Canine Ventures in Canaan Valley, West Virginia
- Luie Boone
- Jun 24
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 27
This vacation destination is a part of our second series of blog posts titled K9 Kind.
Are you looking for that perfect vacation spot to go with your four-legged best friend? Luie Boone has got the place for you! Tucked away in the highlands of West Virginia, there's a spot called Canaan Valley. It offers a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat, where nature takes center stage and every trail leads to new adventures.
From smooth grassy tracks to rugged highland routes with panoramic views, the valley offers a remarkable mix of trails. Some are flat and easygoing, while others venture deep into dense woodlands where sunlight filters through towering trees. These forest trails wind past mossy boulders and hidden glades, often following the gentle sounds of birdsong or a nearby stream.
Luie Boone wants to remind you that the landscape is teeming with wildlife. There are deer and birds, as well as more elusive mountain creatures. It is important to keep your dog close by you, so everyone can stay safe.
Nearby mountain towns like Davis, Thomas, and Parsons add to the valley’s charm. Each offers its own blend of small-town warmth and dog-friendly stops. Whether it’s browsing the galleries of Thomas, grabbing a bite in Davis, or relaxing by the river in Parsons, these communities welcome you—and your pup—with open arms.
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than sitting down for a relaxing meal with your dog by your side. You can have a picnic in a scenic meadow or enjoy a local dish on a pet-friendly patio.
For dogs who love a ride, the region is full of picturesque byways, hidden gems, and quiet places to stop and explore. You’ll pass by mountain springs, scenic overlooks, historic landmarks, and quirky roadside finds. Those roadside finds are perfect for stretching legs and paws, as well as capturing a few photo-worthy moments along the way.
Above all, Canaan Valley is where you can truly relax and reconnect. Begin your day with your dog by your side on a peaceful cabin porch, and end it beneath a sky full of stars.
So pack the treats, buckle up your best buddy, and head for the hills, because in Canaan Valley, the trails are wild, the porch naps are legendary, and every tail (and tale) ends with a wag.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Canaan Valley, West Virginia. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Hearthside
This rental has 4 bedrooms with 5 beds and 2.5 baths.
Photos courtesy of Best of Canaan
It features the following amenities:
Stone chimney fireplace (Luie Boone can't wait to cozy up beside a warm fire on the expansive deck!)
Relax in the outdoor hot tub
Take in views of Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, while your dog plays on the large lawn
5-burner KitchenAid grill beside an 8-seat table on the deck (Luie Boone can't wait to see all the different foods getting cooked up on the 5-burner grill!)
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
In between naps and treats, I overhead my humans talking about this place called "Hearthside" in Canaan Valley. It made me tail wag! They said there's a stone fireplace inside and outside. That sounds like tons of spots that are perfect for cozy naps. Plus, there's an outdoor hot tub. The yard is huge. If I was there, I'd be sniffing the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge every morning. Sleeping arrangements sound fancy and maybe tasty? There’s a primary bedroom with a king bed and a desk with a view; the Cherry Blossom Room has another king bed and a tempting hanging chair; the Cinnamon Room offers great views for top-tier squirrel watching; and the Sage Room features a bunk bed. And guess what? There's central AC! That means no panting for me. Worth every bone!
Paws Venture Here
Blackwater Falls State Park
This park is named for the amber waters of Blackwater Falls, which is a 57-foot cascade tinted by the tannic acid of fallen hemlock and red spruce needle. It has 20 miles of dog-friendly hiking trails with scenic views year-round. Luie Boone would howl at that view any day of the week!
Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area
You and your canine companion can hike the trails at Little Canaan Wildlife Management Area. There is 3,000 acres to explore.
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge
You can take your pick of 29 miles of refreshing trails and a boardwalk. Whether you want a short, easy walk, or a challenging hike, you’re likely to find what you and your buddy want.
Canaan Valley Resort State Park
At this state park, you can spend some quality time with nature and your pooch. Explore gorgeous views, wildflowers, and wildlife along 18 miles of trails.
Lindy Point
At Lindy Point, you can enjoy a stunning view of Blackwater Canyon with your pup from a height of 3,000 feet! See a 35-foot tall balancing rock nestled above the 1,000-foot gorge. Luie Boone can't wait to check it out!
Elakala Falls
Elakala Falls is a series of four waterfalls that pour over staggered rock steps. A trail is your and your best friends route to enjoy these gorgeous falls. Luie Boone says be sure to look down, as your path will take you directly above the first falls along a wooden bridge!
Table Rock
Table Rock offers breathtaking panorama views of the Allegheny Mountains. This 200 degree, unobstructed vista allows hikers views from the north to the east, the south, and even the southwest, which makes it ideal for sunrise images. Luie Boone hopes his humans snap a picture of him enjoying the sunrise!
The Purple Fiddle
The Purple Fiddle is a unique cafe and music venue, where Fido is welcome to join you by going through the doggy door to get to the outside spacious, mostly covered patio. You order inside at the bar and then take your food with you outside by your pal. Luie Boone’s guess? That dog’s got its eyes closed because the place smells so good, it’s practically a daydream!
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Canaan Valley, West Virginia
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
Canaan Valley looks beautiful… but is it just me, or is it shaped like a giant bathtub? And listen, I hate baths. Like, full-speed-run-away when I see shampoo and combs kind of hate. So a whole valley that looks like a bathtub? Yeah, I’m suspicious. They say cold air settles down there, which means my paws might get chilly faster than I’d like. And, apparently, every bark echoes off the hills, so I might start an accidental dog party just by saying hello. Also, let’s be real, if water collects at the bottom, we’re talking prime mud territory. Which is amazing... until the hose comes out back at the cabin. Then it’s betrayal, pure and simple. Still, even with all the quirks, I can’t wait. That big bathtub valley might just be the best place ever to make some muddy, messy, tail-wagging memories.
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