Hickory Run State Park
4.7(4.7K)google
4.4(96)yelp
Hiking TrailCampingSwimmingScenic LookoutFamilyOutdoorPhotography SpotMust-SeeRock FormationForestWaterfall
Overview
Hickory Run State Park is a 15,990-acre (6,471 ha) Pennsylvania state park in Kidder and Penn Forest Townships in Carbon County, Pennsylvania in the United States. The park is spread across the Pocono Mountains. The park is easily accessible from Interstate 476 and Interstate 80.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeMid-October foliage is phenomenal for walking the trails. Head to the state park's crown jewel National Natural Landmark—the Boulder Field—early between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM; morning mist rolling over the multi-mile expanse of millions of massive glacial boulders as the rising sun pierces the surrounding red maples provides a surreal, alien-like visual clarity.
Getting ThereLocated near White Haven at 3613 State Route 534. Driving a car is mandatory: take the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension (I-476) to Exit 95, follow PA-940 W west briefly, and turn left south onto PA-534 S deep into the state park loop. Follow the narrow, unpaved Boulder Field Road for 3 miles to its circular dead end free gravel lot.
Travel Tips
- The landmark Boulder Field is a massive, unstable expanse composed of ancient glacial rocks, posing a high risk for ankle fractures and deep soft-tissue trauma; the DCNR strictly bars soft-soled running shoes, sandals, or slides, mandating high-top hiking boots with aggressive slip-resistant treads.
- The Boulder Field geographical basin constitutes a total cell service blindspot across all wireless networks; downloading precise offline mapping layers before clearing I-80 Exit 144 or PA-534 is vital. In the event of an emergency or physical injury, look for the designated hardwired emergency call boxes positioned along the access lane.
- The ultra-scenic 1-mile Shades of Death Trail features water dynamics that generate severe parking gridlock at its micro-lot during peak weekend daylight hours; execute your trek prior to 7:30 AM or past 4:00 PM to bypass parking blockades and secure perfect low-angle light dispersion across the stream cascades.
Reviews
Positive
- The Boulder Field is amazing! It's a massive natural expanse of glacial rocks, and scrambling across them offers a fantastic adventure.
- The park has an excellent trail network; trails like Hawk Falls are beautifully shaded, moderately challenging, and scenic throughout.
- Features great campgrounds and clean picnic areas, plus a modern visitor center with wonderful geology exhibits and pristine restrooms.
- Completely free to the public as a state park with ample parking, making it a perfect spot for raw nature, hiking, and family gatherings.
Heads up
- The Boulder Field can be hazardous; there are deep gaps between loose rocks where it is easy to twist an ankle, unsuitable for seniors and young kids.
- On busy summer weekends, parking lots near Hawk Falls and the Boulder Field fill up fast, forcing latecomers to park illegally or wait far away.
- Cell service is incredibly poor or completely dead deep in the park; if you haven't downloaded offline maps, it's easy to get lost on trails.
- There are few trash cans along the trails due to the 'carry-in, carry-out' policy, unfortunately leading to litter on the paths by careless hikers.