West Mill Creek Dog Park

West Mill Creek Park is a lush off-leash dog park in Gladwyne, a tranquil town in the Philadelphia suburbs. When you arrive here, you might exclaim, "Have you ever seen a prettier dog park?" While the question might be rhetorical, the answer won't be: no, you have not.

West Mill Creek Park is nestled in a forest glen that a creek runs through. Some thoughtful landscaping greets you at the park entrance, where you'll see a charming wooden fence, some gravel walkways, and bright red benches. Much of the park space is completely wild. Expect to see hawks, water birds, and wildflowers here. If you want to bake in the hot sun, you'll have a hard time doing it under this dense forest canopy. 

There are two fenced off-leash areas at West Mill Creek Park, one for smaller dogs and one for larger dogs. The section for little dogs is smaller and mostly contained to a grassy yard shaded by a few mature trees. The larger off-leash area includes a flat lawn space, as well as a walking trail that winds through the woods to the creek, where water-loving dogs are free to splash and play. The scene at the creekside is so wild that you might forget you're in a dog park until a chorus of echoing barks breaks you out of your reverie.

To play here, dogs must have a valid and visible off-leash permit issued by Lower Merlon Township. The West Mill Creek Park website links to more information about how to get a permit so your puppy can play freely at the park. For everyone's safety, additional rules require each person to be in charge of no more than two unleashed dogs at a time, and to take their dogs home if they start becoming aggressive with other dogs or wildlife. Of course, you also need to clean up after your dog. Waste bags are provided throughout the park, but you will need to bring your own fresh water.

Whether you come to West Mill Creek Park to commune with nature or with other puppers, you and your dog are sure to connect to your wild side here.