6 Hidden Gems: New Places to Hike With Your Dog Near Morgantown, WV
- TeamAMC
- Apr 7
- 4 min read
"A tired dog is a good dog" is usually true!
Morgantown is surrounded by incredible outdoor spaces, and some of the best hiking and walking spots fly under the radar. Exercise is fantastic for nearly all dogs, and Animal Medical Center wants to help you find places to have fun with your dog. Check out some hidden gem places to hike you might not have visited yet.
If you're looking to escape the crowds and explore new trails with your dog, you're in luck! Beyond the well-known favorites, there are plenty of hidden gems in our spectacular open spaces where you can enjoy peaceful forest paths, stunning overlooks, and quiet creekside strolls. Whether you're in the mood for a quick nature walk or a rugged backcountry adventure, these lesser-known trails are worth adding to your list.
Like most of West Virginia, most of these trails are rugged, wooded, and often wet, so choose your boots accordingly. 🥾 🥾 🥾
🥾 Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area - Snake Hill Trail
Snake Hill Wildlife Management Area offers a quiet and rugged hiking experience with stunning views of the Cheat River Gorge. Trails are unmarked, so bring a map (or download it from AllTrails) and enjoy an off-the-beaten-path adventure with your leashed dog. Bonus: You'll usually have the trail and the overlook to yourself on this side of the river! There are lots of trails to choose from.
Snake Hill Trail is a 3.5 mile wooded loop with incredible views and overlooks of the Cheat River and Cooper's Rock. There are miles and miles of additional trails to explore if you want to extend your hike or try another spot!
Trailhead: Rough parking lot just off the main road.
🥾 Tom’s Run Preserve - Elizabeth's Woods & Morris Loop
A recently built peaceful network of wooded trails through dense forest, open meadows, and along scenic streams with diverse wildlife. Thank you, WV Land Trust for creating this beautiful open space for public access! Check out the link for detailed information, trail maps and more. New trails are being built each year, so keep exploring. At the link above, you can also sign up to help build more trails!
Elizabeth's Woods & Morris Loop is a peaceful 2 mile loop exploring the mountainside. Trails are well developed and marked, and new trails are being built all the time, so keep your eye out for trail markers and bring your map. There are additional connected trails to explore if you want a longer (or shorter) hike!
Trailhead: Spacious parking lot on the right off Little Falls Road as you head towards the river. Near the Goshen Road/Smithtown/Road Pilot Station exit off 79.
Animal Medical Center is a proud, long-time contributor to WV Land Trust -- investing in open spaces, our communities, and our future!
🥾 Cooper's Rock State Forest -- Virgin Hemlock to Tyrone Trail Loop
Virgin Hemlock to Tyrone Trail is a beloved 1.7-mile loop, perfect for a scenic, stream-side hike through a virgin hemlock forest. This dirt trail features stream crossings and is a beautiful choice year-round, especially on warm days, with plenty of water for dogs to cool off. While the trail is easy to extend for a longer hike, markings are mediocre—so stay mindful of your route.
Trailhead: Roadside parking for a few vehicles.
🥾 WVU Woodlot -- Baker's Ridge Trail
Baker's Ridge Trail is a peaceful, beautiful, shady 4 mile trail where you're likely to have the trail to yourself. Trails are marked but not perfectly marked, so carry or download a map to help you navigate.
Trailhead: Small parking lot on West Run Road on the opposite side of the street from the trailhead.
🥾 Valley Falls State Park -- Valley Falls via Rocky to Rhododendron Trail Loop
Valley Falls via Rocky to Rhododendron Trail Loop beautiful four mile loop takes you along the Tygart Valley River and through the woods for a gorgeous hike. Valley Falls State Park offers dozens of miles of trails that interconnect with this route, so you can easily adjust or add to your hike and check out other trails. If you're visiting during the spring blue bell season, be sure to visit Bluebell Trail!
Trailhead: Large parking lot with public bathrooms, etc.
🥾 Mason-Dixon Historical Park -- M-D Marker Trail
The 1.9-mile M-D Marker Trail loop in Mason Dixon Historical Park is a scenic trail is great for hiking and walking, with minimal foot traffic for a peaceful experience. The park offers a network of interconnected trails, so take time to explore! In late spring, don’t miss the Bluebell Trail when the flowers are in bloom, and if you have kids or love a touch of magic, the Fairy Trail is a must-see.
AllTrails Info & Map (Details on how to find the trailhead are here, too.)
Trailhead: Large parking lot with public bathrooms, etc.
Trail Tips for Happy Hikes with Your Dog
🐾 Stay Hydrated: Pack plenty of water for both you and your dog, along with a bowl. Longer hikes or warm days require extra hydration.
🐾 Watch for Overheating: Dogs can't sweat, but they can cool down through panting, their ears, and the pads of their feet. On warm days, choose shady trails near water, and encourage your pup to take a dip. If your dog pants excessively or shows signs of distress, take a break to cool them down immediately. Get them wet, encourage them to stay in the water if possible, and move them to shade or air-conditioning to rest.
🐾 Share the Trail: Be respectful of other hikers, bikers, and wildlife. Many of Morgantown’s trails are multi-use, so keeping your dog under control ensures a pleasant experience for everyone.
🐾 Tick Check: Ticks are present nearly year-round in the Morgantown area, except during deep freezes. Make sure your dog is on a reliable tick preventative, and always check for ticks after a hike.
Exploring these trails not only provides great exercise but also keeps your dog mentally engaged, strengthening the bond between you and your four-legged hiking companion.
Enjoy the adventure, and happy trails!
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