If your best friend is furry and walks on four legs, rather than two, you probably know that finding places to hang out isn't always as easy with a non-human BFF. Local parks may be the perfect solution for you.
From hiking and biking to socializing with canine friends, parks are a great way to enjoy the great outdoors! For outdoor activities within the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, check out our list of pet-friendly parks and dog parks below (they're all pretty doggone great).
Walking & Hiking
When the weather is nice, there’s no better way to spend a day than bonding with your pup in the great outdoors. If you or your friend is bored of your walks around the block, consider going on a greater adventure. Here are just some of the many places you can take your pet with no trouble—just make sure you follow local rules, such as up-to-date vaccinations, leash laws, and curbing your dog.
You can find guidelines for bringing pets to PA State Parks here.
Frances Slocum State Park
567 Mt Olivet Rd
Wyoming, PA 18644
Pets are permitted into the park, and Slocum is a popular destination for dog owners throughout the Back Mountain and beyond. With 13.7 miles of hiking trails, you can easily tire out both your dog and yourself. Pets are also permitted to camp with you on designated sites. 350 acres are open to training hunting dogs from the day after Labor Day through March 31. Slocum is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.
Visit DCNR’s website here.
Kirby Park
160 Market St
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18704
If you’re looking for someplace within walking distance to downtown Wilkes-Barre to let your dog enjoy fresh air and green grass, Kirby Park might just fit the bill. Located just across the Market Street Bridge from downtown Wilkes-Barre (and across the street from Canteen Park!), the park is 52 acres of space to play and workout. Other amenities include tennis courts, fitness trail, walking paths, fields, pavilions, and more.
Visit the city of Wilkes-Barre’s website here.
Seven Tubs Nature Area
900 Bear Creek Blvd
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Located just outside of Wilkes-Barre near Plains Township, the Seven Tubs is a 1.9-mile loop trail featuring Wheelbarrow Run, a stream flowing through a ravine where large “tubs” are gouged out from glacial meltwater. The trail is popular for being only moderately difficult, and some of it is wheelchair accessible.
Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487
Benton, PA 17814
For dogs and people looking for a more challenging hike, Ricketts Glen has 26 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult. Pets are also permitted to camp with you on designated sites for a fee. About 10,144 acres are open to training hunting dogs from the day after Labor Day through March 31. Pets are, however, prohibited from swimming areas. Ricketts Glen is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.
Visit DCNR’s website here.
Nescopeck State Park
1137 Honey Hole Rd
Drums, PA 18222
For anyone near Mountain Top, Nuangola, Drums or surrounds, Nescopeck State Park offers 3,550-acres of wetlands, rich forests, 19 miles of hiking trails, and a 9-acre lake. During established seasons, most of the park is open to training dogs for hunting. Nescopeck State park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.
Visit DCNR’s website here.
Hickory Run State Park
3613 State Route 534
White Haven, PA 18661
Across the Pocono Mountains in Carbon County is this 15,990-acre state park. It’s the perfect spot for a family day trip where you can bring Fido along, too! Fishing is available, as are 44 miles of trails and camping. Pets are permitted on certain sites, however, they are not allowed in swimming areas. Hickory Run is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset.
Visit DCNR’s website here.
Dog Parks
If you’re looking to give your dog the freedom to run around and play with other dogs, consider one of the local dog parks! These fenced-in, off-leash dog runs are a great way to exercise your dog daily and provide stimulation when walks alone are not enough.
Hollenback Park
150 North Washington Street
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Managed by the City of Wilkes-Barre and supported by the Wyoming Valley Dog Owners Group, the Hollenback Dog Park has been open since 2010. The fenced-in park has a separate small dog area and drinking water. The park is open to the public and there are no fees to stay and play. Play fetch or frisbee, let your dog use the ramp, and socialize with other local dog parents!
Check out their Facebook page here.
The Garden Village Dog Park
555 Exeter Ave
West Pittston, PA 18643
Located behind the Municipal building on Exeter Ave, this dog park is managed by Luzerne County and the SPCA. It has been around since 2008 and has the distinction of being the first dog park in Luzerne County. This 1-acre park is completely fenced in for off leash play. It’s open daily from 7 am to 8 pm and is free to visit.
Connell Dog Park
800 Gibbons St
Scranton, PA 18505
For dogs living around or visiting Scranton, Connell Dog park is a fairly large fenced-in grassy area with trees providing shade. The park originally opened in 2008 and is managed by the City of Scranton and the Friends of the Scranton Dog Park. There is a separate area for small dogs and a water station outside of the dog park. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. The park is open from 7 am to sunset.
Abington Area Community Dog Park
1610 W Grove St
Clarks Summit, PA 18411
Located at the top of Hillside Park along Grove Street in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, the Abington Dog Park is managed by the Abington Area Joint Recreation Board. It was built by volunteers and paid with donations. The public park features a separate area for small dogs, trails, a pond, shade, and benches. Visitors should bring water for their dogs. As the park is maintained through volunteer work, all visitors are expected to do their part in maintaining the facilities. Aggressive dogs and visitors who do not pick up after their pets will be asked to leave.
Check out Hillside Park’s website here.
Bailey’s Bark Park
700 S Poplar St
Hazleton, PA 18201
Located in the Heights section of Hazelton, Bailey’s Bark Park is a members-only off-leash dog park. The large park is completely fenced in and has separate sections for both small and large dogs. A year’s membership is $60. The park features agility/training items and running water fountains for both humans and dogs. Access to the park is gained through electronic key fob entry. Dogs must be well behaved and have proof of license and rabies vaccination.
Check out BBP’s Facebook page here.
These are just some of the many places where you can spend quality time with your dog outside in NEPA. Check with your local community to find more dog-friendly places in your area, as well as any rules and dog laws you must follow.
