-friendly — one of the best long-distance trail experiences in the entire Southeast.
Kanawha State Forest — Charleston
A beautiful state forest just minutes from downtown Charleston with dog-friendly trails through hardwood forest. A great urban escape for dogs visiting the capital city.
🗺️ Suggested Road Trip Route
Start in Lewisburg (French Goat + Greenbrier Valley Brewing + Greenbrier River Trail) → north to Fayetteville & New River Gorge (hiking + Fayetteville Brewing) → north to Elkins (Big Timber Brewing) → east to Dolly Sods & Seneca Rocks → south to Blackwater Falls → loop back through The Greenbrier.
This route is best enjoyed over 5–7 days and showcases the full range of West Virginia's extraordinary mountain landscapes.
🐶 Pro Tips for West Virginia Road Trips
- Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks can be cold and windy even in summer — bring layers for your pup and yourself.
- New River Gorge Bridge Day (third Saturday of October) draws massive crowds — plan around it or embrace the chaos.
- West Virginia's mountain roads can be narrow and winding — take your time and enjoy the scenery.
- Lewisburg is consistently ranked one of America's coolest small towns — give it more time than you think you need.
- Black bears are present throughout West Virginia's forests — keep dogs on leash and store food properly when camping.
Up Next in the Series
Stay tuned for Part 12: Virginia — where we'll explore Shenandoah National Park, the charming streets of Charlottesville, and the dog-friendly beaches of Virginia Beach. Subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss a stop!
Have a favorite dog-friendly spot in West Virginia we should add? Drop it in the comments!