Hillman State Park - Burgettstown, PA
Hillman State Park: Dog-Friendly Trails in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania
Hillman State Park, located in Burgettstown, PA, is known for its extensive network of hiking trails, natural beauty, and peaceful setting, making it a great spot for dog owners looking for pet-friendly trails. With 18 different trails spanning 34 miles—including the Wetland Trail, popular for its small lakes and easy walking conditions—this park offers a range of outdoor activities for both people and their pups. Walking your dog on-leash along these trails is a favorite for many local visitors, and the park is praised for its open grassy areas, wooded paths, and serene, natural atmosphere.
This minimalist park also features picnic tables and benches (some under shelter), scenic views of rivers and ponds, and a designated area for model airplane enthusiasts. While not specifically dedicated as a fully equipped dog park, it is a popular destination for dog-friendly hiking and outdoor enjoyment. Its quiet setting and wide-open spaces are ideal for a peaceful day outdoors, whether you’re out for a walk, jog, or just enjoying the wildlife with your four-legged friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs are welcome at Hillman State Park but must be kept on-leash on the trails and throughout the park.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and picnic tables available, some under covered shelters.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park has 18 trails totaling 34 miles, including dog-friendly hiking routes like the Wetland Trail.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the park has plenty of trees for shade and some covered picnic shelters.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there are parking areas close to the main trails and activity zones.
- Are there playgrounds or activities for kids nearby? The park has pavilions and playgrounds, as well as ball fields for kids and families.
- Does the park have paved paths? There are paved walking/jogging tracks, which are popular for regular walkers and runners.
Reviews
Very minimalist park. It’s essentially for hunting and trapping. Lots of hiking trails, and a private rc airport, members only.
Not the place if youre looking for a day trip with kiddos.
First time visiting this park. The small lakes were nice on the Wetland Trail. Also hiked the Switchback Trail which was awesome and then took the Gelding Trail which wasn’t marked very well or used frequently. Would definitely go back again. Don’t miss the remote controlled airplanes and the covered bridge. Definitely a highlight!
Want a good lunch spot in the park? Head to the picnic tables and watch people fly their model planes. We were here in late May and took the airport loop trails. Lots of wildflowers in bloom and not another person in site. Easy trails.
I’m not a fan of hiking but Hillman has a Wetland Trail which is easy to walk and passes several nice ponds (see one pond in attached picture).
If hiking’s your thing, there’s 18 other trails running a total of 34 miles.
The other feature of the park is for a specific hobby of radio-controlled aircraft flying. Participants must meet strict rules to fly.
Also check out the covered bridge at the park’s Kramer Road end.
For events at this park visit: events dcnr pa
For more information: pa parks and forests
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The park is also a state game lands. I only go here to hunt deer. It’s not the best place to hunt but it’s convenient for me. Was a strip mine years ago. There’s some decent open grassy areas and some own woods but the majority of what I’ve experienced is super dense under brush and giant ravines. The area in the attached pictures is about a 1.75 mile hike from nearest parking.