Dog Walkers in Devil's Pocket

Devil's Pocket is a tiny community of row houses located along the Schuylkill River in the heart of what used to be a major industrial landscape. Legend says that the name was given to the area by a local priest saying that the "local children were so bad that they would steal a chain out of the devil's pocket." In recent years, the area has become more gentrified, including the transformation of the old Naval Hospital into the Naval Square Condominiums. For restaurants, pet supply stores, and parks, you will have to leave the area in your car. For those who live here, the condos do have small areas of grass which residents can use to walk their dogs. 

The weather here is glorious in the summer months with plenty of sunny days and temperatures in the 80s. Winters, however, can be rough with weeks of freezing temperatures, ice, and snow to deal with. 

Given the location of Devil's Pocket, it should come as no surprise that the terrain here is not only flat, but that most of it is covered with some form of pavement. There are a few exceptions such as the grassy areas around the condos. In fact, this pretty much sums up the entire area with the exception of the park on the other side of the river. 

You might think waking with your pup here would be pretty boring, and to a certain degree, it is. However, no matter where you live, the only reason for a walk to be boring is if you don't put a little thought into it. There are plenty of blocks to walk around on! All you have to do is step out of the pocket. Get a little creative with your pathways as this neighborhood offers plenty of spaces to explore. 

Although there is very little in the way of anything green here in Devil's Pocket, there is a large expanse of grass over in front of the condos with a walking trail and plenty of shade trees. Across the Schuylkill River is Penn Park where there are several athletic fields along with lots of grass where you and your pooch might be able to run around and play. 

If you don't mind a bit of a drive, over on Woodland Ave. and S. University Ave. sits the Woodlands, a 54-acre rural cemetery dating back to the 18th and 19th century. Today, the Woodlands has become a tranquil green space where many people come to learn about the past, enjoy the peace and quiet, and take their dogs out for a walk. The park has several trails running through it to walk on that will take you past the Woodlands Mansion and William Hamilton's Carriage.