19 Pennsylvania State Forest Picnic Areas With Easy Dog Access
Pennsylvania hides some of its best lunch spots deep in the state forests, and many sit right off a paved road. You can park, unpack, and be at a shady table in minutes.
Some of these spots were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Others overlook a canyon, a pond, or the highest point in the state.
Leashed dogs are welcome at all of them, so the only hard part is choosing where to start.
1. Old Forge Picnic Area, Michaux State Forest
Picture a creek gurgling beside your table while your pup sniffs the cool air. Old Forge sits at 8006 Old Forge Rd in Waynesboro, about 4.5 miles south of South Mountain.
Here you get two pavilions, grills, a playground, and an open athletic field. The area was once a CCC camp, and some old buildings still stand.
Feeling frisky after lunch? Hike the Chimney Rocks trail for a rocky view.
2. Big Flat Picnic Area, Michaux State Forest
Some spots just feel roomy, and Big Flat lives up to its name. Head to 2460 Shippensburg Rd in Biglerville, near Arendtsville, for a rustic mountaintop break.
Pavilions, vault toilets, and picnic tables keep things simple. Nearby campsites offer hookups, and horse campers love it too.
Keep your dog close if hooves trot past. A calm hello makes everyone happy, horses included.
3. Piney Mountain Picnic Area, Michaux State Forest
Pine needles crunch under paws the moment you step out of the car. Piney Mountain waits at 1721 Bendersville Rd in Gardners.
You will find pavilions, vault toilets, and plenty of tables. Hiking, biking, and horse trails branch out nearby, so energetic pups can burn off extra zoomies.
Bring a towel, too. Water access for paddlers means your dog might want a splash.
4. Pine Hill Picnic Area, Rothrock State Forest
Quiet is the main menu item at Pine Hill in Rothrock State Forest, near State College.
Pavilion A has four tables and a cozy fireplace. Pavilion B adds four more tables for bigger groups.
Gravel floors and a gravel lot mean muddy paws are no big deal.
An ADA-accessible vault toilet sits close by. Pack a water bowl, since shade breaks are part of the fun.
5. Alan Seeger Picnic Area, Rothrock State Forest
Fun fact: this spot is named after a poet who wrote about nature. The nearby Alan Seeger Natural Area shelters giant old hemlocks and rhododendron tunnels.
Back at the tables, both pavilions are ADA-accessible. Pavilion B is the party pick, with nine tables, a grill, and two fireplaces.
After eating, stroll the short loop under the big trees. Your dog will treat it like a sniffing museum.
6. Hairy Johns Picnic Area, Bald Eagle State Forest
With a name this fun, you know the stories come free. Hairy Johns sits in Centre County, near Woodward, in Bald Eagle State Forest.
Expect classic forest perks like tables, grills, and restrooms. The setting is shady and laid-back, great for a slow lunch.
Afterward, explore nearby forest roads and trails. Just keep that leash at six feet or less, as state rules require.
7. Rock Springs Picnic Area, Bald Eagle State Forest
Old-growth forest sits just around the bend from this Snyder County gem. Rock Springs is one of the picnic stops near the Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area.
Tables are ready for your sandwiches and your pup’s snacks. Then stretch your legs among some of the tallest hemlocks in the state.
Trails can be rocky, so watch tender paws. A quick paw check after the walk is smart.
8. Bear Gap Picnic Area, Bald Eagle State Forest
Anglers, this one has your name on it. Bear Gap sits along Treaster Run in Bald Eagle State Forest, where trout fishing is a local favorite.
You can usually count on tables, grills, and restrooms. Let your dog nap in the shade while you cast a line.
Pack treats to reward calm behavior near the water. Fish tales taste better with a happy pup beside you.
9. Bear Valley Picnic Area, Buchanan State Forest
Tucked between Broad Mountain and Kittatinny Mountain, Bear Valley feels like a secret valley. Reach it from Fort Loudon, or via Route 533, Upper Strasburg, and Keefer Road in Franklin County.
The CCC built this place, and it shows in the sturdy fireplaces. Horseshoe courts, a playground, and pavilions keep families busy.
