National Pike Trail Council - Claysville, PA
National Pike Trail Council: Dog-Friendly Hiking in Claysville, Pennsylvania
Explore the scenic, pet-friendly trails of the National Pike Trail Council, located at 4500 Donegal Ind Park in Claysville, Pennsylvania. This unique spot isn’t a traditional dog park, but it’s a great destination for dog owners seeking an adventurous, dog-friendly hiking experience along an old railway. The trail passes through atmospheric tunnels (bring a flashlight!), grassy and gravel sections, and offers striking views of fall foliage and wildflowers in the summer.
Locals appreciate the trail’s peaceful and often quiet nature, making it perfect for dog walking. The trailhead starts behind a Dollar General with aluminum stairs leading you onto the path, and there are no dedicated areas for small or large dogs, nor fenced enclosures. While the trail can be muddy and uneven in spots, it provides ample room for your pup to explore on-leash. It’s important to note there isn’t much shade, and there are no obvious water stations or benches, so come prepared. Trail shoes and a flashlight are recommended for both you and your pet, especially when traversing the long, unlit tunnels.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Pike Trail Council Dog-Friendly Area
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? No, dogs must remain on-leash while using the trail.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, the trail is not fenced; it is an open, linear path.
- Where is the best place to park? The best place to park is in the gravel lot next to the Dollar General near the trailhead.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Shade is minimal and there are no covered shelters; plan accordingly, especially on sunny days.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, this location features a multi-mile hiking trail converted from an old railway route.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, some parts of the trail can be muddy or wet, especially in and around the tunnels.
Reviews
If you’re looking for a scenic family hike… this isn’t it.
The “trailhead” is a set of aluminum stairs across from a parking lot, leading you behind a Dollar General, past a construction site, and into what technically qualifies as a trail. First thing you see? A rules sign — “No Motorized Vehicles.” First thing you hear? A motorized vehicle. The entire trail is clearly a motorized vehicle path. The irony is immediate and loud.
Tunnel #1 is straight out of a horror movie. Giant nest, caution tape, safety cones, zero lighting — you half expect to find a final boss inside, slithering in the darkness. Once through, the trail opens up and actually becomes… decent. But just as you think “Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad” — you reach a peaceful-looking picnic area… with a giant “PRIVATE PROPERTY – DO NOT ENTER” sign next to it. Take a break… but don’t get comfy.
There’s a lonely fitness station with a small pink bike (unclaimed, eerie), a strong sewage smell coming from Tunnel #2, and not a single person in sight for four miles. It’s equal parts weird, empty, and underwhelming.
⭐ One star for being walkable.
🐕 Good for dog-walking.
👎 Not for kids, families, or anyone expecting shade, signage, or scenery.
Might be a hidden gem someday, but right now it’s just hiding.
If you’re looking for a scenic family hike… this isn’t it.
The “trailhead” is a set of aluminum stairs across from a parking lot, leading you behind a Dollar General, past a construction site, and into what technically qualifies as a trail. First thing you see? A rules sign — “No Motorized Vehicles.” First thing you hear? A motorized vehicle. The entire trail is clearly a motorized vehicle path. The irony is immediate and loud.
Tunnel #1 is straight out of a horror movie. Giant nest, caution tape, safety cones, zero lighting — you half expect to find a final boss inside, slithering in the darkness. Once through, the trail opens up and actually becomes… decent. But just as you think “Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad” — you reach a peaceful-looking picnic area… with a giant “PRIVATE PROPERTY – DO NOT ENTER” sign next to it. Take a break… but don’t get comfy.
There’s a lonely fitness station with a small pink bike (unclaimed, eerie), a strong sewage smell coming from Tunnel #2, and not a single person in sight for four miles. It’s equal parts weird, empty, and underwhelming.
⭐ One star for being walkable.
🐕 Good for dog-walking.
👎 Not for kids, families, or anyone expecting shade, signage, or scenery.
Might be a hidden gem someday, but right now it’s just hiding.
If you’re looking for a scenic family hike… this isn’t it.
The “trailhead” is a set of aluminum stairs across from a parking lot, leading you behind a Dollar General, past a construction site, and into what technically qualifies as a trail. First thing you see? A rules sign — “No Motorized Vehicles.” First thing you hear? A motorized vehicle. The entire trail is clearly a motorized vehicle path. The irony is immediate and loud.
Tunnel #1 is straight out of a horror movie. Giant nest, caution tape, safety cones, zero lighting — you half expect to find a final boss inside, slithering in the darkness. Once through, the trail opens up and actually becomes… decent. But just as you think “Okay, maybe this isn’t so bad” — you reach a peaceful-looking picnic area… with a giant “PRIVATE PROPERTY – DO NOT ENTER” sign next to it. Take a break… but don’t get comfy.
There’s a lonely fitness station with a small pink bike (unclaimed, eerie), a strong sewage smell coming from Tunnel #2, and not a single person in sight for four miles. It’s equal parts weird, empty, and underwhelming.
⭐ One star for being walkable.
🐕 Good for dog-walking.
👎 Not for kids, families, or anyone expecting shade, signage, or scenery.
Might be a hidden gem someday, but right now it’s just hiding.
We did a 5k on National Pike weekend! It was beautiful! A lot of people have worked very hard to make this trail! I will definitely be back!
We did a 5k on National Pike weekend! It was beautiful! A lot of people have worked very hard to make this trail! I will definitely be back!
We did a 5k on National Pike weekend! It was beautiful! A lot of people have worked very hard to make this trail! I will definitely be back!
Nice flat trail that goes out and back. There are some stairs at the beginning. Was beautiful in fall with the foliage and lots of wildflowers in summer. May want to bring a flashlight for in the tunnels, but you can still go through without.
Nice flat trail that goes out and back. There are some stairs at the beginning. Was beautiful in fall with the foliage and lots of wildflowers in summer. May want to bring a flashlight for in the tunnels, but you can still go through without.
Nice flat trail that goes out and back. There are some stairs at the beginning. Was beautiful in fall with the foliage and lots of wildflowers in summer. May want to bring a flashlight for in the tunnels, but you can still go through without.
I wanted to clear up a few things on here as it looks nicer than it is. It’s nice if you go into it knowing it’s more of a trail than a walking path. First you really want to start in the gravel lot next to the dollar store. There’s no defined start going east from town so you have to follow the white tape they have guiding you there. Stick to the middle path when it goes 3 different directions. I walked from town up the aluminum stairs behind the dollar store it’s it’s mostly grass. There isn’t as much gravel as you are made to believe. It’s relatively flat but it’s part gravel, part grass, part mud. So walking or running with regular sneakers isn’t a good idea. The tunnels leak water to the ground in the tunnels are wet. A pair of trail shoes would be better. If you go on this knowing it’s more of a trail and less of a path it’s daily nice. Bring a flashlight, wear trail shoes, and start/end east of the dollar store.