Photo by Michael S on Unsplash
Even our pets get bored. Whether we’re walking our pup on a leash, our bird in backpack, or our cats or bunnies in a stroller, we all need a change of scenery every now and then. While a stroll around the neighborhood usually means the chance to socialize with our neighbors, sometimes we want to mix things up a bit. Fortunately, we have countless paved hiking trails in Pennsylvania that promise beautiful scenery, an easy walk, and the chance to spend time with our pets.
1. Ridley Creek Park Loop Trail – Media
Let nature serenade you as you and your leashed pup or pet in a stroller explore along the Ridley Creek Park Loop Trail that’s brimming with natural beauty, including a tree-lined creek gently flowing over rocks, patches of wildflowers, and endless fields. Plan to spend at least 90 minutes on your journey along the 4.5-mile path that’s considered easy. If you need a breather or simply want to soak up the surrounding scenery, relax on one of the benches. You might even spot such local wildlife as deer, ducks, and squirrels. While you probably won’t face many challenges on the trail, there are a few slight inclines for which you should be prepared before setting off.
Address: Ridley Creek State Park, 1023 Sycamore Mills Rd, Media, PA 19063
2. Norristown Nature Loop – Norristown
Bring your camera along on the Norristown Nature Loop, a pet-friendly path that promises plenty of surprises. Nestled in Norristown Farm Park, the picturesque paved trail spans 4.5 miles so allot around 90 minutes for your hike. Because of its easy rating, the trail tends to get busy, especially on beautiful weather days. Leash your pup or push your pets in a stroller as you admire such beauty as wildflowers in season, wildlife including deer, sprawling corn fields, quiet streams, and railroad tracks. You’ll even pass fascinating abandoned buildings and a few tiny waterfalls, perfect for snapping photos. If you’re not in a hurry, relax on one of the benches and soak up the beauty. Simply stunning year-round, the scenery is particularly breathtaking at the peak of the fall foliage.
Address: Norristown Farm Park, 2500 Upper Farm Rd, Norristown, PA 19403
3. Mingo Creek Paved Path – Finleyville
Did you know Pennsylvania has more covered bridges than anywhere else in the United States? While it originally had approximately 1,500 during its heyday, that number now stands around 219, and you can experience two of these enchanting pieces of the past along the Mingo Creek Paved Path. Mingo Creek County Park is home to Ebenezer Covered Bridge and Henry Covered Bridge. Experience this classic American throwback as you stroll along the 5.6-mile trail that usually takes less than two hours to complete. Hands down one of the best pet-friendly trails in Pennsylvania, the pretty path will take you through both covered bridges, past a playground, and along the creek. There’s even a no-leash area. Keep an eye out for colorful wildflowers in the warmer months, tiny waterfalls, and ducks floating in the water.
Address: Mingo Creek County Park, Finleyville, PA 15332
4. Karl Stirner Arts Trail – Easton
The Karl Stirner Arts Trail may be one of the best dog-friendly hikes in Pennsylvania for one very good reason. There’s a dog park right along the path, so if you’ve brought your pup, you can stop for them to play before continuing on your way. The pet-friendly path spans 2.1 miles, which usually takes around 40 minutes if you don’t visit the dog park or stop to admire and snap photos of the sculptures along the way. Since it’s paved, the unique trail is ideal for pet strollers, baby strollers, and wheelchairs. Benches dot the path, making it easy to take a breather, and enjoy the surrounding natural and manmade beauty, including tranquil streams, lush green in the warmer months, brilliant colors in the autumn, and unique artwork. Because the trail is in close proximity to the highway, you’ll likely hear traffic.
Address: Karl Stirner Arts Trail, Easton, PA 18042
5. Jakes Rock Overlook – Warren
Pennsylvania boasts some of the most awe-inspiring natural beauty in the United States, and we can indulge in some of it along the Jakes Rock Overlook Trail. All you’ll need is around 15 minutes, a leash for your pup, and a camera to snap photos of the sensational views. While the trail is paved, it isn’t entirely flat, so you may want to leave the pet stroller at home. Nestled in Allegheny National Forest, the pretty path tallies half a mile and is considered easy. While the scenery is simply stunning year-round, try to visit in the fall when at the peak of the foliage for unparalleled views of the forest and the Allegheny Reservoir. If you’re looking for one of the best dog-friendly trails in Pennsylvania, Jakes Rock Overlook belongs on the list.
