Dog Walking Trails Beyond Elizabethtown: Lancaster County Edition

Lancaster County PA has some of the best dog-friendly trails in Central Pennsylvania. While Elizabethtown has great local spots, venturing beyond the borough opens up a world of scenic hiking, challenging terrain, and diverse environments your dog will love. Here's your guide to the best dog walking trails across Lancaster County.

Chickies Rock County Park, Columbia/Marietta

Location: Columbia/Marietta area, along the Susquehanna River
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Trail length: 3+ miles of interconnected trails
Best for: Athletic dogs who love adventure

Chickies Rock is one of Lancaster County's most dramatic hiking destinations. The trails wind through wooded hillsides and lead to stunning overlooks of the Susquehanna River. The terrain is rocky and steep in sections, so this isn't the place for senior dogs or puppies still developing coordination.

Trail Tips for Chickies Rock

• Keep your dog leashed at all times, the cliff edges are real and dangerous
• Bring plenty of water, there's no water source on the trails
• Watch for mountain bikers on shared trails
• Start early on summer weekends to avoid crowds and heat
• Check your dog for ticks after hiking, the wooded areas are prime tick habitat

After your hike, explore nearby Columbia or Marietta for dog-friendly outdoor dining.

Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Location: Between Lititz and Ephrata, Kleinfeltersville area
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trail length: Multiple trails totaling 10+ miles
Best for: Nature-loving dogs and birdwatchers

Middle Creek spans over 5,000 acres of wetlands, fields, and forests managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The trails offer diverse terrain and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. In late winter, thousands of snow geese and tundra swans stop here during migration, a spectacular sight.

Important Rules at Middle Creek

• Dogs must be on leash at all times
• Seasonal restrictions apply. check PA Game Commission rules before visiting
• Stay on marked trails to protect wildlife habitat
• Bring binoculars for birdwatching (your dog will love the smells even if they can't see the birds)

The visitors center has trail maps and current conditions. This is an excellent destination if your dog needs mental stimulation along with physical exercise.

Lancaster County Central Park, Lancaster

Location: 1050 Rockford Road, Lancaster, PA
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 5+ miles of trails
Best for: All dogs, including seniors

At 544 acres, Central Park is Lancaster County's largest municipal park. The Millport Conservancy trails wind through wooded areas and along Mill Creek, offering a peaceful escape close to Lancaster city. The trails are well-maintained and mostly flat, making them accessible for dogs of all ages.

What to Know About Central Park

• Paved and natural surface trails available
• Environmental Center with educational programs (dogs not allowed inside)
• Free parking at multiple lots
• Garden areas (dogs on leash, clean up required)
• Creek access for water-loving dogs

Warwick County Park, Lititz

Location: 1461 Millport Road, Lititz, PA
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 2+ miles
Best for: Families with dogs

Warwick Park offers gentle trails through wooded areas and around open fields. It's a quieter alternative to busier parks and perfect for dogs who prefer less crowded environments. The trails connect to picnic areas and playgrounds, making it ideal for family outings where the dog comes along.

Located just outside Lititz, you can combine a hike with a visit to downtown Lititz for dog-friendly dining and shopping.

Governor Dick Environmental Center, Mount Gretna

Location: Clarence Schock Memorial Park, Mount Gretna area
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail length: 7+ miles of interconnected trails
Best for: Dogs who enjoy longer hikes

The Governor Dick area offers miles of wooded trails with varying elevations. The observation tower provides incredible views of the surrounding area (though dogs aren't allowed up the tower itself). The shaded forest trails stay cooler even in summer, making this a great warm-weather hiking destination.

Trail Highlights

• Diverse trail options from easy loops to challenging climbs
• Excellent for fall foliage viewing
• Well-marked trails with color-coded blazes
• Popular with local hikers. expect to meet other dogs on weekends

Conewago Recreation Trail

Location: Starts in Elizabethtown, runs toward Lebanon County
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 5 miles (one way)
Best for: All dogs

This rail-trail follows the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad corridor. The crushed limestone surface is easy on paws and suitable for all fitness levels. The trail passes through farmland and wooded sections, offering a peaceful walk away from traffic. It's one of my go-to trails for professional dog walking clients in the Elizabethtown area.

Conewago Trail Tips

• Mostly flat and straight, great for dogs who like to stretch their legs
• Shared with cyclists. keep your dog on a short leash
• Limited shade in some sections. bring water on sunny days
• Multiple access points allow for shorter or longer walks

Northwest Lancaster County River Trail

Location: Runs from Columbia to Marietta along the Susquehanna River
Difficulty: Easy
Trail length: 14 miles (one way)
Best for: All dogs

This paved multi-use trail follows the Susquehanna River and is one of the most scenic easy trails in the county. The flat surface is perfect for senior dogs or those who prefer gentler exercise. River breezes keep it cooler in summer, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound.

River Trail Highlights

• Completely paved and accessible
• Connects multiple river towns, Columbia, Marietta, and beyond
• Popular with runners and cyclists, leash control is important
• Beautiful sunrise and sunset views over the river

Safety Tips for Trail Hiking with Dogs

Before You Go

• Check trail conditions and seasonal restrictions
• Verify dogs are allowed (some PA state parks restrict dogs from certain areas)
• Pack water for both you and your dog
• Bring waste bags and pack out all trash
• Make sure your dog's ID tags and microchip info are current

On the Trail

• Keep your dog leashed unless in a designated off-leash area (most PA trails require leashes)
• Yield to other trail users. step aside for cyclists and runners
• Watch for ticks. Central PA has a high tick population from spring through fall
• Don't let your dog drink from streams or ponds (parasites can be present)
• Know your dog's limits. watch for signs of fatigue or overheating

After Your Hike

• Check your dog thoroughly for ticks, burrs, and cuts
• Wipe muddy paws before getting in the car
• Offer fresh water and let your dog rest

When You Can't Make It to the Trails

Work schedules, weather, and life in general sometimes make it hard to give your dog the outdoor time they need. That's where professional dog walking services come in. A regular walker ensures your dog gets consistent exercise and mental stimulation even when you're busy.

Need a professional dog walker in Lancaster County? Contact Big Mike's Pet Sitting at (223) 221-1872. We provide daily dog walks on Lancaster County's best trails, serving Elizabethtown, Lancaster, Lititz, Mount Joy, Columbia, and surrounding areas.