Pennsylvania’s outdoor oases are perfect for travelers and their four-legged friends. Play fetch, splash around in nearby ponds and creeks, or wander off the beaten path with your pet to experience the state’s amazing countryside. In fact, Pennsylvania allows dogs at more than 50 state parks across the commonwealth. Just remember to pack the essentials for you and your pal — especially water and a leash!
1. MONTOUR TRAIL
Pittsburgh
Length: 60+ miles
The Montour Trail is the longest suburban rail-trail in the U.S. Surrounded by scenic beauty, the crushed limestone path is an easy walk or hike for pups and their owners. The Trail's bridges, trestles, viaducts, tunnels, and railbeds tell a historic story of the region's coal-mining industry. Plan out your day with this interactive map, highlighting the mileage and elevation changes for each trail. After your adventures, visit pet-friendly Cappy's Café for an afternoon snack break!
2. BUSHKILL FALLS
Bushkill
Length: 2 miles
Make sure to leash your furry friends when exploring Bushkill Falls! Explore the more than two miles of trails, bridges, and walkways that accommodate hikers of all levels. Four color-coded trail routes ranging from easy-peasy to more advanced will help you pick the ideal route for you and your pet to enjoy the area's beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
3. WISSAHICKON VALLEY PARK TRAIL
Philadelphia
Length: 8.5 miles
This 10,500-acre park system is one of the largest urban park systems in the world. Also known as the Forbidden Drive Trail, the trail follows the creek of the same name through the entire length of the park. Let your furry friends run along the paved trail or leave the trail for a more rugged hike. Follow the path and head right at the fork where you will find a cliff and situated underneath a 100-foot bridge is Devil's Pool. A perfect spot for relaxing and snapping some selfies with you and your four-legged friend.
4. PRESQUE ISLE STATE PARK
Erie
Length: 11 miles
With plenty of wooded trails throughout the park and along the Lake Erie shoreline, Presque Isle State Park offers hikers, bikers, and pet-walkers alike 11 miles of trails to explore the great outdoors. Take a quick hike along the A-Trail, where you will come across a vernal pond — a great place for your pet to take a quick splash to cool off! The Long Pond Trail features a boat landing halfway along the trail — a popular fishing spot and scenic view of the lagoon.
5. OHIOPYLE STATE PARK
Ohiopyle
Length: 14 miles
Ohiopyle State Park encompasses about 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty with more than 14 miles of some of the finest scenic trails around the Youghiogheny River Gorge. Surrounding Ohiopyle Falls is the Falls Day Use Area, the central point for the casual visitor and their pet. This area is complete with parking, restrooms, gift shop and snack bar, and overlook platforms with magnificent scenery for all to enjoy.
6. BLACK MOSHANNON STATE PARK
Philipsburg
Length: 11 miles
Black Moshannon State Park welcomes you and your pet at most places throughout the entire park, including most sites in their campground. The park even offers boat rentals that allow you to take your pup out for a relaxing water ride! After a day on the water, stop by the park's concession stand and enjoy lunch at one of the pet-friendly outdoor picnic tables.
7. LACKAWANNA RIVER HERITAGE TRAIL
Scranton
Length: 17.9 miles
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, one of 1,600 rail-trails supported by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, is a great place to take your furry companion for a hike! This trail is the best of both worlds, alternating between tree-lined sections and open stretches of land on this former train corridor.
8. LEBANON VALLEY RAIL-TRAIL
Lebanon
Length: 18 miles
Another rail-trail to keep on your radar is the Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail that passes by Cornwall Furnace, the Governor Dick Recreation Area, and State Game lands. You'll find a gentle grade through woodlands that transitions into wide open space with extraordinary views across fields and farms where you and your pet can play fetch without a care in the world!
To learn about more hiking trail adventures, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don't forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.
You might also like: From Rails to Trails: 18 Paths to Explore in PA