Address: Jakes Rock Overlook, Warren, PA 16365
6. Rose Gardens Loop Trail – Allentown
Stop to smell the flowers when you follow the Rose Gardens Loop Trail, one of the best paved trails in Pennsylvania. Short and sweet at just 1.2 miles, the picturesque path usually takes less than half an hour to complete unless you feel like taking your time and stopping to take photos and smell the flowers. The dog-friendly (as long as they’re on a leash) and stroller-friendly trail, which garners an easy rating, loops around the Malcolm Gross Rose Garden. The predominately flat trail boasts a plethora of manmade and natural beauty, from a magnificent water fountain and statues to vibrant wildflowers and a quiet stream. A footbridge and lily pads floating on the water, where you might cross paths with the resident geese, add to the fairy tale charm.
Address: Malcolm Gross Rose Garden, 2800 Parkway Blvd, Allentown, PA 18104
7. Radnor Trail – Wayne
A leisurely walk, as the sounds of nature serenade us, is sometimes just what we need to relax and recharge. The Radnor Trail spans 5.2 miles, so allot around two hours for your journey. While the trail is considered easy, it isn’t without its challenges, most notably some hilly sections. Prepare for a bit of a workout in parts, especially if you’re pushing a pet stroller, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. The meandering paved path leads past lush trees, wildflowers in the warmer months and colorful foliage in the fall, and through the neighborhoods of Wayne. Lovely weather days generally mean more people walking and biking on the out-and-back- trail, although it does have quiet times.
Address: Radnor Trail, 492 Conestoga Rd, St Davids, PA 19087
8. 202 Parkway Trail – North Wales
Gear up for a morning or an afternoon adventure along the nearly 8.5-mile 202 Parkway Trail, an easy trek that takes around three hours depending on how fast you walk. Popular with walkers, hikers, and bikers, the paved path winds past sprawling fields and quiet streams. Lather up on the sunscreen and carry plenty of water as a lack of trees means little shade, making for a hot journey if you set off in the summer. The pet-friendly path also features a pavilion with a picnic table, ideal if you feel like stopping and enjoying a bite to eat. Despite its easy rating, the scenic trail in North Wales is hilly in spots, so be prepared for an overall incline of around 433 feet. Take care, too, when crossing the intersections dotted throughout the trail.
Address: 202 Parkway Trail, 3605 County Line Rd, North Wales, PA 19454 (parking)
9. East Goshen Park Loop – West Chester
Short and sweet at just .09 of a mile, the East Goshen Park Loop Trail is ideal if you’re short on time or feel like exploring more of the park after a relaxing stroll. One of the best paved trails in Pennsylvania is dog and stroller-friendly, perfect for bringing your pets along. The easy trail boasts an abundance of natural beauty in all seasons, from lush greenery in the spring and summer to spectacular foliage in the fall. If you’re not in a hurry, relax on one of the benches that offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Or, bring a picnic and stop at one of the tables along the path for a leisurely meal. Because of its easy rating and beautiful scenery, the trail can get incredibly busy, so be prepared to run into other walkers, hikers, and bike riders.
Address: East Goshen Park, 1661 Paoli Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
10. North Shore Riverfront Trail – Pittsburgh
While many of Pennsylvania’s pet-friendly hiking trails lead through beautiful wooded areas and wide open spaces, the North Shore Riverfront Trail takes you right into the heart of the City of Pittsburgh. Part of the longer Three Rivers Heritage Trail, the North Shore Trail is a 14-mile out-and-back paved trail that meanders from Millvale Riverfront Park to the North Shore and back. Along the way, you’ll pass such popular destinations as PNC Park, Heinz Field (Acrisure Stadium), and the Carnegie Science Center. Bring your pup on a leash or pets in a stroller, along with your camera to snap photos with the Mister Rogers statue and of the iconic views of the downtown skyline and the fountain at the Point from the North Shore.
Address: North Shore Riverfront Trail, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Before You Go
Before you head out on your next pet-friendly adventure, keep a few things in mind. Keep your pup on a leash unless signs tell you you can do otherwise, and make sure you clean up after them to ensure the trail remains pet-friendly.
Did you know you can find some of the best pet-friendly hiking trails at state parks in Pennsylvania? While all of the state parks in Pennsylvania are pet-friendly, only some of its campgrounds are.
