On foot travel can be affected by the Philadelphia weather which can be wet. Rainy days occur frequently and require good rain gear to stay dry. Winters are damp and cool with occasional snow that makes footing treacherous. Although snow rarely stays as Philadelphia daytime winter temperatures tend to rise above freezing, snow cover on the ground is slippery and reduces traction. Avoid walking when conditions are slick and wait for the snow to melt. Summer weather in Philadelphia is hot and humid. Walking your dog earlier or later in the day when it is cooler will be more comfortable for you and your pup when extreme heat occurs.
The neighborhood is heavily treed with an especially densely foliaged canopy on Queen Lane. The Queen Lane Reservoir is located on the eastern section of the district. The Roosevelt Expressway is located on the southeast border with associated interchanges and ramps and is not a pedestrian-friendly area. Public transit train tracks also run east-west on the southern section of the district and impede pedestrian traffic. East Falls is somewhat hilly, although there are not many steep sections to contend with. The terrain becomes much more hilly to the west.
McMichael Park is centrally located in East Falls. With 6 acres of open and treed green spaces, this is a great place to take your dog and play or rest on the lawn under the tree canopy. There is a unique turtle statue and a memorial located in the park.
Kelly Drive runs along the river and there is a recreational trail paralleling it that can be accessed in the south of East Falls. The Schuylkill River Trail is 10 miles in length and provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sights and sounds along the river. Keep your dog on a leash and share the trail with other users such as joggers and cyclists.
West of East Falls, the Wissahickon Valley Park has several recreational facilities including a large golf course. The area closest to East Falls contains the creek and plenty of greenway walking trails for you and your dog to hike and explore.