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Paws and Paths: Exploring Dog-Friendly Trails in NEPA image
Trails
July 15, 2024
Paws and Paths: Exploring Dog-Friendly Trails in NEPA
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Discover Dog-Friendly Trails in NEPA

NEPA is one of the most beautiful places to hike. Whether you want to relax and stroll through the woods or break a sweat chasing a scenic view, NEPA’s trails are the way to go.

Hiking with a friend or companion can make the experience more interesting and fun, and sometimes that friend is a dog! Those who frequently hike with their pets already know that there’s nothing better than sharing a trail with your furry best friend.

We’ve rounded up the best spots to enjoy NEPA’s trails and scenery with your dog at your side. Remember to keep your pets on a leash and observe all posted rules to help maintain a friendly and safe environment for everyone.

Places to Hike with Your Pup
Back Mountain Trail image
Back Mountain Trail

Luzerne, PA

On Parry Street in Luzerne, you’ll find the southern access point to the Back Mountain Trail. Walkers, joggers, cyclists, and pets can enjoy a scenic 6-mile trail shaded by woods with additional access points in Trucksville and Shavertown.

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Black Diamond Trailhead - D&L Trail image
Black Diamond Trailhead - D&L Trail

Wright Twp., PA

At this trailhead, you and your furry friend can access 9.2 miles of the scenic D&L trail, winding through lush ponds and bogs. With a slightly steeper gradient, this trail provides a bit more of a challenge than other local trails.

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Bloomsburg Rail Trail image
Bloomsburg Rail Trail

Bloomsburg, PA

Bloomsburg’s Rail Trail is a 3-mile out-and-back trail of relatively flat gravel and asphalt that follows an old railroad bed. Hikers, joggers, cyclists, and dogs alike are welcome to take in the views of Fishing Creek and enjoy some shade on this wooded trail.

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Bushkill Falls image
Bushkill Falls

Bushkill, PA

This 300-acre park in the Poconos offers a scenic place to explore with your pup, boasting roaring waterfalls, rushing creeks, a lookout point, and rich forests. Featuring four trails with varying levels of difficulty, Bushkill Falls is a great place to hike with your furry friend – just make sure to use a leash.

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Frances Slocum State Park image
Frances Slocum State Park

Wyoming, PA

Frances Slocum State Park offers over 1,000 acres of lush forests, rolling meadows, and sprawling wetlands to traverse. Your pup must stay within one of their many dog-friendly areas, but you are sure to enjoy an afternoon of hiking, picnicking, and taking in the scenery.

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Hickory Run State Park image
Hickory Run State Park

White Haven, PA

At Hickory Run State Park, hikers and their furry companions can enjoy 44 miles of hiking trails that cut through thick forests and rugged terrain, as well as swimming at Sand Springs Lake. For those who crave more time to explore, the park offers tent, trailer, or cottage camping sites for you and your dog.

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Lackawanna River Heritage Trail image
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail

Scranton, PA

Stretching from Pittston all the way to Union Dale, the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail boasts over 70 miles of serene forests, a rushing river, and nearby historic towns. With 30 trailheads, walkers, joggers, and cyclists can access the trail easily – and your pup is more than welcome!

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Lehigh Gorge Trail image
Lehigh Gorge Trail

White Haven, PA

Hike, bike, run, or walk your dog on this 26-mile rail trail that stretches from White Haven to Jim Thorpe. As you and your pup head on your way, enjoy views of the Lehigh River and spot whitewater rafters and scenic waterfalls.

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Natural Lands' Bear Creek Preserve image
Natural Lands' Bear Creek Preserve

Bear Creek, PA

Just 15 miles from Wilkes-Barre, bring your dog and escape from the bustle of the city to Natural Lands’ Bear Creek Preserve, where you can traverse more than 9 miles of trails. With hikes of varying levels of difficulty, glistening waterfalls, and outlooks along the Lehigh River, put a leash on your furry pal and you are sure to have a great time.

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Ricketts Glen State Park image
Ricketts Glen State Park

Benton, PA

Enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and centuries-old forests with your dog before resting on the beach or cooling off in Lake Jean – just make sure your pup is on a leash at all times. For those who crave even more time to take it all in, bring your own tent or reserve a cabin to spend the night.

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