carpenter woods in mt airy is a great place for pups! about the only other people in the park are birdwatchers; there's no rampaging bicyclists!

for a getaway, dewey beach is very dog friendly...

I 2nd the comment about Carpenter's Woods - it's cool, shaded, easy to get to and a great place to take your dog.

For some off-leash fun, you can't beat the Bark Park in Lansdale. About the size of a football field and totally fenced in. Take 309 N. to 363 towards lansdale. As you cross 202, there will be a shopping center on your right. The bark park is the first driveway into that shopping center around behind the stores. Just keep along the right side of the lot and you'll find it.

Freedom Park in Medford is awesome if your dog likes to swim. It's right off Rte. 73. If you're coming from Rte. 70, turn right onto 73 at the intersection. Freedom Park is about 5 miles down on your right. There are signs you follow from the parking lot to the dog area--which is two huge fields and a wooded area with a big creek. The dogs can go off-leash and they love the swimming! Probably a more ideal place for medium or large dogs, as there are lots of other big dogs there.

RE: Haverford Colleges- What your article NEGLECTS to mention is that YES pets are welcome at Haverford College, BUT ONLY IF YOUR DOG IS LEASHED. Ditto for Valley Forge Park WHAT IS WITH THE POOR RESEARCH?

See, that is what your article NEGLECTS to mention, and that is why even if you want to take your pooch to the park, that each place has specific RULES. Haverford College is a private instituion where access is a PRIVILEGE NOT A RIGHT. And many people abuse leashing laws, and that is what makes it hard for those who are more law abiding. My own dog had his neck torn open one summer by Labrador Retrievers who were not on leashes and running in a pack. My dog required emergency care and it cost us hundreds of dollars!

Just this summer, my neighbor had the SAME experience at Rolling Hills Park in Gladwyne - a Jack Russell tore open the dog's side and that dog required emergency surgery - the owner has not yet compensated my neighbor, so like me, she is stuck with the result of other's ignorance and malice of their animals.

A friend of mine in Wayne had a dog that almost died from a virus picked up in a dog park in Wayne.

So do your stupid research

Freedom park is off of Route 70, not 73.

i use a book called A BARK IN THE PARK: THE 55 BEST PLACES TO HIKE WITH YOUR DOG IN THE PHILADELPHIA REGION that has put us on the trail some really great swimming holes. also DOGGIN' JERSEY when we go over there. thanks.

The Forbidden Drive--- I may comment that the "road apples" that the horses leave are not the only accident waiting to happen. Dog owners must realize that dogs off lead that may run up behind a horse barking and sometimes nipping can cause a horse to spook and bolt possibly unseating the rider and hurting either the person, a loose horse or god forbid, your dog!! The only comment that I would like to make is that dogs should have a good recall or stay on lead while on the bridle paths. If you give the horses some room to pass the riders will greatly appreciate the control of your dog. Most horse people are dog people too and noone wants to see a dog get hurt. Horses have good aim with the back feet and can easily kick an inexpierenced dog with deadly results. If you ask the riders to halt while you retrieve your dog I am sure they would oblige also. If everyone respects each others space it can be a geat place for both to have a good time.

Great!!!! I've been looking for this information!!

Nottingham State Park is Dog friendly and has lots of trails with 2 lakes.