Bark Ranger

Dogs that visit New River Gorge National Park and Preserve can become Bark Rangers in the park. Bark Ranger tags may be purchased at the 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 a visitor center to learn all about 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.

 

NPS

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.

 

More Pet Information

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  Pets in the Park

  Discover what you need to know before your pet visits New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

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  Hiking Trails

  Explore where you can hike in the park with your B.A.R.K. Ranger.

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  NPS B.A.R.K. Ranger

  Discover B.A.R.K. Ranger throughout the National Park Service.