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Honestly had NO idea that Pennsylvania had so many waterfalls until I did a Google search. When my search yielded a whole bunch, I found myself intrigued by Hickory Run State Park as the home of Hawk Falls, a 25-ft. natural waterfall. It wasn't exactly on our way home but we'd never been there and wanted to visit a new, unexplored area for me & my hubby. So that's what we did. The drive from Reading to Hickory Run State Park was scenic & beautiful and we had no traffic. Hawk Falls is accessible via a short hike via the Hawk Falls trail. As we meandered through the canopy of endless rhododendrons, we couldn't help but imagine how beautiful they must be when in bloom. The trail itself is not difficult and so well shaded that it's quite enjoyable on a hot summer day. There's so much to see IF you take your time. And everyone we encountered along the trail was super friendly and nice, which is just an added bonus. Once at the Hawk Falls you are treated to a beautiful natural waterfall that is totally worth the short hike. Plenty of photo opps with rocks for you to just sit and/or pose on. Be sure to take some moments to just soak it all in. The sights and sounds of nature are there for the taking. Take it and savor it all!!! You will be glad you did.
I started camping here around the pandemic. My wife was never a camper but since 2019 when all her hobbies(drinking, eating, shows, bars) were laid to waste we had to think of some new ways to get away. We chose building puzzles and camping as our new hobbies. This place is great. Super easy to check into and no one bothers you. They don't seem to book spots right next to one another which is nice. The visitors center is one of the nicest I've seen in a state park. The shades of death trail is a great hike. We aren't avid hikers so take that with a grain of salt. It's not really easy. We take our dog on it.
This was my second trip hiking and it was well worth it. Somehow, I decided to do the Shades of Death Trail. The path wasn't clear and I could tell it was not a beginners trail but finding a river, waterfall and dam were well worth it!
We explored to Shades of Death Trail in Hickory Run State Park yesterday afternoon. It was very shady, plenty of hiking done and mini stops when you see some waterfalls along the way. Hiking shoes would be best because on the hike, there are a lot of uprooted trees. It looked like a cool scene, just be careful not to roll your ankle and watch where you are going. Some rocks aren't steady in place, check before you step on a few to follow the trail. We saw people swim by the waterfalls or the random water spots. If you plan to swim, pack a bathing suit (or wear one) and the water looked refreshing. We took a few breaks to touch the water to cool down and wished we could have jumped in if we had a change of clothes. The hike was short, but a good one to just explore. This was probably the first hike I ever saw that much shade (it lived up to its name). I would definitely come back next time and it helped with the humidity.
In attempts to get out of the city and get some well needed fresh air, my family and I headed up to Hickory Runs State Park (about 2 hours from Philly) to hike, check out the waterfall and boulder field. We started at the boulder field, and were able to find a parking spot in the very right parking lot, and spent about 30 minutes there and headed back to the car to drive down to the park entrance closer to Hawk Falls. You can also hike from the boulder field down to Hawk Falls, but all of us were very worried about breaking an ankle trying to cross the giant field of rocks. We headed down to the trailhead closest to Hawk Falls and hiked downward. The decline was well marked and traveled to the waterfall, but we only spend about 20 minutes around the actual falls because it was too crowded amidst the pandemic. We wandered around and found another trail along the river which lead into a more difficult, lesser traveled path and we really enjoyed that adventure. Honestly it was a great afternoon. My family consists of very athletic individuals and novices like myself, and we were all challenged but not overtly exhausted on the trek back up to the parking lot. Would highly recommend, but maybe not on a crowded weekend.
Nice little park with hiking trails, some parking to the side of the road, and a waterfall (Hawk Falls) that you can climb over and around with crystal-clear water and calm despite being able to see the highway from various points. If going just to the falls, you can use Hawk Falls Parking in google and find the closest spot. From parking lot , you'll cross over a footbridge and walk by to an area where you can hear the falls off to the edge of the main pathway (you'll see a random half-worn path to boulders and hear the waterfall) but you can also double-back from a sandy bar area. Easy hiking for the main hike to the falls, the paths are small and narrow, though, so not easy to social distance on some portions with people passing right by you going the other direction. Many of the other trails are smaller and less well-traveled once you get past the falls. Lots of people here with their dogs.
