🪨🐾 Hiking Castle Rock Trail with Simba the Adventure Pup - New River Gorge NP, WV 🌄🌲

Hey trail fam! Ash here — and this week, Simba the Adventure Pup and I laced up (well, I laced up — he just wagged his tail) for a short but rugged adventure on the Castle Rock Trail in New River Gorge National Park, near Prince, West Virginia! 🐶⛰️

This trail may be under a mile, but don’t let the distance fool you — it’s packed with towering sandstone formations, steep ledges, and that iconic Appalachian wilderness energy. And the best part? It’s totally dog-friendly for pups who don’t mind a little scrambling.

📍 Trail Overview

Location: Castle Rock Trail – New River Gorge National Park, Prince, WV
Distance: ~0.6 miles (one way — or loop it with Grandview Rim Trail)
Difficulty: Moderate (rocky, narrow, a few steep sections)
Dog-Friendly: Yes — for trail-experienced pups 🐾
Trail Type: Out and back (or loop option)
Highlights: Sandstone cliffs, moss-covered rock walls, river views, forest shade

🥾 On the Trail

We started from the Grandview area, which offers plenty of parking, restrooms, and some of the best overlook views in the entire New River Gorge. After soaking in the views at the top, we hopped onto the Castle Rock Trail for something a little more wild and rugged.

This trail skirts the side of sandstone cliffs, offering up-close views of mossy rock formations that feel almost prehistoric. At times, the path narrows to just a few feet wide, so it’s important to stay alert and hike with care — especially with a pup on leash.

🪨 Why It's Called Castle Rock

As you hike, you’ll pass by these massive sandstone slabs jutting out from the hillside like the weathered walls of a fortress — hence the name “Castle Rock.” It’s a perfect mix of natural architecture and forest serenity.

Simba was totally in his element here — carefully picking his steps, sniffing every mossy corner, and occasionally giving me that “yep, I was built for this” look. 😂🐕

🐶 Simba’s Trail Takeaways

✔️ Loved: The shade, rock ledges, and all the earthy smells
✔️ Handled well: The narrow sections with drop-offs
✔️ Trail rating: 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾 — "A short but epic hike!"

🐾 Trail Note: If your dog is reactive or nervous on narrow paths or uneven footing, this may not be the best first trail. But for confident trail pups, it’s a blast!

🚐 RV + Travel Tips

• Park at Grandview Overlook — RVs are fine in the larger lot (arrive early for space!)
• Combine Castle Rock with Grandview Rim Trail for a longer, scenic loop
• Great for a midday leg stretch or evening golden-hour hike
• Don’t forget your leash, water, and trail snacks (Simba recommends jerky)

🎥 Watch the Full Hike

This week’s video captures:

🎬 Narrow ledges and mossy cliffs
🐶 Simba’s scrambly trail joy
🌄 Grandview vistas and forest calm
💬 Tips for hiking New River Gorge with your dog

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📲 Follow along: @lifeonpawsandwheels

✨ Final Thoughts

The Castle Rock Trail may be short, but it delivers big scenery and a fun splash of adventure — perfect for pups who love a little challenge and humans looking for off-the-radar gems in America’s newest national park.

If you're passing through West Virginia and want a trail that’s scenic, shady, and full of personality, add this one to your list!

Until next time — happy hikes, rock walls, and paws on the path!
– Ash & Simba 🐾🪨🌄