Though the steel city has an industrial ring to it, Pittsburgh is a surprisingly very dog-friendly city. It’s filled with over 165 parks, plenty of breweries with dog-friendly patios, and is surrounded by trails along three rivers that pass near the city for outdoor adventures. And if you run into any other dogs on the trail, there's a 50/50 chance their name is Pierogi or Bucco (pronounced Buck-o).
Here is a list of some of our favorite dog-friendly activities in and around Pittsburgh.
Best Dog-Friendly Parks in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s hilly terrain makes for parks with real personality. The city is filled with both dense, forested spaces with lots of trails, and grassy neighborhood parks for quick walks and picnics. In nearly all neighborhoods, there's close access to a green escape.
Frick Park:
At 644 acres, Frick Park is Pittsburgh’s largest park. Located just east of Squirrel Hill, the park is densely forested and filled with walking paths and fields. There is also a spacious and grassy dedicated off-leash dog exercise space right in the center of the park to run out energy.
The southern end of the park also touches the trailhead to the Nine-Mile Run: a technically 3.5-mile dog-friendly trail that connects to a river walk along the Monongahela River.
Schenley Park:
Close to downtown and just south of Carnegie Mellon University, Schenley Park is a 456-acre green space filled with trails and includes an off-leash exercise area for dogs. Among the several grassy areas in the hilly park is Schenley Park Overlook, which sits at the top of a hill and offers views of the city skyline. "Yinz'll love the view" (IYKYK).
Point State Park:
Small but beautiful, Point State Park is a quick walk from downtown and has some of the best views in the city. The park sits at a point where the three rivers that run through Pittsburgh converge, and it’s one of the best spots in the city for people watching or picnicking. The park connects to surrounding river walks, so it could be a quick easy visit or turned into a longer adventure.
Best Dog-Friendly Hikes near Pittsburgh
The landscape around Pittsburgh shifts dramatically as you head out toward the Appalachians. Within an hour or two of the city, rolling hills give way to steep ridges, waterfalls, and river gorges that are well worth the drive for a dog that loves to explore. Winters in the region can be tough, so make sure to check for trail conditions before heading out.
Ohiopyle State Park:
An hour and a half southeast of Pittsburgh, Ohiopyle is one of the most spectacular nature destinations in the area and well worth the trip for adventurous dogs. The 20,500 acre state park has waterfalls, rapids, and 79 miles of mountainous trails for hiking. Located in the Laurel Highlands, the park sits in the western ridges of the Appalachian Mountain Range, making the terrain significantly more varied than the hilly land closer to Pittsburgh. The Meadow Run Trail is a classic trail in the park that passes two waterfalls, a gorge, and sandstone cliffs all packed into a 3-mile loop.
Settlers Cabin Park:
A great option for a quick nature escape without straying too far from Pittsburgh, Settlers Cabin Park covers 1,610 acres with a network of color-coded trail loops ranging from easy to strenuous. The park's signature hike visits a small, peaceful waterfall via a 2.7-mile trail called the Settlers Cabin Green Loop, and there is also a dedicated off-leash dog area near the trailhead for some free roaming before or after the hike.
Raccoon Creek State Park:
With 7,500 acres of forests, meadows, and wetlands, Raccoon Creek is one of Pennsylvania’s most-visited nature areas. The state park 30 miles west of Pittsburgh has roughly 40 miles of dog-friendly trails that wind through dense forest and pass by creeks and lakes. Dogs must be on leash at all times, and be aware that there can be hunting activity in the park depending on the season. The Heritage Trail and Forest Trail Loop is a well-marked 4.3-mile trek that passes underneath the Frankfort Mineral Springs Falls.
Best Dog-Friendly Day Trips near Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh is well-positioned for a day trip in nearly any direction, with beaches, mountains, and charming small towns all within a couple hours' drive.
Erie, PA:
For a beach-front access from Pittsburgh, the quickest stop is a 2-hour drive to Lake Erie. Erie, Pennsylvania is filled with waterfront green spaces, including Presque Isle State Park – a peninsula with dog-friendly beaches and miles of trails. Downtown Erie is also filled with more waterfront parks and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants.
Morgantown, WV:
An hour and a half drive just across the West Virginia border, Morgantown is a lively college town with a walkable downtown and a surprisingly strong dog-friendly culture. The city sits along the Monongahela River, and has quick access to Coopers Rock State Forest for classic Appalachian hikes. The town’s riverfront is lined with trails and a 91-acre arboretum, and the downtown area has plenty of restaurants and breweries with outdoor seating welcoming to dogs.
Laurel Highlands:
The Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania is one of the most rewarding day trips from Pittsburgh for dogs who love to explore. The rolling hills are filled with state parks including Ohiopyle State Park from the trails section, and the region is also home to Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Fallingwater, which allows leashed dogs on the grounds to explore both architecture and nature. The nearby town of Ligonier has a historic downtown square worth a visit on the way to or from exploring the region.
Best Dog-Friendly Neighborhoods in Pittsburgh
For a city that requires cars so often for exploration, many of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods are easily walkable, with plenty of spacious sidewalks and nearby parks.
Shadyside:
Shadyside is one of Pittsburgh's most pleasant neighborhoods for a dog walk, with tree-lined streets, and easy access to unique restaurants and cafes. The neighborhood has a calm and residential feel despite being close to the city center, and its location puts it within easy reach of both Schenley Park and Frick Park for longer outdoor adventures.
Lawrenceville:
One of Pittsburgh's most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, Lawrenceville has a thriving restaurant and brewery scene with plenty of dog-friendly outdoor seating. The neighborhood runs along the Allegheny River and is home to the Bernard Dog Run, a community-built off-leash park with separate areas for large and small dogs. The main road, Butler Street, is lined with dog-welcoming spots to grab a coffee or a beer.
Highland Park:
Built around a reservoir in Pittsburgh's East End, Highland Park is a spacious neighborhood that is a favorite of dog owners. Inside the park itself, the reservoir loop is a flat and easy walk popular with locals and their dogs, and the park itself has a dedicated off-leash area with separate sections for large and small dogs. The surrounding neighborhood has a strong community feel, with a walkable stretch of shops and restaurants along Bryant Street.
Enjoy Your Trip to Pittsburgh!
The Steel City's parks, trails, and surrounding wilderness have a way of winning people over. We hope this guide gives you and your dog a great reason to explore it.
