Looking for recommendations on where to walk with your dog?
Whether you are looking to go off the beaten path, or get a few laps in on nice paved track, you have come to the right place!
Picture this: it is a beautiful sunny day, you got off work early, and your best furry friend looks down at their leash and back up at you with big sweet eyes asking to have an adventure. Of course, how could you resist? The only problem is, you are a little bored with your current walk routine and feel you and your dog could both use a change of scenery.
Good thing you found this guide to some awesome places to take your dog near Butler County! Whether you are looking to go off the beaten path, or get a few laps in on nice paved track, this guide has some great recommendations.
Choose Your Adventure!
Some days, you may be looking for an easy mindless walk on a public paved trail. Others, you might want to go deep into nature and walk along trails in the woods. Maybe, you just want to find the least busy place because you are working on better leash manners with your pup. Here are some options for whatever you are feeling!
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: McConnells Mill State Park
Lots of Lake: Moraine State Park
Low Traffic Gravel Loop: Four Springs Park
Easy Paved Public Loop: North Boundary Park
Disclaimer: Please be aware of your dog at all locations at all times. That means be aware of their comfort signs and danger signs. It is nice to let dogs say hi to one another however if you are even remotely unsure of how your dog or the other dog will react it is best to say hi from a distance and move along even if your dog has completed structured training. It also means that you need to be aware of health and safety concerns including the possibility of contracting and spreading illness not limited to the places mentioned. Speak with your veterinarian about preventative measures you can take against disease and injury. Please bring WATER and first aid items as you see fit.
Take a Walk on the Wild Side: McConnells Mill State Park
Take a visit with your dog to see the Old Grist Mill at McConnells Mill State Park and take a stroll across the red covered bridge! With breathtaking scenery, and lots of trails of varying difficulties to hike, you can definitely tire out your dog here.
Image courtesy of Uncovering PA
Sparki the Red-Heeler enjoying McConnells Mill.
Need to Know: While you are here with your dog, please keep them on a leash and pick up and dispose of any waste. Fair warning, there are not many trash cans and to my knowledge no public supply of waste bags so plan accordingly. Another piece of advice, if you have a car with low ground clearance, park at the top picnic area and walk down to the mill using the staircase. Driving to the bottom will likely result in you scraping the bottom of your car to probably not even find a spot as there is limited parking.
Safety: A warning to please be careful with your pets, Slippery Rock Creek is a very swift and dangerous whitewater creek. No swimming is allowed and the rocks can be slippery at times.
More information: https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/McConnellsMillStatePark/Pages/default.aspx
Lots of Lake: Moraine State Park
Image Courtesy of Take Back Roads
There are so many parts of Moraine to see! One day you could go to the North Shore and do the bike trail. The next you could explore the trails of the South Shore. You could go to the 528 Boat Launch and hop on the Wyggeston Trail after moseying along the lake. All with your best furry friend by your side. There is a lot to know about this destination so for now, I'll direct you to the DCNR website with hopes of a Moraine State Park dedicated blog coming soon.
Low Traffic Gravel Loop: Four Springs Park
This place is such a well kept secret! When I first went, it was a little hard to find. Heading from Zelienople, it is almost 2 miles past the Log Cabin Inn on the left. Keep an eye out for a gravel loop and a little barn. As of early 2023, this trail is a gravel loop, but there are plans to expand the park.
Need to Know: The loop is just under 1 mile, making it a perfect quick trip that you can extend as long as you'd like. There are waste disposal bags and cans strategically placed along the trail.
Address: 1004 W Lancaster Rd, Harmony, PA 16037
Easy Paved Public Loop: North Boundary Park
North Boundary Park has a 1.1 mile paved loop and a nature trail. While this park is a little busier than Four Springs, it does have a paved loop making it a great choice if it has recently rained. There is plenty of parking and lots of waste disposal stations always stocked with waste bags. Do be aware that there are usually other things going on. Other people use the park to run the track, play disc golf, play other sports, picnic, etc. If your dog is very reactive or becomes stressed and distracted by other people, dogs or other activities happening near them, this may be a place to work up to going to.
Address: 1171 N Boundary Rd, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
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