Wow wow wow!! Just came back from camping at site 314 this weekend and had an absolute blast. Definitely on my list of places to come back to and camp. The site we were at was large and included a picnic table and fire ring. When we checked in we were also warned that it is bear country but following the rules was easy enough. The only problem with the loop I was in was the vault toilets but it looks like they are building a bath house so hopefully next summer this is not a problem. I had the shades of death hike on my bucket list for over a year and I walked there from my site which was so enjoyable and beautiful. A little tricky but my dog and I were able to handle it. I drove over to the boulder field because it was a long hike from my site but it was SO cool! Definitely a must see if you come here. I also did the Hawk Falls hike which is short but worth it! Jim Thorpe is close enough so you can drive into town and check out some restaurants if that's your fancy. I would recommend Annie's Ice Cream (would be perfect after a long day of hiking). Can't wait to make another camping reservation to come back!!
If you like the outdoors, hiking, geocaching or anything of the sort then boy is this the place for you! Heck, if you don't like those things than this may be the park that changes your mind. This huge park in the poconos has it all! There were so many unique and fun trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and geocaches to discover. I would definitely recommend the hike to hawk falls. Only 0.6 miles long, this trail is great for the most experienced hiker to those that rarely get off the couch. You can explore the falls from so many angles for some great views, fantastic spot! I would also recommend the boulder field. It is a very uniquely huge field of boulders in the middle of the forest. Great place to explore and climb around for people of all ages. For the experienced hiker there is a 3.5 mile one way hike there, but if you don't want to spend all day getting there and pack you can take the scenic drive up to the parking lot and use your energy to explore the field. The park office staff were very knowledgable and helpful. If you are anywhere near the poconos, make sure you check out this park!
Shared Labor Day weekend with my hubby here. I have been coming since I was a kid. Many scout trips in the tent area as a youth and adult leader. Trails are all close by and well marked and fun. It would be nice if the letter trail key was located on the maps but we figured it out. Creek walking shoes are a good idea and bring along hydration. It was great to see so many people using this resource. Include a trip to Jim Thorpe while your here and possible a raft trip on the gorge. Campground has electric in some sites, RVs fit right in with tents and pop ups. Make sure your honest about your slide out and RV length, the staff will get you in a site that fits. Campground is kept as natural as possible, not removing trees and surrounding ground cover. It was lovely to see the ferns and local plant and animal life enjoying themselves next to the humans. We salute the park system here!!!!
I was staying in the area for the weekend and since I love to hike we can here. I didn't get to do a real hike since the people I was with didn't feel like it but at least we got to walk around and see the beautiful foliage. This park its huge and it took us forever to find the exit but at least we got to enjoy the scenery. There were some people walking around taking pictures, some camping and others just walking their dogs. Overall this place its beautiful and it doesn't matter what's your reason to come here you will enjoy yourself. If I ever around again I will for sure come and do an actual hike to explore what else this park has to offer.
Great park to see some salamanders in the spring. Drove there on the weekend and wasn't disappointed except for the fact that it was a bit rainy. Did not go to Boulder Field this time but walked some trails. We basically had the place to ourselves but I bet it is much different in the warmer weather.
