Get a jump on the warm weather this spring with some dedicated outing spots for you and your favorite canine pal. When you want to do more than just walk your dog around the block, it helps to know what your options are.
Here is a list of fun activities to do with your dog in Lycoming County:
Parks for pooch
Paws Park – South Williamsport
Paws Park is one of the area’s best dog parks. Situated in the South Williamsport Community Park at 1201 W. Southern Ave., the dog park is enclosed but offers lots of space for dogs to run. A walking path and large, shaded, grassy areas also provide areas to exercise your four-legged friend and its easy access to the Susquehanna River Walk is an added bonus. The park also features a number of dog-friendly events, including the annual Doggone craft, food and vendor fair on May 18.
Free at last! – Loyalsock Township
Another great dog park option is the township park at 1607 Four Mile Drive. The park has two separate fenced in areas for dogs to run loose. The park is open from 8 a.m. to dusk and boasts open arms to big and little dogs.
Treats for two
Bruster’s doggie sundaes
Bruster’s ice cream shop at 1600 E. Third St., Williamsport, supplies doggie sundaes – a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a dog treat on top. It’s just enough of a sweet so they won’t stare at you with those begging puppy eyes as you savor your own cold treat.
New Trail Brewing Co.
You can do more than just sample beer at New Trail Brewing Co.’s tasting room at 240 Arch St., Williamsport. The dog-friendly setup invites you to bring any and all pooches to hang out with you and your friends.
Starbucks puppuccino
The popular coffee chain offers a small cup of whipped cream for dogs. The cups is offered to patrons who come inside or travel through the drive through. And it’s free!
Hiking hot spots
Rider Park
A walk around the block doesn’t always cut it, so when you want to head for the woods, Rider Park’s wide trails and sweeping vistas are a good destination. With lots of options and varying degrees of difficulty and length, the popular park is a good choice for all types of dogs and owners. The entrance to the park is just past the town of Warrensville on Warrensville Road.
Jacoby Falls
About 5 miles out Wallis Run Road in Gamble Township is a small, obscure, dirt parking area with a narrow trail that weaves its way into the woods. The rustic path will lead dedicated hikers along a roughly 2-mile jaunt that ends at Jacoby Falls, one of Lycoming County’s hidden treasures.
Pine Creek campground
An old logging road behind the Pine Creek campground is a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and even, let’s face it, cellphone service. The trail is open to the public and can be found behind the campers and tents toward the dam.
Susquehanna River Walk
It seems obvious, but the over 4-mile asphalt trail along the banks of the Susquehanna River is an easy and low-commitment outing location. A number of parking spots are available at various entrances as well as trash cans and benches along the route for a brief rest and the occasional poop bag deposit.
Soaking up some fun
Splash Cove’s doggie swim
One day a year, it’s a free-for-all for dogs at this Williamsport pool. Big, little, short- and long-haired pooches pounce on the pool for a day of hectic refreshment. This year’s doggie swim is on Sept. 7 and may cost around $7. All funds benefit the county SPCA.
Doggie Dips in Lewisburg
The Lewisburg Community Pool, at 252 N. Fifteenth St., is open to dogs for a three-day run, usually around the week after the pool closes for the year – roughly Labor Day weekend. The price varies from $15 to $30, depending on how many days you want to enjoy the venue.
If you think we missed any fun local hot spots to take your dog, please send us a message. If we get enough, we’ll run another list.
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