Photo by Lera Kogan on Unsplash
Can anything really compare to a road trip? Probably not much for those of us who are travelers at heart, but one thing comes pretty close. Day trips promise all the fun and excitement – hitting the highway, looking for out-of-state license plates, and good eats – of a road trip packed into a single day. We’re fortunate to be spoiled for choices when it comes to pet-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania. Here are just a few to get you started.
1. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg
We all deserve a summer day (or more) of good, old-fashioned fun, and it’s even better when we can bring our pup along. Slip a leash on your pooch and bring the whole family to Knoebels Amusement Resort, one of the best pet-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania, for a day of riding, digging into tasty treats, and playing classic fair games. Fancy a game of go fish, hoops, or roller bowler? For most of us, though, a day at the amusement park means climbing aboard our favorite rides. The best part about riding at Knoebels? Your dog can join you on select rides, including the train and carousel. While pets are welcome at Knoebels, they must be on a leash or in a carrier for the entirety of your visit.
Address: Knoebels Amusement Resort, 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824
2. Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway – Jim Thorpe
Sit back, relax, and watch the Pennsylvania landscape roll by, with your pet next to you, on a scenic ride with the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway. Climb aboard the train, which departs from the train station in Jim Thorpe and meanders from the enchanting small town in Pennsylvania to scenic Lehigh Gorge State Park and back. The train ride lasts 70 minutes all year, except in October when that time shortens to 45 minutes.
If you’re a fan of the fall foliage, plan a trip to see the brilliant autumn colors. (Trips are shorter in October because of a greater demand for tickets.) While you can purchase tickets online or by phone at 570-325-8485 ext. 1 most of the year, you must buy your tickets in October at the ticket window on the day you plan to ride. Note that your pet will be joining you when you make your reservation or buy your ticket. Pets receive a special ticket.
Address: Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, 1 Susquehanna St, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
3. Evergreen Drive-In – Mount Pleasant
Enjoy a night under the stars, watching the fireflies light up the darkened sky, with a double feature at Evergreen Drive-In. Open seasonally, the drive-in welcomes well-behaved pets. If you bring your dogs, keep them on a leash and pick up after them. Snag a prime parking spot by arriving early. The gates open at 7:30 p.m. The first film of the night’s double feature begins at dusk, giving you plenty of time to stock up on snacks and take your pup for a walk in the designated pet walking area, which you’ll find between screens two and three.
Address: Evergreen Drive-In, 309 Drive in Ln, Mt Pleasant, PA 15666
4. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill
Those of us who love waterfalls have no shortages of cascades to explore in Pennsylvania. Arguably one of the best pet-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania, Bushkill Falls boasts eight waterfalls, and you can see them all on one trail. Open seasonally from late March through the end of November, the paid attraction welcomes leashed pets.
If you want to see all eight waterfalls, including the 100-foot Main Falls, follow the two-mile Red Trail. Allot a little over two hours for your journey along wooden walkways, with railings, over majestic footbridges and to magnificent views of all eight cascades – Main Falls, Bridesmaid Falls (two of the same name), Bridal Veil Falls, Laurel Glen Falls, Upper Canyon Falls, Pennell Falls, and Lower Gorge Falls.
After chasing waterfalls, explore more of Bushkill Falls. The park offers such family-friendly amenities as mining for gemstones, fishing, and a playground for the kiddos. Drop by the snack bar, too, or bring a picnic and grab a table.
Address: Bushkill Falls, 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
5. Northbrook Canoe Co. – West Chester
Those of us who have lived in Pennsylvania for a while know just how finicky the weather can be. During the summer, we deal with some downright scorching days, the kind of days that are perfect for spending on the water. Climb into a canoe, from Northbrook Canoe Co., with your dog for a float along the Brandywine River on one of the best dog-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania. While Northbrook Canoe Co. rents canoes, kayaks, and tubes, dogs are only allowed in canoes.
However, before you bring your pup, make sure they’re well-behaved and okay being around other people for the ride to the river. Choose from one of four canoe rides. The shortest, Embreeville to Northbrook, clocks in at just an hour while the longest, Mortonville to Northbrook, takes 3.5 hours.
Northbrook Canoe Co. is open seasonally, generally from the beginning of May until early October.
