All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Dog Blog: Here’s where to explore the winter wonderlands of West Virginia with your furry friends

Jojo, a local goldendoodle, enjoys a refreshing frolic on the snow-dusted Riverwalk Trail. / (Photo by Lily Hicks)

BUCKHANNON — In winter, Upshur County gets a bit chilly, and it can be hard to find places to walk your furry friend or friends.

Luckily for us, Buckhannon and its surrounding areas have some great spots to walk pets. With its beautiful landscapes and pathways, this region offers perfect locations for enjoyable winter strolls – but make sure you bundle up!

One such spot is Audra State Park. Situated along the Middle Fork River, the park features lovely trails bordered by snow-covered evergreen trees and captivating rock formations. The park’s peaceful atmosphere during the colder months attracts dog walkers seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s winter beauty.

Another great destination for dog owners is the Buckhannon Riverwalk Trail and its adjoining dog park. Following the tranquil Buckhannon River, this trail provides a serene escape amidst the snow-covered surroundings. Additionally, the nearby dog park allows pets to play freely and interact with other dogs.

My Buckhannon’s Lily Hicks and her pup, Jojo, pose for a photo during one of their walks at the Elizabeth J. “Binky” Poundstone Riverwalk Park. (Photo by Lily Hicks)

The Upshur County Trails at the Upshur County Recreational Park offers a variety of pathways suitable for different skill levels, accommodating both novice hikers and experienced explorers, along with their four-legged companions. These trails wind through woodlands and meadows, offering dog walkers a chance to appreciate the winter landscape.

Local dog owners can appreciate these locations for their well-maintained trails, pet-friendly policies, and the enjoyable atmosphere they offer during the winter. If you visit, be sure to keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.

With its scenic trails and spaces accommodating pets, the county provides numerous options for memorable walks that celebrate the enchantment of the season.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Westfall reaches 1,000-point milestone as Bucs roll past Wheeling Park, 67-57

Senior Jerin Westfall scored a game-high 34 points, reached the 1,000-point career mark, and hauled in 15 rebounds as Buckhannon-Upshur defeated Wheeling Park 67-57.

Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones crowned 2026 WV Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen

Wesleyan nursing student and 2025 Strawberry Festival Queen Kourtney Jones was crowned the 2026 West Virginia Association of Fairs and Festivals Queen on Jan. 10 in Charleston. She’ll serve as the statewide ambassador for fairs and festivals throughout 2026.

Skinner delivers hopeful State of the City on Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary

Mayor Robbie Skinner marked Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary with an optimistic State of the City address highlighting progress across city departments. He emphasized major infrastructure work, including a $47 million water treatment project, and looked ahead to continued improvements and the 84th WV Strawberry Festival.

Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner’s full 2026 State of the City address

In remarks delivered Jan. 15, 2026, Mayor Robbie Skinner marks Buckhannon’s 210th anniversary and outlines the city’s progress in 2025. He highlights major water, sewer, street, engineering, police and fire initiatives—plus what’s ahead for 2026.

Larry Dale VanGilder

Larry Dale VanGilder, 77, a French Creek native, Army veteran and former mine security guard who loved hunting, fishing, sci‑fi and his pets, died January 15, 2026, and will be memorialized by family and military honors.

Local Rotary club expands soft-plastics recycling drop-off sites in Upshur County

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur has added more drop-off locations for its soft-plastics recycling project, keeping thousands of pounds out of local landfills. The effort helps fund balers and inclusive playground equipment made from recycled materials.

WVWC Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development to host Community Labs on fundraising, marketing

WVWC’s Center for Community Engagement & Leadership Development is hosting free Community Labs to help local nonprofits, mission-driven groups, and businesses strengthen fundraising and marketing.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: January 20, 2026

The Upshur County Board of Education will hold a meeting January 20, 2026, and this notice outlines the agenda for that session.

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau seeking executive director

Upshur County Convention & Visitors Bureau is hiring an executive director to lead tourism development, marketing and community engagement.