I've camped at Hickory Run a few times and although this time there were some updates, there were some major downfalls. I stayed in the organized group camping area and loved how the sites that we booked allowed for plenty of tents to spread out within your group. We stayed in J, K and L. Last year there were porter potties and this year there was a bathhouse. Sadly there were no showers, the family bathroom was locked all weekend, and maintence getting to the bathroom was not good. Wehad to walk through a field of knee high grass to get there. During peak tick season, this was not ideal. Lastly, quiet hours apparently do not exist this is area of camping. Groups around us were chanting and singing before 5am and had an intense volleyball match at 6am. Boyscotts camped near us and were up late screaming until 12am. There needs to be more ranger presence, this truly altered our experience. The state park itself has great hiking and swimming area but the organized group sites were very mismanaged. read more
2 years ago
Who doesn't love Pennsylvania, and its beautiful state parks, waterfalls and nature itself. Visiting in town, and discovered this park, and Hawk Falls. The hike was moderate, highly recommend hiking boots, as its down hill short trial, but well worth the view of the 25 foot water fall. Perfect early week activity, and best of all was free to visit, not like the state parks in NY. read more
1 year ago
A great place to hike with beautiful trails, well marked and we'll maintained. A busier trail and probably one of its best is the Shades of Death trail. Wonderful water falls, not too hard, but usually pretty busy. Fireline trail is a nice quieter with some good views. read more
Honestly had NO idea that Pennsylvania had so many waterfalls until I did a Google search. When my search yielded a whole bunch, I found myself intrigued by Hickory Run State Park as the home of Hawk Falls, a 25-ft. natural waterfall. It wasn't exactly on our way home but we'd never been there and wanted to visit a new, unexplored area for me & my hubby. So that's what we did. The drive from Reading to Hickory Run State Park was scenic & beautiful and we had no traffic. Hawk Falls is accessible via a short hike via the Hawk Falls trail. As we meandered through the canopy of endless rhododendrons, we couldn't help but imagine how beautiful they must be when in bloom. The trail itself is not difficult and so well shaded that it's quite enjoyable on a hot summer day. There's so much to see IF you take your time. And everyone we encountered along the trail was super friendly and nice, which is just an added bonus. Once at the Hawk Falls you are treated to a beautiful natural waterfall that is totally worth the short hike. Plenty of photo opps with rocks for you to just sit and/or pose on. Be sure to take some moments to just soak it all in. The sights and sounds of nature are there for the taking. Take it and savor it all!!! You will be glad you did. read more
I started camping here around the pandemic. My wife was never a camper but since 2019 when all her hobbies(drinking, eating, shows, bars) were laid to waste we had to think of some new ways to get away. We chose building puzzles and camping as our new hobbies. This place is great. Super easy to check into and no one bothers you. They don't seem to book spots right next to one another which is nice. The visitors center is one of the nicest I've seen in a state park. The shades of death trail is a great hike. We aren't avid hikers so take that with a grain of salt. It's not really easy. We take our dog on it. read more
This was my second trip hiking and it was well worth it. Somehow, I decided to do the Shades of Death Trail. The path wasn't clear and I could tell it was not a beginners trail but finding a river, waterfall and dam were well worth it! read more
We explored to Shades of Death Trail in Hickory Run State Park yesterday afternoon. It was very shady, plenty of hiking done and mini stops when you see some waterfalls along the way. Hiking shoes would be best because on the hike, there are a lot of uprooted trees. It looked like a cool scene, just be careful not to roll your ankle and watch where you are going. Some rocks aren't steady in place, check before you step on a few to follow the trail. We saw people swim by the waterfalls or the random water spots. If you plan to swim, pack a bathing suit (or wear one) and the water looked refreshing. We took a few breaks to touch the water to cool down and wished we could have jumped in if we had a change of clothes. The hike was short, but a good one to just explore. This was probably the first hike I ever saw that much shade (it lived up to its name). I would definitely come back next time and it helped with the humidity. read more
