Become a New River Gorge B.A.R.K. Ranger!

Become a New River Gorge B.A.R.K. Ranger! Tags are available for purchase in visitor center bookstores.

© Mallory Meadows and NPS / Ruth Hammes

Do you like exploring national parks with a four legged friend? Does your dog love to go for walks in the park? If you answered yes, then stop by any visitor center to become a New River Gorge B.A.R.K. Ranger!

What is B.A.R.K. Ranger?

B.A.R.K. Ranger is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative from the National Park Service. Since its creation, many parks have started their own B.A.R.K. Ranger programs for our four legged visitors. Like Junior Ranger, the program is all about exploring, learning, and protecting national parks. You and your dog will learn how to be safe and take care of the park while visiting by following B.A.R.K. guidelines.

Becoming a B.A.R.K. Ranger

To become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, visit any visitor center and ask to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger. The ranger at the desk will review the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules with you and help you take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge. Your dog will receive a signed certificate as an official New River Gorge B.A.R.K. Ranger!

If you'd like a tag for your dog's collar to show off their B.A.R.K. Ranger achievement, Eastern National has them available for sale. Eastern National is a non-profit organization that supports national parks. You can purchase your B.A.R.K. Ranger tags in the bookstores of all park visitor centers.

Don't Forget to B.A.R.K. in the Park!

• B is for Bag Your Waste - Make sure to bring doggie bags with you to the park and dispose of all waste in a trash can.

• A is for Always Wear a Leash - A leash no longer than 6 feet will protect your pet, park wildlife, and other visitors.

• R is for Respect Wildlife - Even the best behaved dogs can frighten or disturb wildlife in the park. Be sure to keep you and your dog a respectful distance from all wildlife.

• K is for Know Where to Go - Learn where your dog is allowed to go in the park and never leave your dog unattended.

Pets at New River Gorge

Pets are allowed on all trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. We created our park rules for pets in a way to maximize safety and enjoyment for everyone. If you choose to bring your pet to New River Gorge please be sure to follow our park pet policies in addition to the B.A.R.K. Ranger rules.

Pets are permitted on all trails at New River Gorge National Park and Preserve

NPS / Darien Salazar

Park Pet Policies:

• Pets are not allowed in any park buildings or visitor centers in compliance with federal regulations.

• Pets must always be on a physical leash no longer than 6 feet. Leashes protect pets from becoming lost, encountering dangerous animals, or scaring wildlife. Leashes also protect other visitors who may be afraid or allergic to pets or do not want a pet approaching them.

• Pick up your pet's waste and throw it away in the trash to keep the park's ecosystem healthy and enjoyable.

• Bring extra water for your pet to drink when hiking. Streams in the park may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. Water is available at every visitor center. There is no drinking water available at the trailheads.

• Pets are not allowed at ranger led programs. This avoid conflicts with other animals such as wildlife and respects other visitors.

• Qualified service animals as defined by the ADA are permitted throughout the park including in visitor centers, in park buildings, and on ranger led programs. Service animals are dogs who are trained to assist people with disabilities. Animals whose sole purpose is to provide emotional support or comfort are not service animals.