Rattlesnake Swamp Trail

Dogs on a leash all year

Woodland loop on the Kittatinny Ridge near Catfish Pond. Dogs on a leash.

Source: National Park Service, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: Pets. Checked October 29, 2026.

Route shown on the map: about 3.6 km of trail as mapped in OpenStreetMap. Trails can include side paths, so check the park map for the walk you plan.

Follow the signs at the trailhead: parks can close areas to dogs for wildlife.

Show on the map

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area: the rule in full

Over 150 miles of trails, most of them pet-friendly, on a leash of 6 feet or less. Carry pet waste off the trail.

Dog walks nearby

• Van Campens Glen TrailDogs on a leash all year
• Buttermilk Falls TrailDogs on a leash all year

Nearby beaches

• Sandy Hook ocean beachesNo dogs from March 15 to September 15. Dogs on a leash the rest of the time
• Asbury Park Dog BeachNo dogs 9am to 6pm, from May 16 to September 14. Off-leash dogs allowed midnight to 9am and 6pm to midnight, from May 16 to September 14. Off-leash dogs allowed from September 15 to May 15. No dogs the rest of the time
• Sea Girt BeachDogs on a leash from October 1 to March 14. No dogs the rest of the time
• Manasquan beachDogs on a leash from October 1 to April 15. No dogs the rest of the time
• Point Pleasant BeachDogs on a leash from October 1 to April 30. No dogs midnight to 8am and 3pm to midnight, from October 1 to April 30. No dogs the rest of the time