From dog parks to pet-welcoming patios, these West Virginia towns roll out the red carpet for four-legged friends.
SUMMERSVILLE
Summersville just may be your pet’s new favorite playground. And when it comes to options for pet-friendly activities, Summersville Lake will have tails wagging and tongues lolling in joy. Take a swim, explore the shoreline, or hike up through the nearby trails for unparalleled views. Carnifex Ferry Battlefield and Summersville Lake state parks offer more hiking opportunities for those energetic pets who never stop. A short drive from Summersville takes you right to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, rife with outdoor activities for the entire family—four-legged members included.
If you want to stay close to the action, Summersville Lake Retreat & Lighthouse would love to have your pup stay the night! It offers one of the largest campground dog parks in the state as well as pet-friendly cabins, vintage campers, campsites, and rentals for the water. Differentiating itself from other campgrounds, the retreat does not have a breed restriction. As temperatures rise, cool off with a frozen treat from Fat Eddie’s—we’ve heard it has fantastic pup cups to distract your pooch while you, somewhat guiltily, eat your hot dog. If the family is staying at Mountain Lake Campground & Cabins, the on-site ice cream parlor, Sunshine Scoops, is happy to serve every pup a well-deserved treat.
Dinnertime can be so much better than kibble and bits in the kitchen. When it’s time to fuel up, Gad Dam Brewing’s tranquil outdoor seating and patio space marries the laid-back, natural atmosphere of Summersville with everything you love about your local brewery—and Rover will enjoy hanging out with you under the stars. Or enjoy “bites to eat and brews to drink” on the patio of The Local 805 as your furry friend naps nearby, charging up for the next thrill.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
There is no one more excited to see your dog than you—except maybe the pet-loving residents of Jefferson County. In Charles Town, Sundogs B&B is a modern and elegant country retreat that allows Fido to not only stay with you, but also join you in the dining room, sitting room, and patio as well as on the porches. Hillbrook Inn welcomes its furry guests with a “Doggy Bag”—disposable waste bags, a puppy paws towel, and a treat—in addition to the supplied food and water bowls.
Over in Shepherdstown, the pet love is real and runs deep. Grab a meal together at Blue Moon Cafe before swinging by Shepherdstown Sweet Shop Bakery or Rock Hill Creamery for dessert. Shepherdstown loves its canines so much, in fact, that it hosts DogFest each spring, bringing in hundreds of dogs of all shapes, sizes, colors, backgrounds, and professions from all across the region.
You have to let Fido experience the trails—especially the Appalachian Trail—while you’re in Harpers Ferry. The Harpers Ferry National Historical Park allows your companion to explore with you, too. But if some off-leash fun is needed, visit Sam Michaels Dog Park, a 2-acre park open to dogs of all sizes. When some relaxation and a good meal are needed, head over to The Rabbit Hole’s scenic patio for a cold beer and hearty burger or sandwich.
ELKINS
Waking up with Rover at the Tygart Hotel is a dream for any adventure seeker. There are miles of trails to explore at the nearby national forest, state parks, and wildlife management and wilderness areas. Just down the block from the Tygart, you’ll find Fancy Paws, a local pet store with everything you need to keep your pet happy and healthy during your trip. The Happy Pet also carries pet supplies you may have forgotten at home. The outdoor tables at Scottie’s Restaurant will seat you and your hound, and the deck at Smoke on the Water has plenty of room for Fido to beg for a bone.
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Wide open spaces and fresh mountain air: What more could any creature ask for? Your options for an overnight stay with your pet in Hampshire County are vast and diverse. Enjoy the upscale cabin grandeur of Mountainaire Luxury Cabin in Capon Bridge; pitch a tent at nearby Buffalo Gap Retreat—equipped with its own dog park, Rocky’s Run; or take in the elegant charm of the South Branch Inn in Moorefield. Swing by the Romney Brew Station to snag some treats for you and your pet—pup cup anyone?—or fuel up for the journey ahead when you pop over to Wild Roots Cafe & Co. Hike Ice Mountain, take a paddleboard trip down the South Branch of the Potomac River, or have a picnic at one of the five parks throughout the county.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S SPRING 2025 ISSUE
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