Dog Walkers in Strawberry Mansion

Strawberry Mansion is a historic neighborhood in Philadelphia and was once home to some of the wealthiest families in the city. After a decades-long downturn, this area is beginning to see a revitalization. This is due in part to its proximity to East Fairmount Park, a 650-acre urban wilderness that provides city residents and their four-legged friends a natural escape from the city. The park features walking and hiking trails, grassy parks, ponds, wetlands, and dense forests which are perfect to explore for a quick work-week dog walk or a weekend adventure. There are also dozens of cultural centers, gardens, parks, and activities that will keep you busy for years.

For residents on the west side of the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, this park is just a few blocks away, while residents on the east side are a few-minute car ride from the hustle and bustle of the city. Access to hiking and walking trails year round make this neighborhood popular with many other dog-lovers. 

Strawberry Mansion gets its name from a beautiful historic Inn located nearby inside Fairmount Park. Most dog owners in the neighborhood skip the concrete and head straight to the natural trails in the park. This area is fairly flat and varies from easy gravel and hard-packed roads to winding single track trails. You can walk along pedestrian walkways for a more social outing, or you and your pup can wander off the beaten path for a quieter experience.

Once in the park, you can choose different trails that will lead you through thick forests, open grasslands, craggy bluffs, wetlands, and waterways. If you're heading off the beaten path, make sure to carry a map and plenty of water and snacks for you and your dog. Though most of the terrain is moderate, there are a few sections that are technical and will be quite a challenge for you and your best buddy.

Once in East Fairmount Park, you have a variety of trail choices to escape the city with your furry best friend. One local favorite is Boxer's Trail, a 3.8 mile stretch of hard-packed gravel road between Strawberry Mansion and the Schuylkill River. This trail is relatively flat and takes you through beautiful old growth forest and up a craggy rock outcrop for a unique view of the Schuylkill River below. Several historic mansions are accessible from the trail, and you might even spot the remains of an old historic house along your walk. This trail is perfect for an easy outing or a pleasant run with your dog, but be sure to obey all leash laws as you'll be sharing the trail with other hikers, dogs, and bikers. This trail is an out-and-back so you can go for just a few miles or stay out for a few hours. Make sure you are prepared with a map, food, and water.