Hickory Run State Park is a great place to enjoy tons of recreational and relaxing activities. The park is located in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains and it covers a vast area of 15,990 acres. The park can be reached via Interstate 80 and from the Northeastern extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Hickory Run State Park is just a two-three hour drive from Harrisburg Philadelphia and New York. It is an hour away from Allentown, Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.
Things to do in Hickory Run State Park
1. Hiking
Hiking is at the top of ‘things-to-do’ list in Hickory Run State Park. There are 25 hiking trails extending up to 44 miles. The majority of the park trails were created between 1936 and 1945 by the Civilian Conservation Corps under the guidance of the National Park Service.
| Trail | Name of the trail | Trail Length | Difficulty | ideal for |
| A | Beach Trail | 0.5 mile | Easy | Hiking |
| B | Bear Trail | 1.1 mile | Easy | Hiking |
| C | Blue Trail | 1.0 mile | Easy | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| D | Boulder Field Trail | 3.5 miles | Difficult | Hiking |
| E | Deer Trail | 0.5 mile | Easy | Hiking |
| F | Fireline Trail | 2.4 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| G | Fourth Run Trail | 4.8 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| H | Gamewire Trail | 3.3miles | Difficult | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| I | Gould Trail | 1.0 miles | Easy | Hiking |
| J | Hawk Falls Trail | 0.6 miles | Difficult | Hiking |
| K | Hickory Run Trail | 1.3 miles | Easy | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| L | Lake Trail | 0.6 mile | Easy | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| M | Leonardsville Trail | 0.6 mile | Easy | Hiking |
| N | Manor House Trail | 2.2 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| O | Nature Trail | 0.4 miles | Easy | Hiking |
| P | Orchard Trail | 1.2 miles | Difficult | Hiking |
| Q | Pine Hill Trail | 3.9 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| R | Ridge Trail | 1.1 miles | Difficult | Hiking |
| S | Sand Spring Trail | 2.6 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| T | Shades of Death | 1.0 mile | Difficult | Hiking |
| U | Skyline Trail | 2.1 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Cross-Country Skiing |
| V | Stage Trail | 4.5 miles | Difficult | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| W | Stone Trail | 2.4 miles | Easy | Hiking & Snowmobiling |
| X | Switchback Trail | 0.7 mile | Difficult | Hiking |
| Y | Boundary Trail | 1.5 miles | Easy | Hiking |
2. Picnic
Picnic pavilion is set-up near the Sand Spring Lake area of the Hickory Run State Park. You may use the pavilion for up to 11 months by paying a small fee in advance. The best thing about Picnicking at the Hickory Run State Park is, it is free on a first-come, first-served basis meaning a picnic spot can be used for free for a short term if it is unreserved. The Picnic area has hundreds of tables along with grills, drinking water, trashcans, sports equipment and restrooms. In summer you can also access food concession stands in the Picnic Spot.3. Boulder Field
a National Natural Landmark, is located within the Hickory Run State Park. This visually striking landscape covers 400 feet by 1,800 feet in area, and has no vegetation whatsoever. It is believed to have remained this way for over 20,000 years.4. Waterfalls
Waterfalls within the Hickory Run State Park are a spectacle not to be missed. There are a mix of man-made and natural waterfalls. The Hawk Falls is a 25-foot natural waterfall, while the Saylorsville Falls is an extension of the Saylorsville Dam near the entrance of Camp Shehaqua.5. Swimming
Swimming is only allowed in designated areas of Sand Spring Lake in the Hickory Run State Park. The lake also features a sand beach that has a snack bar with sandwiches, drinks, snacks and ice creams on the menu. The beach is open for swimming around eight O’ Clock in the morning to until sunset, in the months of May to Mid-September only.6. Wildlife Watching in Hickory Run State Park
It is a designated mammal and bird area. It has a glaciated side, which is a habitat for Northern Waterthrush, Red-Breasted Nuthatches, and Blackburnian Warblers. The unglaciated side is a habitat to Scarlet Tanagers, American Redstarts and Red-Eyed Vireos. Hickory Run State Park is a prehistoric tundra landscape of permafrost soil, which was once populated by woolly mastodon, bison, and other animals and plants. It has versatile landscapes like hardwood, evergreen forests, riparian areas and fields, which are habitats to a variety of wildlife. Visitors may also spot deer, wood warblers, wild turkeys, black bears, belted kingfishers, rattle snakes, and broad-winged hawks.7. Fishing
