Kurmes Preserve - North Parking Area - Cresco, PA
Kurmes Preserve – North Parking Area: A Pet-Friendly Outdoor Retreat in Cresco, Pennsylvania
Kurmes Preserve near Cresco, PA, offers a peaceful, scenic escape with well-marked pet-friendly trails, ideal for dog owners seeking a natural hiking experience with their pets. The preserve’s trails traverse rolling woods, alongside railroad tracks, and visit tranquil ponds, providing a beautiful backdrop for dog-friendly hikes. Wildlife sightings, from whitetail deer to a variety of birds, add to the preserve’s charm. Bright orange is recommended during hunting season for safety.
The trail is approximately a one-mile loop, occasionally hilly and sometimes running alongside a road—leashes are required in those sections for the safety of pets and wildlife. While there are no dedicated fenced dog park areas or agility equipment, the preserve’s calm, uncrowded atmosphere and natural beauty offer a unique and relaxing outing for both dogs and owners. Ample parking is available at the North Parking Area, and the site is well-maintained thanks to community efforts like Eagle Scout Projects.
FAQ
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs must be kept on leash, especially when trails approach the nearby road.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is ample parking at the North Parking Area.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Kurmes Preserve features well-marked hiking trails through woods and alongside ponds, ideal for dog-friendly walks in Cresco, Pennsylvania.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, trails and facilities are maintained by community members and organizations.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Some areas may be muddy, but planks have been set up to assist with crossings.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Trails wind through wooded areas providing natural shade.
Reviews
Very peaceful saw a few deer . Down by the creek is very relaxing.
A small hidden gem, slice of peace. Children’s book walk posted by library. Please respect this neighborhood trail by not littering and by leaving the wildlife alone 🙏 migratory birds utilize the pond. And no motorized vehicles allowed; there’s good reason for it. You can’t see hikers around the bends and I’ve almost been hit on two different occasions.
It was a very beautiful and calming scenic walk. I would wear bright orange during hunting season to be safe as hunters were out while I went on the hike. But overall the trail was well marked and planks were pre set on areas that were a little muddy to walk across. Would definitely walk again!
A lovely trail that made me feel like i was getting lost in the woods without actually being lost. The first half runs along side railroad tracks, and you know you’re getting close to the stream as the ground starts getting soft. Very quiet and still, and the trail was well marked. There was only one other car parked when i arrived and we never crossed paths. A beautiful short hike that i will definitely take again.
Nice place for a short hike. Kid friendly. Good lunch break hike, if you are close.
Once you are on trail off of Phoebe Snow Rd., the trail forks. The trail going off to the right is steep and short with little pay off. Unless you are a fan of railroad tracks.
Staying on the trail slightly to the left takes you deeper into the woods. Some nice rock formations, a pond, and wildlife on this part of the trail. In mid-March I saw whitetail deer, a hawk, heard a very excited woodpecker, and finally, a bluejay.
I bet it is a beautiful hike May through October.