Gifford Pinchot State Park

Known for great fishing and rolling hillsides, Gifford Pinchot State Park has been a boon to locals for generations. Hiking is done via 18 miles of trails present here. These trails are broken up into much smaller lengths, meaning you can craft your own custom hiking experience. Canines can accompany hikers as long as they stay on a six-foot leash or shorter. 

The paths are well marked and are color-coded to let you know what you're walking on. Yellow trails are for hikers only, red trails are shared-use which means hikers could see cyclists or horseback riders, and the Mason Dixon Trail is marked blue. The Mason Dixon Trail is part of a multi-state series of hiking trails that connect Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania and are free to walk through. 

No refuse stations exist for canines, so make sure you bring plastic bags to take care of any waste your dog might create. Campers are well suited for Gifford Pinchot State Park, with 289 total campsites being offered seasonally. In fact, this is one of the largest state park campgrounds in the entire commonwealth. These sites all feature flush toilets, shower facilities, and electric hookups in case you come in a car or RV. 

Canines are welcome on these campsites as long as they stay on a 6-foot leash or shorter. Dogs are prohibited from any of the indoor structures offered, including the shower facilities. If you're a mountain cyclist, Gifford Pinchot State Park has you covered with four miles of trails dedicated to this high octane sport. 

Make sure that you stay vigilant as you explore the park, as these trails are commonly used by horseback riders and hikers. If you are a fisher, Gifford Pinchot State Park has the 340-acre Pinchot Lake, which offers warm water fishing throughout the season and is designated as a Big Bass Lake. There are many fishing regulations so make sure you check out the Pennsylvania State Park's website for more information.