Hickory Run State Park
Explore over 40 miles of trails, a unique Boulder Field, and beautiful waterfalls in this expansive Pennsylvania park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Hickory Run State Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore over 40 miles of trails, a unique Boulder Field, and beautiful waterfalls in this expansive Pennsylvania park.
"A large state park with beautiful nature surrounding it and spacious areas for recreation."
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download maps before you go to avoid getting lost.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
Essential for navigating the uneven terrain of the Boulder Field and trails.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hickory Run Boulder Field
Boulder Field Trail
Explore one of the largest boulder fields in the Appalachian region, a unique geological wonder formed during the Ice Age.
Hawk Falls
Hawk Falls Trail
An easy out-and-back hike leads to this mesmerizing waterfall, perfect for families and quick nature escapes.
Shades of Death Trail
Shades of Death Trail
Discover multiple cascades and beautiful views on this scenic trail, offering a refreshing natural experience.
Hickory Run Lake
Swimming Area
Enjoy a refreshing swim in the lake's designated areas, a popular spot for families during warmer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Boulder Field
Connectivity & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download maps before you go to avoid getting lost.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
Essential for navigating the uneven terrain of the Boulder Field and trails.
Pack Snacks & Water :water_wave:
Limited food options, especially at the pool. Bring your own to stay energized.
Visitor Center First :information_desk:
Get maps and info; exhibits are great for kids.
Tips
from all over the internet
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Cell service is spotty. Download maps before you go to avoid getting lost.
Sturdy Footwear is Key :athletic_shoe:
Essential for navigating the uneven terrain of the Boulder Field and trails.
Pack Snacks & Water :water_wave:
Limited food options, especially at the pool. Bring your own to stay energized.
Visitor Center First :information_desk:
Get maps and info; exhibits are great for kids.
Watch for Wildlife :snake:
Be aware of snakes, especially in the Boulder Field.
Dog-Friendly (Mostly) :dog:
Park is largely dog-friendly, but not on the beach. Keep dogs leashed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Hickory Run State Park for its stunning natural beauty, unique geological features like the Boulder Field, and beautiful waterfalls. The park offers a variety of activities, from hiking and swimming to picnicking, making it a great destination for families and nature lovers. However, some reviewers note the challenging access to the Boulder Field via a bumpy road and limited on-site dining options.
"Had a wonderful time visiting Hickory Run State Park—just about a two-hour drive with beautiful, scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, the staff at the visitor center were kind and helpful, guiding us toward Hawk Falls and the Boulder Field. The center itself was clean, well-maintained, and even had EV chargers available.
Hiking to Hawk Falls was a moderate trek. The path down was mostly downhill with uneven terrain, so it required careful footing. The return hike was uphill and a good reminder to pace yourself, but it was worth it. The rocks near the falls were large and easy to walk across, making for some amazing photo opportunities.
The Boulder Field was a short drive away, first on the highway and then along a bumpy dirt road. Once there, informational signs explained how the field was formed during the Ice Age. Climbing across the massive rocks was both fun and challenging—definitely keep your hands free for balance in case a boulder shifts.
Overall, it was a fantastic first visit. I’m already looking forward to returning for more hiking and to explore the park’s camping options."
Mariah Eshelman
"A large state park with beautiful nature surrounding it and spacious areas recreation. They have picking areas, a seasonal swimming area, a fishing lake, and of course the boulder field plus so much more. Could spend multiple days exploring the great out doors here."
Amusement Unknown
"The park offers a lot to do, is mostly dog friendly, and the campground is ok. The hikes to the waterfalls were lovely even in the rain. The Boulder Field was fun and unique but be prepared for a long drive on a dirt road with lots of potholes to get there. The swimming lake was nice and lots of area to swim. I especially liked that it was smoke-free. There’s three divided large swimming sections. A cute lil goose family was swimming along with us humans. No dogs on the beach, but there’s grass and trees nearby where I stayed with my dog. Of course there’s people that don’t listen and bring their dog on the beach and hike with their dog off leash, which is disappointing.
The food is over priced by the pool and only one person works there and she’s slow and unable to multi-task. I think I waited 15 minutes for my ice cream with only one person in front of me who also just ordered one ice cream. The soft serve was very delicious and worth it!
If you want to tent camp, sites 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 are the nicest and most secluded. Sites 298, 299, and 301 are right by the busy road. A lot of the other sites are hit or miss: small, too close together, no shade, muddy, etc. The campground appears a bit neglected with tall grass, damaged trees, falling apart picnic tables, and lots of closed sites. The water didn’t work by my site and there’s no running water in the bathroom, just a port a potty type toilet. If u need to shower you must drive to the other campground.
The camp store is small but very well-stocked with anything you might need. But beware, they sold me firewood that was wet and fresh and did not burn well.
