Kittatinny Valley State Park - Newton, NJ
Kittatinny Valley State Park – Pet-Friendly Trails in Newton, NJ
Kittatinny Valley State Park in Newton, New Jersey, is a sprawling and scenic park known for its beautiful, pet-friendly hiking trails, lakes, and diverse wildlife. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for dog owners looking to explore nature alongside their pets, with well-maintained paths ideal for walking, hiking, and mountain biking. Visitors frequently enjoy bringing their dogs on the park’s numerous trails, all while soaking in sights like small airplanes taking off, lakeside views, and an abundance of local flora and fauna.
While there is no dedicated fenced dog area, the park is renowned as one of the best spots for dog-friendly hiking near Newton. Amenities include picnic areas, restrooms near parking lots, playgrounds for children, and ample space to relax. Remember to bring your own dog poop bags and water, and please carry out waste to provided trash cans. Whether you’re a local or traveling through Sussex County, Kittatinny Valley State Park is an excellent destination for anyone seeking a relaxing and pet-welcoming outdoor experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Dogs must remain on-leash while in the park; there is no designated off-leash area.
- What are the park’s leash requirements? Dogs should always be on a leash while using any of the trails or open spaces.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a playground and plenty of open space for children to play, as well as seasonal activities like sledding in winter.
- Are there restrooms available for owners? Yes, portable bathrooms (PortaJohns) are available near the parking lots.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Reviewers note that the park is very clean and well maintained.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are numerous hiking and biking trails throughout the park, many of which are pet-friendly.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There are spots with shade and picnic tables in the park, but playgrounds may have limited shade cover.
- Is there parking available? Yes, there is a parking lot on-site for park visitors.
- Is the park open year-round? The park is accessible throughout the year, with seasonal activities like sledding in the winter.
Reviews
When my son was little, I used to bring him here for hiking and fishing. Now he’s a student at the University of Miami, and today he came back home. I asked him what he missed most about NJ, and he said, ‘Going hiking with you and our Rottweiler at Kittatinny Park.’ So here we are today — just like old times.
I love this place. Always clean, people are very friendly and courteous. Lots of different trails to hit. Great for beginner mountain bikers to learn how to ride. I go here multiple times a week.
Lovely trails…Lake, small airport. Nature at its loveliest. See swans, eagles, owls, snakes, pileated woodpeckers, deer, the occasional bear, and more. Take your dog, your bike, or your horse! Port-a-johns available. Some picnic spots.
Beautiful park! We enjoyed hiking the trails with our dogs and watching the small planes take off/land. The visitor center was also very nice and the woman who helped me was extremely friendly and knowledgeable.
Beautiful and huge park. I did the Explorer Trail, which is 1.6 mil. I took my dogs with me. They enjoy the walk. Super clean. Make sure to carry your dog poop bag to the parking lot; there is a trash can. There are portable bathrooms.