i think my gf and i will have a 3 day weekend and we wanted to do a little backpacking. just wondering what is the best trip within about 5 hrs of philly. preferably a loop something with nice views and is dog friendly. we are in good shape and can do about 13-15 miles a day

there's plenty of loop options in the Catskills--the slide, wittenberg, panther mountain route is nice...

Check out this link http://www.catskillguide.com/hiking.htm for info.

The Allegheny front trail is a 40 mile loop and is within a few hours of Philly:

http://www.alleghenyfronttrail.info/

The thunder swamp trail is a 30ish mile loop near the Delaware Water Gap (1.5 hrs north of Philly):

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/hiking/thunder.aspx

Another option is to do some of the AT and shuttle back.

Dolly Sods in WV is just over 5 hours and has some good loop options:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/mnf/sp/dolly_sods_wilderness.htm

70miles (though can be shorter; southern and middle sections best). Great views, and snow should still be around.

Edited by joegeib on 02/02/2009 20:56:51 MST.

I do not know much about your area, but I AM impressed with your rock climbing dog.

Thanks Michael he is very impressive dog, especially if he is not gassy he can really make a tent unpleasant. But thanks everyone for your help turns out we won't be hiking that weekend as my girl is the best and is sending me to see phish with one of my friends