In attempts to get out of the city and get some well needed fresh air, my family and I headed up to Hickory Runs State Park (about 2 hours from Philly) to hike, check out the waterfall and boulder field. We started at the boulder field, and were able to find a parking spot in the very right parking lot, and spent about 30 minutes there and headed back to the car to drive down to the park entrance closer to Hawk Falls. You can also hike from the boulder field down to Hawk Falls, but all of us were very worried about breaking an ankle trying to cross the giant field of rocks. We headed down to the trailhead closest to Hawk Falls and hiked downward. The decline was well marked and traveled to the waterfall, but we only spend about 20 minutes around the actual falls because it was too crowded amidst the pandemic. We wandered around and found another trail along the river which lead into a more difficult, lesser traveled path and we really enjoyed that adventure. Honestly it was a great afternoon. My family consists of very athletic individuals and novices like myself, and we were all challenged but not overtly exhausted on the trek back up to the parking lot. Would highly recommend, but maybe not on a crowded weekend. read more
Nice little park with hiking trails, some parking to the side of the road, and a waterfall (Hawk Falls) that you can climb over and around with crystal-clear water and calm despite being able to see the highway from various points. If going just to the falls, you can use Hawk Falls Parking in google and find the closest spot. From parking lot , you'll cross over a footbridge and walk by to an area where you can hear the falls off to the edge of the main pathway (you'll see a random half-worn path to boulders and hear the waterfall) but you can also double-back from a sandy bar area. Easy hiking for the main hike to the falls, the paths are small and narrow, though, so not easy to social distance on some portions with people passing right by you going the other direction. Many of the other trails are smaller and less well-traveled once you get past the falls. Lots of people here with their dogs. read more
Wow wow wow!! Just came back from camping at site 314 this weekend and had an absolute blast. Definitely on my list of places to come back to and camp. The site we were at was large and included a picnic table and fire ring. When we checked in we were also warned that it is bear country but following the rules was easy enough. The only problem with the loop I was in was the vault toilets but it looks like they are building a bath house so hopefully next summer this is not a problem. I had the shades of death hike on my bucket list for over a year and I walked there from my site which was so enjoyable and beautiful. A little tricky but my dog and I were able to handle it. I drove over to the boulder field because it was a long hike from my site but it was SO cool! Definitely a must see if you come here. I also did the Hawk Falls hike which is short but worth it! Jim Thorpe is close enough so you can drive into town and check out some restaurants if that's your fancy. I would recommend Annie's Ice Cream (would be perfect after a long day of hiking). Can't wait to make another camping reservation to come back!! read more
If you like the outdoors, hiking, geocaching or anything of the sort then boy is this the place for you! Heck, if you don't like those things than this may be the park that changes your mind. This huge park in the poconos has it all! There were so many unique and fun trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and geocaches to discover. I would definitely recommend the hike to hawk falls. Only 0.6 miles long, this trail is great for the most experienced hiker to those that rarely get off the couch. You can explore the falls from so many angles for some great views, fantastic spot! I would also recommend the boulder field. It is a very uniquely huge field of boulders in the middle of the forest. Great place to explore and climb around for people of all ages. For the experienced hiker there is a 3.5 mile one way hike there, but if you don't want to spend all day getting there and pack you can take the scenic drive up to the parking lot and use your energy to explore the field. The park office staff were very knowledgable and helpful. If you are anywhere near the poconos, make sure you check out this park! read more
7 years ago
Shared Labor Day weekend with my hubby here. I have been coming since I was a kid. Many scout trips in the tent area as a youth and adult leader. Trails are all close by and well marked and fun. It would be nice if the letter trail key was located on the maps but we figured it out. Creek walking shoes are a good idea and bring along hydration. It was great to see so many people using this resource. Include a trip to Jim Thorpe while your here and possible a raft trip on the gorge. Campground has electric in some sites, RVs fit right in with tents and pop ups. Make sure your honest about your slide out and RV length, the staff will get you in a site that fits. Campground is kept as natural as possible, not removing trees and surrounding ground cover. It was lovely to see the ferns and local plant and animal life enjoying themselves next to the humans. We salute the park system here!!!! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
