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A 3-Day Dog-Friendly Getaway in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia
Some trips are better with four paws along. Leashed pups are welcome in the park in the middle of town; miles of trails and riverbanks are close by, and every evening ends curled up together at your cottage. No kennel, no guilt, just the whole family.
Book direct and save up to 20% by avoiding third-party fees.
Pet-friendly trip at a glance
Spend three days in Berkeley Springs, WV, walking your leashed dog through Berkeley Springs State Park, strolling the flat, shady C&O Canal towpath and the Paw Paw Tunnel, hiking the dog-friendly trails at Cacapon Resort State Park, cooling off along the Potomac or Cacapon Rivers, and watching the sunset from Panorama Overlook, then curl up by the fire at your cottage.
Best for
Dog owners who would rather bring their best friend than book a kennel
Trip length
3 days, 2–3 nights (a long weekend)
Getting here
About 1.5–2 hours from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore
Good to know
Keep dogs leashed in the parks; pets aren’t allowed on the Cacapon swimming beach
Your day-by-day dog-friendly itinerary
Mornings start with a walk, afternoons wander wherever the nose leads. Pack water and a bowl, keep your pup leashed on public trails, and check park rules before you go.
Day 1
Settle in and sniff out the town
Afternoon
Check in to your cottage
Set out the bed, bowls, and favorite toy so your dog feels at home from the first minute.
Late afternoon
Stroll Berkeley Springs State Park
Leashed pups are welcome in Berkeley Springs State Park in the middle of town, an easy first walk after the drive.
Evening
Dinner on a dog-friendly patio
Find a restaurant patio in town that welcomes pups, then head back to the cottage.
Day 2
Towpaths, tunnels and riverbanks
Morning
Walk the C&O Canal towpath
The flat, shady C&O Canal towpath is an easy walk for dogs of every age.
Late morning
Explore the Paw Paw Tunnel
Walk through the historic Paw Paw Tunnel side by side, and bring a flashlight.
Afternoon
Cool off by the river
Let your dog splash and rest along the banks of the Potomac or Cacapon Rivers.
Evening
Sunset at Panorama Overlook
Watch the sun drop over the valley together at the Panorama Overlook, then light a fire back at the cottage.
Day 3
Forest trails and off-leash play
Morning
Hike Cacapon Resort State Park
Take the dog-friendly trails through the forest at Cacapon Resort State Park. Pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach.
Or try
Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area
Wander quieter wooded trails at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area. During hunting season, you and your dog should both wear orange.
Midday
An hour of off-leash play
Book time at a private fenced dog park nearby so your pup can run free before the drive home.
Before you go
One last nap by the fire — and plan the next trip
Let your tired pup curl up at the cottage one more time, then pick your dates for the next visit.
Bring the whole family — four paws included
Private cottages near town, trails and riverbanks. Book directly and save up to 20%.
Why stay in a cottage with your dog?
No kennel, no guilt
Your dog stays with you instead of waiting at home or in boarding.
Privacy and quiet
No hotel hallways or neighbors through the wall — easier on dogs and their people.
Decks and fire pits
Room to relax outside together after a long day on the trail.
Close to the trails
Easy access to town, the state parks, the C&O Canal and the rivers.
Not every cottage accepts pets. Check the listing and our rental policy for pet details before you book.
Pet-friendly getaway FAQ
Is Berkeley Springs, WV dog-friendly?
Yes. Leashed dogs are welcome in Berkeley Springs State Park in the middle of town, and miles of dog-friendly trails, towpaths and riverbanks are a short drive away. Some restaurant patios in town welcome pups too.
Where can I hike with my dog near Berkeley Springs?
Good options include the trails at Cacapon Resort State Park, the flat, shady C&O Canal towpath, the Paw Paw Tunnel and the wooded trails at Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Are dogs allowed on the beach at Cacapon Resort State Park?
No. Pets aren’t allowed on the swimming beach, but leashed dogs can enjoy the park’s trails.
Is there anything to know about hiking with a dog in the fall?
Yes. Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area is open to hunting, so wear blaze orange — on you and your dog — during hunting season.
How far is Berkeley Springs from Washington, D.C. and Baltimore?
About 90 miles from Washington, D.C. and 100 miles from Baltimore (1.5–2 hours each), roughly 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Philadelphia.
How do I book a pet-friendly cottage?
Check each listing’s pet details and our rental policy, then book directly with Berkeley Springs Cottage Rentals to save up to 20% by avoiding third-party fees. Book direct
More Berkeley Springs itineraries
Planning a different kind of trip? Browse plans for Families, the Wellness Seeker, the Adventurer, Nature Lover, Happy Couple and more.
Every trail is better side by side
Reserve your cottage in Berkeley Springs and bring your best friend along.
Prefer to talk? Call 304-258-5300