The 10 Best Dog-Friendly (and Human Friendly) Hikes in the Lehigh Valley

From creekside strolls to mountain overlooks, these are the trails your four-legged hiking partner will love just as much as you do.

There are few better ways to spend a Saturday morning than lacing up your hiking boots, grabbing a leash, and heading for the trail. Fortunately, the Lehigh Valley is packed with parks, preserves, and rail trails where leashed dogs are welcome. Whether your pup is a senior who enjoys an easy walk or a high-energy explorer ready for a climb, there's a trail for every adventure.

Before You Go: Always keep dogs leashed unless otherwise posted, bring plenty of water, pack waste bags, and check trail conditions before heading out. Dogs are generally welcome on Pennsylvania state park trails when leashed.

Lehigh Parkway

Location: Allentown

Distance: Up to 6 miles

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Cost: Free

Lehigh Parkway is the Valley's classic dog walk. Wide paved and gravel paths follow the Little Lehigh Creek beneath mature trees, crossing picturesque bridges and passing open fields. There are plenty of places to shorten or lengthen your route.

Best for:

• First-time hikers
• Senior dogs
• Families
• Morning walks

More info: Lehigh Parkway

Trexler Nature Preserve

Location: Schnecksville

Distance: 2–10+ miles depending on route

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Moderate

Cost: Free

Rolling hills, forests, wildlife, and expansive views make Trexler one of the region's premier hiking destinations. Dogs must remain leashed, and wildlife should always be viewed from a distance.

Best for:

• Active dogs
• Longer hikes
• Wildlife viewing

More info: Trexler Nature Preserve

Wildlands Conservancy's South Mountain Preserve

Location: Emmaus

Distance: 1–7 miles

Difficulty: ★★★★☆ Moderate–Hard

Cost: Free

One of the Valley's hidden gems, South Mountain Preserve offers shaded forest trails, rocky climbs, streams, and scenic overlooks.

Perfect for energetic dogs that enjoy technical terrain.

More info: South Mountain Preserve

Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

Location: Nazareth

Distance: 2–10 miles

Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆ Easy–Moderate

Cost: Free

Jacobsburg combines historic sites, creek crossings, and beautiful woodland trails. The Bushkill Creek provides plenty of scenic stops along the way.

Excellent for dogs that enjoy splashing in shallow water.

Saucon Rail Trail

Location: Hellertown – Bethlehem

Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles one way

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Cost: Free

A converted rail corridor with crushed stone surfaces makes this one of the easiest hikes in the Valley.

Ideal for:

• Puppies
• Senior dogs
• Strollers
• Trail running

Ironton Rail Trail

Location: Whitehall

Distance: About 9 miles

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Cost: Free

This shaded loop passes woods, streams, historic railroad features, and quiet neighborhoods.

A favorite for hot summer days.

Henry's Woods

Location: Nazareth

Distance: Around 5 miles

Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ Moderate

Cost: Free

A quieter preserve featuring forests, meadows, and rolling hills. If your dog prefers fewer crowds, Henry's Woods is worth the drive.

Lehigh Gap Nature Center

Location: Slatington

Distance: 2–4 miles

Difficulty: ★★★★☆ Moderate

Cost: Free

This restored wildlife sanctuary features spectacular overlooks, native wildflowers, and birdwatching opportunities.

Bring plenty of water—the exposed sections can become warm in summer.

Blue Mountain Loop

Location: Slatington

Distance: Approximately 4–5 miles

Difficulty: ★★★★★ Challenging

Cost: Free

For adventurous owners and athletic dogs, Blue Mountain offers rocky climbs and panoramic views across the Lehigh Valley.

Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or very small dogs.

Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Trail

Location: Easton and throughout the Valley

Distance: Choose your own adventure—from 2 miles to 40+ miles

Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Cost: Free

Following rivers, canals, and former railroad corridors, the D&L Trail is perfect for leisurely walks or all-day adventures.

You'll pass locks, bridges, wildlife, and some of the region's best river scenery.

Quick Comparison

TrailDistanceDifficultyCostLehigh ParkwayUp to 6 miEasyFreeTrexler Nature Preserve2–10+ miModerateFreeSouth Mountain Preserve1–7 miModerate–HardFreeJacobsburg2–10 miEasy–ModerateFreeSaucon Rail Trail7.5 miEasyFreeIronton Rail Trail9 miEasyFreeHenry's Woods5 miModerateFreeLehigh Gap Nature Center2–4 miModerateFreeBlue Mountain Loop4–5 miHardFreeD&L TrailFlexibleEasyFree

Before You Hit the Trail

A little preparation goes a long way toward a safe day outdoors:

• Bring at least one liter of water for you and a collapsible bowl for your dog.
• Check paws for ticks after wooded hikes.
• Keep dogs leashed unless signs specifically allow otherwise.
• Pack out all waste.
• Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day in summer.

Whether you're exploring the creekside paths of Lehigh Parkway or tackling the rocky ridges of Blue Mountain, the Lehigh Valley offers miles of unforgettable adventures for you and your best friend. So grab the leash, pack a few treats, and discover why this corner of Pennsylvania is one of the best places in the state to hit the trail—together.

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