Fishing in Hickory Run State Park. It is an angler’s paradise. There are multiple streams and lakes stocked with brook and brown trout, within the park’s boundaries. Some of the top fishing spots in Hickory Run State Park include- Hawk Run, Sand Spring Run, Hickory Run, Fourth Run, Mud Run and Lehigh Run. Fishing enthusiasts can also try other fishing spots near Lake Harmony like- Nescopeck State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Francis E. Walter Dam and State Game Land #187.8. Hunting
Hunting, Trapping and Dog Training are permitted only during established seasons and in designated areas in the Hickory Run State Park. The most common game animals during the hunting season are White-tailed Deer, Turkey, Black Bear and Gray Squirrel. 141, 129, and 40 are some of the adjoining game lands that are open for hunting during the season. Note: Both hunting and fishing require a valid license, which can be obtained online or by visiting a local license issuing agent.9. Disc Golfing
Disc Golfing is perfect for those willing to have some fun and get some exercise. Hickory Run State Park has a 19-hole disc golf course in the Sand Spring Day Use Area. Players willing to play need to get their own recreational equipment and discs. The disc golf course is flat and lightly wooded with crushed stones and basket holes. The disc golf course is about one mile long.10. Geocaching and Orienteering
These are two of the top recreational activities in the Hickory Run State Park area. There are three permanent orienteering courses- beginner (1.5 miles), intermediate (3.4 miles) and advanced (2.5 miles). A high-tech treasure hunting Geocaching game is also conducted in the Hickory Run State Park, where you can use various gadgets and gizmos to lead your team to victory.11. Cross-Country Skiing
It is an awesome experience at Hickory Run State Park. There are 14 miles of designated trails marked by blue blazes exclusively for cross-country skiing. However, there are no equipment and gear rental facilities within the park. Make sure you’ve got your gear ready before you decide to go skiing. The park also provides a winter report that indicates ice and snow depth information.12. Ice Skating
Ice Skating is permitted on the natural ice of Sand Spring Lake during the designated season. However, the ice thickness is not monitored, so be careful and test the ice thickness before you start gliding on the ice. There are no rental services for skating gear and equipment within the Hickory Run State Park, so get your own.13. Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling at the Hickory Run State Park should not be missed when it is in season. There are 21 miles of designated trails for snowmobiling marked with orange blazes. The winter report for the state park provides the information about the ice thickness and the weather conditions. Visitors Center in the Hickory Run State Park is open on all days of the week. The timings are 08:00am to 04:00 pm from Sundays to Thursdays and 08:00 am to 06:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. It features a 2,400 square-foot, self-guided exhibit that portrays the parks’ natural, historical and cultural characters including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)-era origins. You can interact with staff to learn more about the parks and attend educational programs conducted in the Visitors Center. Other Amenities within the Hickory Run State Park- Amphitheater
- Camping Grounds
- Seasonal Food and Refreshment Concession
- ADA Accessible Sites and Activities
- Parking
- Camp Store
- Playground
- Recycling Station
Places to Stay near Hickory Run State Park
There are multiple options to choose from if you want to stay in the Hickory Run State Park like Camping Grounds, Lodges and Camping Cottages. However, if you are planning to visit during a peak season and/or want to have all the comforts of your home while you enjoy Hickory Run State Park, you can choose HolidayKeepers. We have the best accommodation options around Hickory Run State Park including luxurious villas, cottages, cabins and rental homes. We have fully functional kitchens along with private pools, Jacuzzis, spacious living areas and luxurious bedrooms. Get in touch with our team for bookings and more information.FAQ
Is the trail Slippery to hike in Hawk falls?
Yes. It is a bit difficult to hike in Hawk falls. Make sure you take all the safety measures while hiking to Hawk falls.
Are there shops where we can buy or hire skiing equipment?
There are no such facilities available here, you will have to bring your skiing equipment.
Which wild animals are spotted in Hickory Run State?
You can spot deer, wood warblers, wild turkeys, black bears, belted kingfishers, rattlesnakes, broad-winged hawks, etc.
Are there swimming spots here?
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of Sand Spring Lake in the Hickory Run State Park. The beach is open for swimming from around eight O’Clock in the morning until sunset, from May to Mid-September only.
Are there eatables near the sand beach?
Yes. The beach features a snack bar with sandwiches, drinks, snacks, and ice creams on the menu.