Fishing is nearby too. Your pup gets plenty of grassy spots to flop.
10. Sideling Hill Picnic Area, Buchanan State Forest
Road trip on the Lincoln Highway? Pull over at the summit of Sideling Hill on US Route 30, six miles east of Breezewood.
A big open field gives dogs room for leashed laps. Tables, pavilions, fireplaces, horseshoe courts, and a playground round out the stop.
It sits right near the Fulton and Bedford County line. Few highway breaks feel this fresh.
11. Sweet Root Picnic Area, Buchanan State Forest
Tall pines whisper overhead at Sweet Root, one mile north of Chaneysville along Route 326. It sits in southern Bedford County, right beside the Sweet Root Natural Area.
Pavilions, fireplaces, grills, and a latrine cover the basics. A larger parking area leads to hikes like the Garlic Trail.
Yes, really, it is called that. Your dog will approve of any trail with a smelly name.
12. Mount Davis State Forest Picnic Area, Forbes State Forest
Want bragging rights? Eat lunch near the highest point in Pennsylvania, at 3,213 feet.
Mount Davis sits along State Route 2004 in Somerset County.
CCC crews built the original facilities here. You will find a pavilion, tables, grills, and latrines.
Leashed dogs are welcome all year. Climb the nearby observation tower for big views.
Your pup can supervise from the bottom.
13. Lick Hollow State Forest Picnic Area, Forbes State Forest
Just off Route 40 near Hopwood, Lick Hollow is a summer favorite. It typically opens from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so plan ahead.
Tables, grills, and toilets make it easy. The real treat is the 3/4-mile Lick Hollow Nature Trail, a perfect pup-sized stroll.
Bigger hikers can push on toward Pine Knob Overlook. Bring water, because that climb earns a slurp.
14. Asaph Picnic Area, Tioga State Forest
Up in the northern woods of Tioga State Forest, Asaph keeps things wonderfully simple. It is one of only three official picnic areas in this forest.
Look for a pavilion, grills, tables, and restrooms. Love it so much you want to stay?
Primitive campsites sit nearby with pit latrines. Nights get cool up here, so pack a blanket for your pup.
15. County Bridge Picnic Area, Tioga State Forest
Water lovers, wag this way. County Bridge in Tioga State Forest sits close to creek and river spots for fishing and kayaking.
A pavilion, grills, tables, and restrooms set the scene. Nearby hiking adds even more options.
Sandy banks invite curious noses, so keep a firm grip on the leash. Dry towels in the car will save your seats later.
16. Bradley Wales Picnic Area, Tioga State Forest
Here is the showstopper: lunch on the west rim of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Bradley Wales sits about 11 miles south of Colton Point State Park.
Use GPS 41.64323, -77.45868 to find it. An ADA-accessible picnic spot and latrine are on site.
Walk just past the tables for a jaw-dropping gorge view. Hold the leash snug near the edge.
17. Dry Run Picnic Area, Loyalsock State Forest
Funny name, since a lively mountain stream runs right past it. Dry Run sits two miles east of Route 87 and Dry Run Road, at GPS 41.430364, -76.670639.
Two rebuilt CCC-era pavilions steal the show. The ground is fairly flat, friendly for mobility devices and older dogs.
Dry Run Falls is right next door. Splashy music for your lunch break!
18. Sones Pond Picnic Area, Loyalsock State Forest
Calm water, cool breezes, and a pond-side view: Sones Pond delivers all three. The shelters overlook a peaceful 12-acre pond in Loyalsock State Forest.
An ADA-accessible shelter and latrine make it easy for everyone. Paddle a canoe, or cast for warm water fish.
Winter visitors even try ice fishing. Bundle up your pup and enjoy the snowy silence.
19. Bear Wallow Pond Picnic Area, Loyalsock State Forest
Save the biggest pond for last. Bear Wallow Pond stretches 22 acres just south of Shunk in Loyalsock State Forest.
Shelters face the water, so every bite comes with a view. An ADA-accessible pavilion welcomes all.
Kayaks, canoes, and fishing rods are right at home. When the day winds down, your sleepy pup will snore the whole ride back.
Grab that leash. The forest is calling!