I was staying in the area for the weekend and since I love to hike we can here. I didn't get to do a real hike since the people I was with didn't feel like it but at least we got to walk around and see the beautiful foliage. This park its huge and it took us forever to find the exit but at least we got to enjoy the scenery. There were some people walking around taking pictures, some camping and others just walking their dogs. Overall this place its beautiful and it doesn't matter what's your reason to come here you will enjoy yourself. If I ever around again I will for sure come and do an actual hike to explore what else this park has to offer. read more
7 years ago
Great park to see some salamanders in the spring. Drove there on the weekend and wasn't disappointed except for the fact that it was a bit rainy. Did not go to Boulder Field this time but walked some trails. We basically had the place to ourselves but I bet it is much different in the warmer weather. read more
14 years ago
5 years ago
This place is perfect for a family hike or just a nice walk-the-dog place. About 1 mile to the falls, pretty walk through rhododendron forest. There are signs everywhere to make sure you don't swim or even wade in the water. The markings are clear, great spot. Highly recommend read more
3 years ago
5 years ago
The park was amazing. It's huge. Very peaceful. We will be back. We wanted to see Boulder field but the road was tight so we turned around. We will have to hike it next time. read more
6 years ago
What a great park! Took a short hike a Hawk Falls and had a great time. Ample parking and well maintained trails. read more
7 years ago
Highly recommend hawk falls! Super easy mile hike. perfect for all levels. Easily marked and since highly trafficked it makes for easy terrain. Beautiful waterfall near the end! It states no swimming. Heads up the water is extremely cold. Easy areas to park right off the road. Try to go off hours and not on weekends if you can, it can be VERY crowded. No garbage cans in the actual trail so do the right thing and carry in and carry out! This is a free waterfall, let's do what we can to keep it beautiful! I also recommend shades of death trail! Another beautiful trail. read more
Stayed nearby for a weekend and did both the hawk falls and fireline trails. Fireline is a few miles, and made for a great afternoon hike. You quickly get to a nice scenic outlook, before hiking down into a valley and along the river. A few switchbacks take you back up to the main parking lot. Hawk falls is very short but has a solid waterfall at its end. read more
9 years ago
A great short and easy hike to a beautiful view is the Hawk Falls trails! It is doable for all ages from toddlers to old folks. Parking is easy and the trail is a few steps from the parking lot. The trails are very flat with only a few doable inclines. You can get to the top of the waterfall easily and to the bottom of it with another five minute walk. Best part yet - it's totally free! read more
3 years ago
3 years ago
3 years ago
4 years ago
This is a great park in northeast Pennsylvania, near the intersecion of I-81 and I-80, about 15 miles from Hazelton, Pa. It has miles of hiking and biking trails, a lake, camping and fishing. The thing that sets this apart is the huge boulder field there. It is a National Natural Monument. It can be reached by driving up a 6 mile dirt road that's marked from the main street. It is one of only two left in North America. It is basically about 5 football lengths long and about 2 wide of nothing but boulders on top of boulders on top of more boulders. they range in size from a small pebble, to about 6 x 3 feet across. It is one of the coolest things I've ran across when traveling across our great state. I just ran from one side to the other last time. they make this strange crunchy noise when you step on them. They just ask that you dont take any with you or deface any of the ones there. read more
7 years ago
Very easy hike, family and kids friendly hike. The price of this hike is the waterfalls. Came to this waterfall after the boulders field. Lucky I got to take a picture with less people sitting around the waterfalls. read more
4 years ago
9 years ago
Great time hiking the falls here. There are steep and slippery parts of the trail, as such, I would not say its for little ones. It had rained the day prior and was really muddy and slippery in spots, so two in our group turned back as they were afraid of slipping.. the rest of us made it to the bottom and enjoyed the view. Clean!! We saw not one piece of garbage or graffiti as others mentioned.. thank goodness, we have to keep our parks pristine for the next generation!'! It was a highlight of our teens trip to PA! read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
Great falls to check out! You can definitely get up close it to it, you just need some shoes with good grip. This a solid trail, with lots of nice spots, and close to river most of the time. It's definitely doable for most people and kids, but may not be best if you have any accessibility issues. Also, it's free! Which was good, in comparison Bushkill Falls where you have to pay. read more
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More info about Hickory Run State Park
Ask the Community - Hickory Run State Park
Is the camp store open?
No and it's not going to be open this season at all - 14 mile round trip for ice
