The best vacations are the ones with something for the entire family—pets included!
Plan a trip for you and your four-legged companions to Greater Summersville, set in one of West Virginia’s best outdoor recreation paradises.
SUP Puppy?
As one of the most popular lake destinations in the state, Summersville Lake is a must-visit—especially as temperatures start to rise. It’s the best place to shake off those winter blues and stretch your legs. At well over 2,000 acres, the lake offers plenty of room for your pet to sniff, run, and explore as you breathe in that fresh mountain air. Set out on a leisurely journey around the lake when you rent a boat from the Summersville Lake Marina, or turn your pet into the ultimate stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rider when you rent a paddleboard or kayak from Sarge’s Dive Shop. It’s not uncommon to see a K-9 visitor taking a dip with their humans in the clear, calm waters of the lake!
Sharing a name with the lake itself, Summersville Lake State Park is one of the newer parks to join the West Virginia State Parks system, and it’s full of opportunities to get outside with your pets this spring. Surrounding the lake are numerous trails that promise a tail-wagging good time. The common recommendation? The Long Point Trail, a four-mile out-and-back journey with stunning scenic views. Don’t forget to snap a photo of Fido at the Almost Heaven swing!
Sleeps & Treats
While able to be enjoyed as a day trip, the Greater Summersville Area makes it easy to extend your stay—even when the family pet tags along. Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse is the area’s ultimate pet-friendly destination, offering cabins, RV sites, and tent camping opportunities as well as boat, kayak, canoe, and SUP rentals. But the real tail-wagging treat for animal lovers is Double D Dog Park, a nearly 15,000-square-foot space where your dogs can run and play to their hearts’ content when you aren’t out exploring. Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins also invites four-legged guests to stay at its campground or in one of its pet-friendly cabins. Is your dog a water bug? Head over to Mountain Lake’s Dog Beach, where they can splash and swim with canine pals. If you’re looking for a hotel setting, the Quality Inn of Summersville warmly welcomes pets to rest their paws in one of its pet-friendly rooms.
When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, there are plenty of options that allow you to bring your poochie along. Gad Dam Brewing’s laid-back outdoor seating area and fire pit, plus its expansive deck, are the perfect places to kick back and relax with a cold one and your furry bestie. The patio at The Local 805 provides plenty of space for your dog to stretch out and relax while you enjoy one of its twists on classic Americana favorites. For dessert, stop by Fat Eddie’s to grab a treat that beats the heat, along with a free pup cup for your doggo. Make any mealtime pet-friendly with a picnic near the lake, at one of the scenic viewpoints, or along one of the winding trails.
A Mon Town
Summersville isn’t the only place in the Mountain Lakes ready to welcome your pet to the fun. Nearby Richwood is a growing community that perfectly blends small-town charm with Mountain State adventure—an unbeatable combination for pet lovers and their furry friends. As a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest—making it official Mon Forest Town—the backpacking, hiking, and trail-exploring opportunities are seemingly endless, and your pet is more than welcome to tag along. Speaking of gateways: The Cranberry Tri-River Rail Trail, a 16-mile dirt and gravel trail, has a trailhead in Richwood, found just behind the town’s depot. A roughly 40-minute drive east, the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area’s boardwalk presents views of West Virginia you can’t find anywhere else. Make sure to stop and witness the Falls of Hills Creek along the way! If you’re looking for a place that welcomes Rover for the night, consider The Guest House & Cottage, where your pup will feel like family, too.
Instead of looking for a pet-sitter this spring, start planning your trip to the Greater Summersville Area for fun the whole family can enjoy. Visit summersvillecvb.com to learn more.
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