Pennsylvania is known as the Keystone State because it connects the greater Northeast to the rest of the United States, so no matter your destination, most road trippers eventually find themselves traveling down at least some of the state’s 283 miles from east to west.

Whether it’s your final destination or you’re merely passing through, Pennsylvania has plenty of pet-friendly parks, attractions and other activities that are worth checking out with your furry friends. These are a few of our favorites. 

Gettysburg National Military Park

This quaint Central Pennsylvania town has embraced its historical roots like almost no other in the country with many restaurants, hotels and other local establishments honoring the decor, dress, food and more from the Civil War era, when as many as 50,000 perished on the town’s 6,000 acres of farmland.

Katie Lawhon, a national park ranger and senior advisor for Gettysburg National Military Park, says strolling this land is both moving and enlightening. For your dog, it’s 6,000 acres of open land — a dream come true.

If you can’t cover the entire park, Lawhon says you might want to check out the two monuments that feature canines prominently.

“The 11th Pennsylvania Monument is a sculpture of Sally the dog, who was with the regiment in battle,” Lawhon says. “And the Irish Brigade Monument has an Irish Wolfhound on it, but this one is more emblematic. It’s not believed that [the soldiers] had one with them.”

Independence National Historical Park

There’s more essential American history in the nation’s first capital—Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love—and among this location’s most iconic spots are Independence Hall (where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were debated) and the Liberty Bell.

While your dog can’t go inside the park’s buildings, you and he are encouraged to stroll the park’s 55 acres—arguably the most patriotic walk in the country.

Knoebels Amusement Resort

Knoebels Amusement Resort, located in Elysburg (about an hour north of Hershey), is the largest free-admission park in the country, and it’s as pet-friendly as you can get.

“Perhaps the most unique aspect of the park is that there are a few rides you can enjoy with your pet,” says Stacie Ososkie, public relations manager for Knoebels.

The park also offers free pet waste bags and water stations throughout the park. If you visit, consider early September when the park hosts its annual Crystal Pool Doggie Dive — an event where dogs can swim and families can enjoy a fun day with lots of food and other local vendors. Ososkie says nearly 500 dogs attended this year’s event and that all money raised is donated to local animal rescues and other Pennsylvania programs and organizations dedicated to helping pets.

Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway

The ride on this scenic railway is relatively short — 70 minutes round trip every month of the year except October, when it’s truncated to 45 minutes — but the scenery is spectacular.

Catch the train with your dog in Jim Thorpe (about 90 minutes north of Philadelphia) and ride along the Lehigh River, past the falls at Glen Onoko, and into Lehigh Gorge State Park. It’s a great trip for the whole family.

Crossing Vineyards & Winery

Crossing Vineyards’ president and co-founder, Tom Carroll Jr., says the Newtown-based winery (located about a half hour north of Philadelphia) became pet-friendly when he wanted company in the vineyard.

“We got Siggy — a Great Dane. She’s our protector of the vines and unofficial assistant winemaker,” Carroll says.

Shortly after Siggy’s arrival, the winery officially allowed people to bring their dogs along with them to stroll the vineyards or enjoy a taste of some of Crossing’s 24 wines.

Carroll says the vineyard hosts events all year long, including themed dinners and parties for Halloween, Christmas and Valentine’s Day. While you can visit any time of year, Carroll says harvest time is arguably the most popular. “The smell of the grapes on the vine is incredible,” he says. “There’s just nothing like it.”

Bushkill Falls

The “Niagra of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls is smack in the middle of the Pocono Mountains in the northeastern part of the state.

The main falls are about 100 feet high, but you and your dog can enjoy also seven other waterfalls that can be reached via four lovely hiking trails. Dogs are required to stay on leash, but they can walk all the trails and also enjoy the park’s picnic area.

Bushkill Falls is open from April until October or November, weather permitting.

The Paupack Blueberry Farm

Just east of Scranton, this 20-acre farm grows 25 different varieties of blueberries. Pick some of each kind with your dog and don’t forget to grab some jam from their on-site store or some scones, muffins, and pies from the on-site bakery.

Presque Isle

This state park is located in Pennsylvania’s underrated northwestern corner on the shores of Lake Erie. There you’ll find 11 different beaches, as well as a lighthouse, several walking trails, and plenty of other activities including kiting, biking, fishing and kayaking. While your dog can’t participate in them all — the park has designated pet-friendly zones — there are several trails and beaches that you can enjoy with your dog.