Dog walking in Hummelstown

Southeast Hummelstown

Bullfrog Valley Park in Hummelstown is a lovely little spot to park and take a walk with your pup, with a pond and stream area to explore and a playground for the little ones to enjoy. If you are looking for a longer walk, from here you have access to the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail, named after a local resident who passed away due to a cycling accident. The 13-mile asphalt rail-trail now provides a safe recreation route for residents and visitors alike, and is a very popular spot for dog walking. While dogs are permitted here, you must keep your pet on a leash at all times, and always pick up any waste he leaves.

South Hummelstown

Gelder Park has everything you need for a pup-tastic day out! Take a walk with your pooch through the 28-acre park along the paved path, or seek out the life fitness trail for something a little different. For the nature lovers, Gelder Park has various woodland trails to explore, including one that takes you down to the Swatara Creek. Also at the park are all the facilities you would like for a great family day out – picnic areas and grills, tennis courts, a playground, volleyball and basketball courts, ball field and restrooms. Pack yourself a picnic, or visit the concession stand for refreshments before heading of for more park fun! Keep your pup leashed here for his protection and the comfort of other patrons. 

Woodridge and Roush

Shank Park in Hummelstown is a spectacular 90-acre recreational park with many pup-friendly recreational activities to choose from. There is a great paved path for an easy on-lead stroll together, as well as a nature trails through the park’s woodlands to explore. The family will love the open sports fields, two playgrounds, swings and sandbox. There are picnic areas and grills available for use, as well as restrooms at the grand red barn that welcomes visitors onto the grounds. As it is a public park, you need to keep your four-legged friend leashed while you all enjoy a day out here.

North Middletown

Head about four miles south of Hummelstown to the northern area of Middletown to explore the Swatara Water Trail with your pup. The Swatara Creek is often used for canoe or kayak adventures – so if you have a water-loving pet, why not give this a go? Otherwise, there is a great trail along the creek that follows an abandoned rail line. Keep an eye out for a small cave and old quarry sites as you wander through. You must keep your pup leashed here as there are many species of wildlife that call the Swatara Creek area home. Stick to the trail and always clean up any mess your furry adventure-seeker leaves.

East Harrisburg

Twenty minutes drive northeast takes you to Wildwood Park in Harrisburg. It is worth the little trip, as this is a truly magical park and very dog-friendly. You and your pup will love taking a walk through the trees, along the well-maintained boardwalks through the marshland and around Wildwood Lake. There is over six miles of trails here - so you aren't short on options! You can also stop for a fish in the lake along the way, or unpack a picnic lunch at one of the benches. The trail walks are all easy, but cover various terrain so wear appropriate shoes. Your pup needs to stay leashed, and have a stash of clean up bags handy.