Hickory Run is a 15,990-acre state park in the western Poconos, best known for the Boulder Field: a flat, 16-acre sea of boulders left by the last ice age, so striking it's a National Natural Landmark. It also has Hawk Falls, a 25-foot waterfall at the end of a rhododendron tunnel, a sandy swimming beach at Sand Spring Lake, and more than 40 miles of trails. Entry is free, like every Pennsylvania state park.
It's one of the closest big outings from our Lake Harmony, Albrightsville and Blakeslee homes, and Lehigh Gorge State Park is right next door.
The Boulder Field
- A flat field of boulders 400 feet wide and 1,800 feet long, 10 to 12 feet deep, with some rocks 26 feet long. It formed about 20,000 years ago, when the glacier stopped a mile to the north and freeze-thaw broke up the bedrock.
- Drive in on the 5-mile one-way dirt Boulder Field Road, or hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Field Trail from the lot off PA 534. The dirt road isn't maintained in winter and is often closed until spring; check with the park first.
- Wear real shoes and go slowly: some rocks wobble. Moving or stacking rocks isn't allowed.
Hawk Falls and the best trails
- Hawk Falls Trail: 0.6 mile through a tunnel of rhododendron to the 25-foot falls. No swimming or picnicking at the falls, and it's often icy in winter.
- Shades of Death Trail: 1 mile along Sand Spring Run past small cascades, dam waterfalls and the remains of 1800s logging mills. Rated most difficult, but one of the park's prettiest.
- Fireline and Skyline Trails: 2.4 and 2.1 miles to overlooks of the Lehigh River and the gorge.
- Fourth Run Trail: 4.8 miles, the park's longest, crossing a native brook trout stream several times.
- Easy walks: the 0.4-mile Nature Trail, the 0.5-mile Beach Trail, Gould Trail (1 mile) and Hickory Run Trail (1.3 miles), one of the best butterfly spots in the park.
- Bikes aren't allowed on Hickory Run's trails; ride the Lehigh Gorge Trail next door instead.
Sand Spring Lake
The park's swimming lake has a sand beach open late May to mid-September, 8 AM to sunset, plus picnic tables, restrooms, a snack bar, a reservable pavilion and a 19-hole disc golf course. Pets aren't allowed in the swimming area. In winter the lake opens for ice skating when the ice is thick enough (it isn't monitored).
Winter at Hickory Run
- About 14 miles of cross-country ski trails and 21 miles of snowmobile trails.
- Ice skating on Sand Spring Lake when conditions allow.
- Trails like Hawk Falls and Shades of Death get icy, so bring traction for your boots.
Good to know
- Open every day, sunrise to sunset. Entry is free; camping and cottages cost extra (reserve at 888-PA-PARKS).
- Dogs on a leash; no alcohol in state parks.
- The visitor center (3 Family Camp Road, White Haven; 272-808-6192) covers both Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge and has a self-guided exhibit hall.
