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 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.
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 | 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, 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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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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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.
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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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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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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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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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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