Baptism Creek

If you want to go for a hike along a creek in a beautiful historic area, the Baptism Creek Trail is perfect for you! This lovely 0.8-mile trail is located within the Hope Furnace National Historic Site. Pups are welcome to join you on this trail on leashes that are six feet or shorter.

The trail begins near Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site’s visitors center, where parking, drinking water, and restrooms are available. Once you start walking on the trail, you’ll see Baptism Creek. You’ll follow the creek for most of your walk. While exact elevation information isn’t available for this trail, it is mostly flat, making it easy for dogs to walk on.

As you’re walking along the creek, you’ll pass the Hopewell Spillway, which features a small waterfall. You’ll also go by a historic water wheel, and you’ll see the remnants of an anthracite furnace. Near the end of the trail, you’ll pass by Bethesda Church and Cemetery. This church was built all the way back in 1782. It was first used as a meeting house, and it was then transformed into a church in the early 1800s.

If you’d like to extend your walk, Baptism Creek Trail ends right next to the Hopewell Furnace Historic Village. This village is home to an old mill, a variety of historic houses, and the remains of an iron plantation. Pups are welcome to walk around the village with you — they just aren’t permitted in the buildings themselves. If all this walking makes you hungry, picnic tables are available near Hopewell Furnace’s upper parking lot.

Baptism Creek Trail is a fun-filled trail that takes you by a scenic creek and past a wide variety of historic sites. Remember to bring some doggy bags so you can clean up after your dog while you’re walking, and enjoy your hike in this beautiful area!