Fernridge trail loop - East Stroudsburg, PA
Fernridge Trail Loop in East Stroudsburg, PA is a popular destination for both dog lovers and families looking for a pet-friendly outdoor experience. The park is known for its well-maintained woodland trail system with both a short 0.7-mile yellow-marked loop and a longer blue-marked trail, making it ideal for those searching for dog-friendly hiking options in East Stroudsburg. The trails can be rocky and muddy after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. Although the park doesn’t offer direct access to the cranberry bog, nature lovers will appreciate the soothing forest ambiance and opportunities to encounter local wildlife.
The dog park at Fernridge Trail Loop stands out for its well-organized layout and friendly local community. There are separate fenced areas for small and large dogs to play safely, both featuring plenty of space and seating for owners. The area is kept clean, and waste bags are available. Note that the dog park is members-only and requires annual enrollment via mobile registration. Water spigots are present (though sometimes capped), benches and picnic tables abound, and you’ll also find other park amenities like a playground, a pond with ducks, and basketball courts nearby, making it an excellent multi-use park for pet owners and families alike. Parking is limited but available near the trailhead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash within the designated, fenced dog park areas for members.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, there are separate fenced areas for both small and large dogs.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, specific play spaces exist for both sizes.
- Is there a fee or membership required to enter? Yes, you must enroll and pay an annual fee to use the designated dog play areas.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, waste bags are available on-site.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches and picnic tables are provided.
- Is parking available? Yes, parking is available near the trailhead, but it is limited.
- Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, trails and dog areas can become muddy or swampy after rainfall.
- Are walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, hiking trails are accessible from the park.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is well-maintained by staff and the local dog-owning community.
Reviews
Boring. Wish it was possible to hike into cranberry bog.
Great little hike in nature and very soothing on the mind and soul
This is a pretty good wooded trail. Maybe a mile or so all around. It’s not a trail to visit after the rain as it tends to flood and becomes fairly swampy. But even so, there is no source of clean, running water for your dog and you won’t be able to really see the actual cranberry bog from this trail. To see the real bog, you need to be accompanied by a Monroe County Conservation guide who conduct tours weekly on Wednesday mornings at a separate site.
We almost missed the tiny parking area at the trail head. We wound up on the ‘blue’ longer trail. Heard but did not see a hawk and maybe a towhee and sparrows of course. Several fallen trees with branches blocking the trail on the longer portion. We had not taken water and it was a warm day so we retraced our steps instead of completing the long loop. Hope to come back for that. Lovely spaces. Rocky and muddy in several spots, yes hiking shoes and poles would have been useful. Such a gift to have this space for hiking.
We took our family to hike here on the short .7 mile hike. There was room for 3 vehicles parked strategically. The trail was marked with yellow tree markers and there is a longer loop connected with blue markers. It’s rocky, we were glad we had our hiking boots to protect ankles.