The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Lackawanna County

Lackawanna County offers a diverse selection of over 10 dog-friendly hiking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging routes. This guide features 4 easy, 5 moderate, and 2 difficult trails suitable for you and your canine companion.

Spring and fall are generally ideal for hiking with dogs in Lackawanna County. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and lively bird activity, especially along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail. Fall offers cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summers can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, and always ensure your dog has plenty of water. Winters can be beautiful but require checking trail conditions for snow and ice.

Yes, Lackawanna County has several easy dog-friendly trails perfect for a leisurely walk. The Bear Creek Preserve Red Loop Trail is a great option, offering a gentle 4.7 km path. The Lackawanna River Heritage Trail also provides extensive, flat, and well-maintained sections suitable for all abilities.

Absolutely! Lackawanna County boasts beautiful waterfalls that you can explore with your dog. The Buttermilk Falls via Red & Green Trail loop is a moderate 13.8 km hike that leads to a stunning waterfall. You can also visit Choke Creek Falls, nestled within a lush forest, or explore Nay Aug Park's Davis Trail for scenic gorge views and access to another popular waterfall.

Yes, for breathtaking views, consider trails around Moosic Mountain. The Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain offers trails leading to ridge tops with panoramic vistas of northeastern Pennsylvania. The 'Top of the World' in Dunmore Pine Barrens also provides dramatic bird's-eye views via a 4.2-mile loop hike from Dunmore Reservoir No. 1.

For a more challenging adventure, the Pinchot Trail offers a substantial 44.8 km experience through diverse forests and wetlands. A shorter, yet still challenging, option is the Pinchot Trail: South Loop, which covers 21.3 km.

Lackawanna County's trails offer varied terrain. You'll find easy, flat, and paved paths along the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail and the Lake Scranton loop. More rugged and forested paths are common in areas like Moosic Mountain and Lackawanna State Park, which feature wooded areas, lakeside views, and diverse ecosystems. Expect some elevation changes on trails leading to viewpoints.

Many trails in Lackawanna County are designed as loops, providing a convenient hiking experience. The Bear Creek Preserve Red Loop Trail and the longer Bear Creek Preserve Red, Green, and Gray Loop Trail are excellent examples. The Lake Scranton loop is also a popular 3.5-mile paved option.

The dog-friendly trails in Lackawanna County are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from serene lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents, and the opportunity to explore natural beauty with their dogs. The well-maintained paths and scenic views are frequently highlighted.

Generally, dogs are welcome on most trails in Lackawanna County, provided they are kept on a leash and owners clean up after them. While specific permits are not typically required for general hiking, it's always a good practice to check the regulations of individual parks or preserves before your visit. For example, Lackawanna State Park welcomes leashed pets on its trails. You can find more information on park regulations at pa.gov.

While this guide focuses on the trails themselves, Lackawanna County is generally welcoming to pets. Many towns in the region, such as Scranton, offer dog-friendly cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating, as well as various accommodation options that welcome pets. It's advisable to call ahead to confirm pet policies before your visit.