I've been walking dogs across Montco for seven years, covering communities from Spring House to Melrose Park. Before that I was just a kid growing up in these same neighborhoods. These aren't recommendations I looked up. They're places I actually know.
Alverthorpe Park — Abington
Dog Friendliness: 9/10 Trail Difficulty: Easy
This one is personal. I'm third generation Abington and Alverthorpe was a backdrop to my entire childhood. I logged hundreds of miles on that nearly two-mile trail before I ever picked up a leash professionally.
For dogs it's ideal. Well-maintained loop, good shade, open space mixed with wooded sections. Busy enough to keep social dogs happy, quiet enough for reactive ones to find breathing room. Fair warning: the sections near the water get muddy after rain.
Tookany Creek Parkway — Cheltenham & Jenkintown
Dog Friendliness: 8/10 — cyclists and joggers make it trickier for reactive dogs Trail Difficulty: Easy
The tree canopy here is gorgeous. The trail winds along the creek with beautiful curves and enough shade that even a summer walk feels manageable. A sniff-fest for dogs with creek smells, wildlife, and natural ground cover. Popular with joggers and cyclists too, so heads up if your dog is bike-reactive.
Fort Washington State Park — Upper Dublin
Dog Friendliness: 9/10 Trail Difficulty: Challenging
I moved to Upper Dublin just before the pandemic and Fort Washington became my reset button. When I was working my way back into shape, this was my transition space somewhere between a casual walk and a real workout. Dense tree cover, challenging trails, a bird sanctuary atmosphere with deer, herons, and the occasional fox. Great for high-energy dogs that need more than a neighborhood loop.
Pastorius Park — Wyndmoor
Dog Friendliness: 10/10 — relaxed atmosphere, social, great for meeting other dogs Trails: No formal trails, open park space
Less of a trail destination, more of a place to just be. I came here with a friend once, spread out a blanket, played cards, and spent the afternoon meeting neighbors and their dogs. Beautifully maintained, relaxed, friendly crowd. Great for a slow social walk. Your dog will make three new friends before you're halfway around.
Forbidden Drive — Wissahickon Valley Park
Dog Friendliness: 8/10 — busy, lots of cyclists and horses which can spook some dogs Trail Difficulty: Easy to Challenging
Technically just over the Philadelphia border but too good to leave off this list. Forbidden Drive runs along the Wissahickon Creek and feels completely removed from the city the moment you step onto it. The tree canopy is spectacular and you have options. Stick to the flat, accessible path along the creek or venture up onto the more challenging hillside trails if you and your dog are up for it.
Keep an eye out for the Thomas Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1737 and one of the oldest in the region. It is also the only covered bridge inside a major American city, which makes it a pretty memorable stop on any walk. Dogs are welcome and you will see plenty of them. Worth the short drive from anywhere in Montco.
Your own neighborhood
Dog Friendliness: 9/10 — familiar territory, comfortable for most dogs Trail Difficulty: Easy
Every park above is worth the trip. But some of the best walks your dog will ever have are right outside your front door. Routine matters to dogs. The same streets, the same smells. It sounds boring but it's genuinely grounding. A consistent 30 to 45 minute neighborhood loop beats an occasional adventure every time.
Whether you're out with your dog on the weekend or just looking for somewhere new to explore, any of these are worth the trip.
Want consistent walks for your dog in Montco? Book a meet and greet and I'd love to meet your pup.