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Discover Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in NEPA

Northeastern PA is one of the most beautiful regions to explore on foot, and it’s even better when you can bring your pup along for the adventure. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful walk through the woods or a challenging climb to a sweeping overlook, NEPA offers plenty of dog friendly hikes and trails where you and your four-legged hiking buddy can enjoy the outdoors together.

Hiking with a friend makes every trail more memorable—and sometimes, the best trail companion has four paws and a wagging tail. If you love spending time in nature with your dog, these pet-friendly hiking spots are sure to make tails wag. From waterfall hikes and scenic riverbanks to mountain paths, there’s a trail for every energy level and interest.

We’ve rounded up the top places in NEPA to hit the trail with your dog. Just remember to follow posted rules, keep pets leashed and help keep the trails clean and safe for all who visit.

Dog-Friendly Trails 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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A girl walking on the path at the Natural Lands Bear Creek Preserve in Bear Creek, PA.
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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A lone cyclist ventures out on the Bloomsburg Rail Trail for a long ride in Bloomsburg, PA.
Bloomsburg Rail Trail

Bloomsburg, PA

The Bloomsburg 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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Hikers on the boardwalk trail at Bushkill Falls in the Pocono Mountains.
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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A gravel path winds through a wooded area along the Black Diamond Trailhead on the D&L Trail in Wright Township.
D&L Trail

Black Diamond Trailhead | 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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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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Man and dog hiking on the Shades of Death Trail at Hickory Run State Park in White Haven, PA.
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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A man walking his dog on the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail in Scranton, PA.
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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Pond-side view of Lake Wallenpaupack at Lacawac Sanctuary in Lake Ariel, PA
Lacawac Sanctuary

Lake Ariel, PA

Dogs are welcome to join in the fun at Lacawac Sanctuary! The Lake Lacawac Trail offers a quiet path to the shores of one of the region’s most protected glacial lakes, while the Big Lake Trail provides a scenic loop with access for biking near the Lake Wallenpaupack area.

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A large group of cyclists venture down the wooded Lehigh Gorge Trail in White Haven, PA.
Lehigh Gorge Trail

White Haven, PA

Hike, bike, run, or walk your dog on the 26-mile Lehigh Gorge 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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A path winds through the dense forest at Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville, PA.
Locust Lake State Park

Barnesville, PA

Locust Lake State Park features year-round recreation across forested hillsides, a peaceful lake, and accessible trails. From spring kayaking to winter hiking, the park offers a four-season escape into nature.

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A woman walking her dog in Nay Aug Park in Scranton, PA.
Nay Aug Park

Scranton, PA

Tucked into Scranton’s east side, Nay Aug Park is the city’s largest and most beloved public park. Spanning both sides of Roaring Brook and bordering Interstate 81, this expansive green space is a peaceful retreat packed with hiking paths and scenic trails.

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Man and his dog fishing from the short of the lake at Nescopeck State Park in Drums, PA.
Nescopeck State Park

Drums, PA

Nescopeck State Park spans 3,550 acres of pristine forest, wetlands and water features between Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton. Open year round, the scenic walking trails are mostly level– making it a perfect place to bring your four-legged companions for a walk or jog.

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A waterfall at Ricketts Glen State Park in Benton, PA.
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 at Ricketts Glen State Park – 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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The path at the Susquehanna Warrior Trail in Berwick, PA.
Susquehanna Warrior Trail

Berwick, PA

Follow the scenic 12.5-mile Susquehanna Warrior Trail on an old railroad bed along the Susquehanna River. Dog-friendly and welcoming to furry companions, the trail’s crushed stone surface and shaded path make it ideal for hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting.

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A happy golden retriever splashes in the water at Tobyhanna State Park in Tobyhanna, PA.
Tobyhanna State Park

Lakeside Loop Trail | Tobyhanna, PA

Tobyhanna State Park in Monroe and Wayne Counties stands out as one of NEPA’s 18 state parks and offers a scenic, four-season destination in the Pocono Mountains. Visitors love taking their pups on walks around the serene 170-acre Tobyhanna Lake.

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Keep Exploring with Your Pup

Ready to hit the trails with your four-legged sidekick? Northeastern PA is packed with dog-friendly hikes where tails wag and scenic views await. After exploring shaded paths and rolling terrain, reward your pup with a treat from a local dog bakery, unwind on a dog-friendly patio at a nearby café or brewery, or burn off that extra energy at a spacious dog park.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or just enjoying a weekend stroll, NEPA makes it easy to keep your adventures pet-friendly. Leash up, grab the treats and explore all the tail-wagging fun our region has to offer.

Article Updated from its Original Version Published on 7/15/2024.

Spotlight On

Dog-Friendly Hike at Frances Slocum State Park

Dog-Friendly Hike at Frances Slocum State Park Image
Brian Johnson
Videographer
Isabella Cordaro
Writer
Raised in the Pocono Mountains, Isabella is passionate about food, animals, and the great outdoors. She enjoys finding the hidden gems in NEPA and spending time with her cat and two dogs.
Chase Taylor, Intern
Writer
Colgate University -- Hamilton, NY / Class of 2027 Chase, while originally from Philadelphia, has lived in The Back Mountain for most of her life. She is currently an undergraduate student at Colgate University majoring in Political Science and Government. When she is not making art, playing with her dogs, or watching Survivor, she can usually be found going for drives and listening to music.
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