Here’s What You Need to See at Hickory Run State Park
The Poconos is home to nine state parks, two national parks, and countless other recreation areas. With so much outdoor adventure to choose from, it can be hard to know which parks you should visit during your trip to the Poconos. We recommend Hickory Run State Park! This nearly 16,000-acre state park is nestled in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Explore every inch of this large park via miles of hiking trails, cross-country skiing, and more!
When you’re ready to start planning your trip, access our free Pocono Mountains Vacation Guide! This resource is filled with local insight on what to explore during your trip to our area.
Top 3 Sights at Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park is one of the best spots for Poconos sightseeing! From forested hiking trails to a National Natural Landmark, this state park is filled with beauty. Here are three of our favorite things to do and see at Hickory Run State Park!
1. Boulder Field
Boulder Field is the most popular attraction at Hickory Run State Park. This landmark is an expansive plot of flat land that’s completely covered by large boulders. Over the last 20,000 years, the landscape has remained untouched by vegetation, which makes it somewhat of an anomaly. It’s designated as a National Natural Landmark to preserve the field’s integrity.
2. Hawk Falls
Hickory Run State Park contains approximately 40 miles of hiking trails. With so much ground to cover, how can you know which hikes you must do? We’ll let you in on a secret. The hike to Hawk Falls is our favorite! The one-mile route leads to an incredible Poconos waterfall! This 25-foot waterfall is truly an awe-inspiring sight.
3. Shades of Death
Shades of Death Trail is another excellent hike in Hickory Run State Park! This 2.2-mile trail is perfect for hikers of all skill levels, as it only has 282 feet of elevation gain. However, you can still see some amazing sights here. This trail boasts lush forests and even a waterfall!
Things to do at Hickory Run State Park
- Ice Skating – The Sand Spring Lake freezes over creating a natural ice for ice skating. Before you go ice skating, make sure to test ice skating with an auger so you don’t fall into the freezing water! Four inches of solid ice is the minimum recommended thickness for one person while seven inches is the minimum for a small group.
- Disc golf – There is a challenging 19-hole disc golf course within the park where you can play for free on a one mile loop.
- Cross-Country Skiing – There are 14 miles of designated cross-country skiing trails at Hickory Run State Park with blue blazes. The trails are not groomed and you will have to bring your own equipment as there are no loans or rentals.
Stay at Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi
It’s easy to visit Hickory Run State Park when you stay at Mountaintop Lodge at Lake Naomi. Our lodge is just a 20-minute drive from this large park, so you can explore all that it has to offer! Then, rest your legs in one of our accommodations.
Consider a stay in our Owaissa Suite. This two-bedroom suite has two twin-size beds, a queen-size bed, a private bathroom, and a common living area. The Owaissa Suite is perfect for families, small groups, or couples who simply want more space!
Check our availability to start planning your trip!