Address: Northbrook Canoe Co., 1810 Beagle Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
6. Promenade Saucon Valley – Center Valley
We all need a little retail therapy, even if we’re technically just window shopping, every now and then. Add some bonding time with our dog, and it doesn’t get much better, does it? Spend a few hours, or an entire day, exploring and shopping at Promenade Saucon Valley with your pooch. All dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier, such as a stroller. More than two dozen stores, including Bath & Body Works and L.L. Bean, allow dogs. If you’re not sure whether a shop is pet-friendly, look for a sticker in the store window. Restaurants only allow service animals.
Address: Pomenade Saucon Valley, 2845 Center Valley Pkwy, Center Valley, PA 18034
7. Valley Forge National Military Park – Gettysburg
Whether you’re a history buff or love nature, make Valley Forge National Historical Park your next day trip. Pets are permitted at the park, provided they are on a leash or in a carrier. If your pets relieve themselves, clean up after them and throw the waste bag away in the nearest trash can. Doing your part helps ensure that pets continue to be allowed at the historic park.
You and your dog can even become a B.A.R.K. Ranger during your visit. If you’re 16 or older, stop by the Valley Forge Visitor Center to pick up an activity book. Once you complete the book, you’ll take the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge, and both you and your pup will receive a B.A.R.K. Ranger dog tag.
Wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of water if you’re up for exploring some of the 35 miles of trails at the historic park. If it’s your first visit, get to know the park on the pet-friendly Joseph Plumb Martin Trail. The five-mile paved trail wanders past such attractions as Artillery Park and Varnum’s Quarters.
Please note: Due to wildlife nesting, dogs are not allowed on the Grand Parade Trails between April 1 and September 15 annually.
Address: Valley Forge National Military Park, 1400 N Outer Line Dr, King of Prussia, PA 19406
8. Wissahickon Valley Park – Philadelphia
Sometimes we all need quiet time in nature, meandering on winding paths shaded by a canopy of trees, our pets alongside us. Reconnect with nature at Wissahickon Valley Park, a roughly 2,000-acre natural wonder outside of Philadelphia that’s popular with hikers, bikers, horseback riders, and nature lovers. If you’re not up for exploring some of the 50 miles of trails, consider having a leisurely picnic.
However, if you do feel like hiking, you’ll have more than two dozen trails from which to choose. Perhaps the most popular, Forbidden Drive tallies 10.7 miles roundtrip, promising a fun way to spend half a day. Named the Pennsylvania Trail of the Year in 2018, the pretty path follows along Wissahickon Creek and passes such landmarks as the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge and Valley Green Inn.
Address: Wissahickon Valley Park, Valley Green Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19128
9. Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park – Erie
Enjoy a leisurely walk, drink in the fresh air, and spend quality time with your pet at Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, a popular pet-friendly day trip in Pennsylvania. Nestled in Frontier Park, the arboretum boasts more than 1,000 trees. Stroll along tree-lined paths, take a few minutes to reflect at the labyrinth, marvel at willow art, and wander through the Benjamin Winter Garden. Admission to Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park is free.
Address: Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park, 1501 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505
10. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
An idyllic destination for adventure any time of the year, Ricketts Glen State Park boasts a full menu of pet-friendly amenities, including boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife watching. But, what the state park is perhaps best known for is its 22 named waterfalls. If you and your dog are up for an adventure and a challenge, follow the 7.2-mile Falls Trail, which leads to all 22 waterfalls. The highlight of the trail is, arguably, the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, the tallest waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park.
Fair warning, though, as the trail is considered some of the most difficult hiking in the park with steep sections, rocky terrain, and muddy conditions. The trail is closed in the winter, except to those ice hikers and climbers who have the proper equipment.
If you prefer something short and sweet, head out on the one-mile Evergreen Trail. One of the easiest trails in Ricketts Glen State Park leads to Adams Falls, which tumbles down 36 feet.
Turn one of the best dog-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania into a getaway by booking a stay at the campground. For an additional fee, pets are allowed at several designated tent or RV sites, or you can reserve one of the three pet-friendly modern cabins (C, H, and I).
Address: Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814
These pet-friendly day trips in Pennsylvania promise all the fun and adventure of a road trip packed into a single day. Before heading out, visit your destination’s website to confirm hours and any admission costs. It’s a good idea to make sure the attraction is still pet-friendly, too. (If it’s not, drop us a line at info@petfrendlypa.com to let us know.)
