The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Allentown

Allentown and its surrounding areas offer a variety of dog-friendly hiking options. This guide features 11 curated routes, ranging from easy strolls to more moderate hikes, ensuring there's something for every dog and owner.

Yes, many trails in Allentown are perfect for beginners or smaller dogs. For a gentle walk, consider the Trexler Memorial Park loop from Muhlenberg College, which is just over 2 km. Another easy option is the Upper Trexler Loop, offering a pleasant 4 km path within the expansive Trexler Nature Preserve.

Absolutely. Many trails in Allentown offer beautiful scenery, often following the region's prominent waterways. The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop provides picturesque views along the Little Lehigh Creek, winding through woodlands. For broader vistas, areas like South Mountain Preserve, though not specifically featured in this guide, are known for rewarding views of the Lehigh Valley.

Yes, several dog-friendly loop trails are available. The Little Lehigh Parkway Trail loop is a popular choice, offering a nearly 10 km circular route. Another excellent option is the Bogert Covered Bridge loop from Allentown, which takes you past historic landmarks on a 7.7 km circuit.

Allentown's trails are rich in natural beauty and historical points of interest. You can explore the lush woodlands and follow the tranquil Little Lehigh Creek in Lehigh Parkway, or discover the diverse terrain of Trexler Nature Preserve, home to elk and bison. Keep an eye out for historic structures like the Stone Bridges of Lehigh Parkway and the iconic Bogert Covered Bridge.

While not directly on the routes in this guide, the Hassen Creek Nature Trail, located near Allentown, is known for featuring a 10-12 foot waterfall, offering a unique natural attraction for you and your dog to explore.

The dog-friendly trails around Allentown are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the well-maintained paths, the peaceful natural settings, and the accessibility of many routes for both people and their canine companions.

Many of Allentown's dog-friendly trails are also family-friendly, especially the easier, shorter loops. Trexler Memorial Park loop from Muhlenberg College is a great choice for families, offering a pleasant walk around a central pond. The Hassen Creek Nature Trail, with its waterfall and historical ruins, also provides an engaging experience for all ages.

Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Nature Preserve are excellent choices for dog walking. Lehigh Parkway offers miles of trails along the Little Lehigh Creek, while Trexler Nature Preserve provides a vast area with diverse terrain, including opportunities to spot wildlife like elk and bison. Both offer ample space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors.

Allentown's trails feature a mix of paved, dirt, and gravel surfaces. Many routes, particularly within the city's extensive park system like Lehigh Parkway and Trexler Memorial Park, are well-maintained and generally easy to navigate. Some areas, such as parts of Trexler Nature Preserve or South Mountain Preserve, may include more rugged sections with elevation changes.

While popular parks can see more visitors, exploring trails during off-peak hours (early mornings or weekdays) can offer a more secluded experience. Additionally, some of the longer routes or less central sections of larger preserves like Trexler Nature Preserve might provide a quieter environment compared to smaller, more accessible city parks.