People have zero respect for quiet hours, but I complained to the park ranger and the next night and morning it was so quiet, the rangers do a great job! Alcohol is not permitted in the park or campground, but again, people didn’t listen to that either.
The new visitor center is very nice. They did close at least an hour early on Saturday night. They warned everyone about bears in the area and were great with advice but I didn’t see any."
Ania Banania
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hickory Run State Park is located in Carbon County, PA, about a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia. 
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Hickory Run State Park. It is best accessed by car.
Due to unreliable cell service, it's highly recommended to download offline maps of the park before your visit. The park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails.
Hickory Run State Park is generally free to enter, making it a great budget-friendly destination.
Hickory Run State Park is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Philadelphia, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hickory Run State Park does not have an entrance fee, making it a completely free destination for visitors.
Hickory Run State Park is open year-round, but specific facilities like the visitor center and swimming areas have seasonal hours. It's advisable to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, camping reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. You can typically book campsites through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.
Generally, no special permits are required for day-use activities like hiking and picnicking. However, if you plan on specific activities like group events or organized camping, it's best to inquire with park management.
The Visitor Center has seasonal hours and may close early on Saturdays. It's best to confirm their operating times before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Don't miss the unique Boulder Field, the picturesque Hawk Falls, and the scenic Shades of Death Trail. The park also features Hickory Run Lake for swimming and numerous hiking trails.
The hike to Hawk Falls is an easy 1.7-mile out-and-back trail, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with children.
The Boulder Field is a vast expanse of massive rocks, a geological marvel formed during the Ice Age. It's a fun but challenging area to explore, requiring careful footing and balance.
Yes, Hickory Run Lake has a seasonal swimming area. It's a popular spot for families, with three divided sections for swimming. Dogs are not permitted on the beach.
The park is largely dog-friendly, with many trails allowing dogs. However, dogs are not permitted on the swimming beach. Ensure your dog is leashed at all times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options within the park are limited. There is a concession stand by the pool, but it can be slow and overpriced. It's recommended to bring your own food and snacks.
For more extensive dining options, you'll need to travel to nearby towns like Jim Thorpe or White Haven, which offer a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, making it a great option for enjoying a meal amidst nature.
No, alcohol is not permitted in Hickory Run State Park or its campground.
The concession stand by the pool offers items like soft-serve ice cream, which was noted as delicious.
📸 📸 Photography
The Boulder Field offers unique geological formations for dramatic shots. Hawk Falls and the cascades along the Shades of Death Trail provide beautiful waterfall photography opportunities.
Yes, the rocks near Hawk Falls are large and easy to walk across, providing excellent vantage points for photos.
Nature photography, landscape shots, and even elopement photography are popular, capturing the park's natural beauty.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits, so it's best to check with park management.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create softer, more dramatic lighting for waterfall photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Visitor Center offers engaging exhibits that kids will love and provides valuable information about the park. During the summer, the Hickory Run Lake swimming area is a big hit for cooling off.Many of the park's hiking trails are dog-friendly, so your furry family members can join in on the fun, though they aren't allowed on the beach.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
and Shades of Death Trail.+1 The park offers a variety of terrains, from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. Be prepared for limited cell service by downloading offline maps before your visit.
🚗 Day-Trippers
You can easily experience several highlights in a single day, such as the Boulder Field and Hawk Falls. The park's free admission makes it a budget-friendly choice for a quick escape into nature.To maximize your day, plan your route in advance and download offline maps, as cell service is unreliable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Hickory Run
and the Shades of Death Trail, a 2.2-mile loop known for its multiple cascades and scenic terrain.+1 For a more challenging adventure, the Boulder Field Trail offers a longer trek to the park's most famous geological feature. Many visitors enjoy combining these trails for a comprehensive park experience. When planning your hikes, remember that cell service is unreliable, so downloading offline maps is crucial for navigation.
Some visitors have noted that even trails marked as difficult, like the Shades of Death trail, can be manageable for those with less hiking experience, taking about an hour out-and-back.
The Unique Boulder Field
Climbing and exploring the Boulder Field is a unique experience, but it requires caution. The rocks are massive and can be unstable, so it's important to maintain balance and be aware of your surroundings.
Some visitors have reported encountering snakes in the Boulder Field, so it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and avoid disturbing any wildlife.
Family Fun and Activities
The Visitor Center is also a hit with families, featuring engaging exhibits and helpful information about the park's attractions.During warmer months, Hickory Run Lake provides a refreshing escape with its designated swimming area.
Beyond hiking and swimming, the park offers opportunities for fishing and exploring its vast natural landscapes. The combination of accessible trails, recreational areas, and educational resources makes Hickory Run State Park an ideal spot for a family day trip or a longer camping getaway.
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