Stony Valley Rail Trail Trailhead--WEST Terminus - Dauphin, PA
Discover the Stony Valley Rail Trail Trailhead–WEST Terminus, a scenic dog park in Dauphin, PA, perfect for pet owners seeking dog-friendly hiking and outdoor activities. This trail offers a variety of pet-friendly trails including biking, birdwatching, hiking, jogging, and walking, making it an ideal spot for dogs and their owners to enjoy nature together. The trail is well-shaded with a beautiful canopy and runs alongside a picturesque creek, providing a refreshing escape during hot days.
While the trail has undergone resurfacing to improve conditions, it remains a more natural and rustic experience compared to other rail trails, appealing to those who appreciate solitude and abundant wildlife. The area is kid-friendly and great for families, with plenty of space for dogs to roam safely. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to walk your dog or a longer adventure on pet-friendly trails, Stony Valley Rail Trail offers a unique and peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry friends in Dauphin, PA.
FAQ for Stony Valley Rail Trail Trailhead–WEST Terminus in Dauphin Pennsylvania:
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? The park allows dogs, including outside areas, but it does not specify if off-leash activity is permitted.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, the trail has a great canopy that offers plenty of shade, especially helpful on hot days.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, the park features biking, hiking, jogging, and walking trails along with an out-and-back trail setup.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The park is good for kids and includes kid-friendly hikes.
- Where is the best place to park? Parking lots are available as mentioned in the trail’s resurfacing and drainage improvements starting from the parking lot up to Rattling Run.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? The trail has been resurfaced and drainage improved, indicating some level of maintenance, though some reviews mention loose stones and downed trees in past years.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The trail is described as quiet with very few people seen during visits, suggesting it is not very busy even on typical usage days.
Reviews
Trail is not as groomed or smooth as many other rail trails. Has a great canopy to escape hot days. The creek runs beside it which is scenic.
It’s been about 4 years since I was on this trail and I was eager to return because of the scenery and the feeling of solitude, but I was very disappointed at the one inch stone resurfacing. The loose stone made for a precarious if not dangerous ride. The middle and sides are very loose which are difficult to navigate safely. Would not recommend until fixed. Too bad.
The trail has been resurfaced and is currently in excellent condition minus a few downed trees. A gravel bike is right at home here, no need for wide tires as others have claimed in the past. Came from Gold mine road and back, and then to the reservoir, racked up almost 40 miles. Fantastic scenery, plenty of shade during the summer, and abundant wildlife. Will be back. The trail crosses through fairly a remote area so be prepared and have a plan.
I’ve ridden this trail for nearly 30 years. They put down miles of inch size stone. It’s crowned deeper in the middle and sides and leaves you sketchy single track. At a minimum you need a wide tire mountain bike and you better be a good rider willing to just concentrate on the road in front of you. Drift to the side or get out of the track and you hit the stone piles and can go down. I rode the entire length out and back and didn’t see another rider. I met 4 other experienced cyclists who abandoned because of the stones, when it should have been crowded.
They’ve resurfaced the trail and added lots of drainage from the parking lot up to Rattling Run. Very nice trail surface now. Biked 16 miles and only saw a few other people. Beautiful, quiet trail