New River Gorge National Park & Preserve: A Dog Friendly Version

We visited in July 2022 and are itching to go back this year! New River Gorge is the newest National Parks, it was designated in December 2020. This is probably the most dog friendly National Park we’ve been to- Pets are allowed on ALL trails! There’s tons to explore, plenty of hiking, viewpoints, and activities.

There is no entrance fee at New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. The Park is very spread out and has four visitor centers- Canyon Rim, Sandstone, Grandview, & Thurmond. We suggest at least 2 days here but if you want to explore each area and visitor center you will need 3-4.

Canyon Rim Area:

Canyon Rim Boardwalk

Located at the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. There are two levels to this gorgeous view and the steps down to the lower view is worth it! (And there are less people).

Endless Wall Trail

Just 2 miles is your hike out to the Diamond Point Overlook and back. The full loop would be 2.4 miles but would require a 0.5 mile hike on the road to get back to your car. There are two parking lot options for this trail: Nuttall and Fern Creek.

Kaymoor Miners Trail

A 1 mile trail that includes 821 steps! We started out on this trail but because it was a rainy morning we turned around after 0.4 miles because of the slick stairs and wet rock. It’s a trail that wanders through an old mining area. Check out this trail (weather permitting) but be sure you can make it back up those stairs.

Long Point Trail

3 easy miles to one of the best views of the New River Gorge Bridge. We actually hiked it twice in one day because our sunrise hike was completely fogged out.

Fayetteville Station Road

A one way road about 8 miles long. You drive down into the gorge and below the New River Bridge for a unique view. Pull off just before the bridge at the very bottom of the gorge to watch some white water rafters come down the river!

Grandview Area:

Grandview Rim Trail

3.2 miles from the main overlook to the Turkey Spur Overlook and back. You can also drive to the Turkey Spur Overlook (check this spot out for an amazing sunrise/sunset spot!).

Castle Rock Trail

A 0.6 mile stretch of trail that starts at the Main Overlook and intersects with the Grandview Rim Trail. It’s a close up hike near these fortress-like rock walls. A very unique hiking trail.

North Overlook

Just past the intersection of Grandview Rim Trail and Castle Rock Trail. It’s a quit yet gorgeous overlook that a lot of people miss.

BONUS: Sandstone Area

We didn’t quite plan ahead enough to visit the Sandstone Area and all it has to offer. Sandstone is popular for Sandstone Falls, which is the largest waterfall in the park. Also try the Sandstone Falls Boardwalk, Big Branch Trail, & Gwinn Ridge Trail.

Where to Stay: Amish Cabin Near the New River Gorge Airbnb. There are 10 of these cabins nestled 10 minutes from the Canyon Rim Visitor Center. It will take about 45 minutes to get to the Grandview Visitor Center and just under an hour to the Sandstone Visitor Center. The cabin had a microwave, mini fridge, and coffee maker- just the necessities! But since we spent all day out hiking, it was perfect! There is also a second bed up the ladder, but we had just what we needed on the main floor.

Where to Eat: We brought our own food, had picnic or mountain-side lunches. But one place we passed that is on our list to try the next time is Arrowhead Bike Farm. They rent out bikes and have a campground, but most importantly the Handle Bar + Kitchen which has a plethora of beers to choose from, a patio and a great food menu!

Axel’s Pup Tip: Make a plan! There is some much to do and the park is fairly spread out, so if you want to hit it all you gotta plan ahead! We didn’t quit plan for the Sandstone Area because it was farther away and we missed out.

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Axel’s Packing List: Dog Sunscreen, Collapsible Dog Bowl, Nalgene Water Bottle, Owala Water Bottle, Kurgo Dog Food Travel Bag, The Natural Dog Treats,

Peyton’s Packing List: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack, Camelbak Water Bladder, Mineral Sunscreen, Sunscreen Chapstick, First Aid Kit, Merrell Hiking Boots, Portable Charger, Insta 360 Camera, Canon T7 DLSR Camera

Dog Friendly Stay: Amish Cabin near the New River Gorge Airbnb

Must Do Hikes: Castle Rock Trail, Grandview Rim Trail, Endless Wall Trail, Kaymoor Miners Trail, & Long Point Trail. Bonus Overlooks: Canyon Rim Boardwalk & North Overlook. Bonus Drive: Fayetteville Station Road