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    Hickory Run State Park

    4.4 (96 reviews)

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    Crossing over a small bridge on the hike to Hawk Falls
    Andrea F.

    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.

    SHADES OF DEATH
    Justin B.

    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.

    Dam
    Ayana A.

    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!

    Nancy W.

    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.

    Rachel H.

    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.

    Water area
    Hank C.

    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.

    Hawk Falls
    Jackie M.

    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!!

    Boulder Field
    Sara P.

    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!

    Letter key for trails
    Jeanne E.

    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!!!!

    Tree with roots growing up
    P E.

    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.

    Isabel J.

    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.

    Beautiful hiking path through  rhododendrons

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    3 years ago

    We only live 8 miles away but it's our favorite camp site. Don't have to drive far to be in a different world.

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    3 years ago

    Beautiful hiking trails -- from easy, shorter ones to longer, more challenging paths. Lovely.

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    3 years ago

    Great place to go camping to. There are plenty of trails to explore and things to see. We have a great time every time we go

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    4 years ago

    Amazing and beautiful place to hike. Has many places for kids and dogs to play. Would highly recommend

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    Page 1 of 3

    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

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    Review Highlights - Hickory Run State Park

    Boulder field might be for older kids though as the boulders are not as flat as described and not stable.

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    Nay Aug Park

    Nay Aug Park

    4.1(43 reviews)
    26.2 mi

    We originally came to Nay Aug Park because we wanted to visit the Everhart Museum, and we did, but…read morewe had no idea that this park had so much to explore! We ended up walking our dog over to the tree house overlook and the views of the gorge and the water below were genuinely breathtaking. Along the way, we made time to check out Brooks Coal Mine which is an interesting piece of history. It's a small, shallow mind that was built more than 100 years ago and I love that there is a memorial there to all the coal miners who have lost their lives working in the mine. We walked through shaded paths and green spaces taking in the scenery and just really enjoying the vibes here. There were lots of trees and greenspace with quiet benches and so many things to look at. We actually got really excited when we spotted a bug that we had never seen before. I added a photo below and maybe I sound like a crazy person but I'm not from this area. I learned afterwards that it was a spotted lantern fly. Apparently that's not a great thing for the ecosystem and they're kind of a n invasive pest, but you learn something new everyday right? I honestly wish we had planned for more time at the park itself, but we did stay for about an hour and really enjoyed our walk and the fact that our dog was having such a lovely time here. I still feel like there was more for us to see. Parking was easy and entry was free. If you are in the area and just want to stretch your legs or take in the beautiful nature, this is definitely a place to check out.

    Best park ever!! It has a cafe & lots of trails and picnic tables and even a museum! You can spend…read morethe entire day at Nay Aug Park and it's a great place for a date.

    Photos
    Nay Aug Park - Walkway to the tree house.

    Walkway to the tree house.

    Nay Aug Park
    Nay Aug Park - Spotted lanternfly

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    Spotted lanternfly

    Lehigh Park

    Lehigh Park

    4.1(8 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    WOW! WOW!! WOW!!! This hiking/walking/cycling/kayaking spot…read morealong the river is a breathtaking. I have hiked all over the country and this spot is definitely in my TOP FIVE! There's plenty of parking. There's actually a building for your personal needs - #1 & #2 that is incredibly clean. If you're cycling there's a bike pump and tire repair station. Bring your own patches, etc. If you want to dip your toes in the river there are quite a few stairs that lead you to the water. I have been here a few times - and it always surprises. At the parking area there's a bench you can sit at to relax and take in the sounds of the running river. When you walk to the left - over the bridge - you will come upon BUTTERMILK FALLS. Not sure why the name but it's beautiful and soothing. There are a few picnic tables if you should choose to bring some lunch. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take your trash with you!! Whenever possible, bring a bag with you and pick up whatever trash you come across while walking or hiking as not everyone respects nature. If you bring a dog - pick up after it. I attached a few pics & videos. Enjoy!!

    We went here in anticipation on a hike yesterday morning. Once we parked, we came across a short…read morecave and explored inside a bit. If you're afraid of spiderweb or if the water was knee high in mud- all was good! It's was a short walk, get ready to duck your head or slowly walk with your cellphone light to guide you. The cool air in the cave was refreshing before we stepped out to look for the trail. Once you drive past the cave, there was another parking lot a few minutes further abd we parked again. At that point we took a map from the information by the outside board and kept it with us. We walked on this one trail for more than a mile or two until we realized we saw more people riding on bicycles than walking. We found out the bicyclists were on your and individuals can rent bicycles and choose to be part if a tour or bring their own. The trail itself was a good trail for biking, but we didn't know because it was implied anywhere more bikers were on it than walkers. When we returned back to the parking lot after the walk back, you can also bring your own rafts too and large groups of people can bring it down by the water. The hiking trail at Lehigh Gorge State Park was nowhere to be found. On the map, it is shown there is a trail (the brown lines) once you park. There was no parking lot, no signs to indicate where this hiking trail was, and we moved forward to go elsewhere. The map should probably be updated for this hiking trail because we did try to drive slowly and look for it over three times. Please mark accordingly where the hiking trail is for Lehigh State Park on the roads. We would love to come back to bike! It was a steady trail for biking and a gradual incline you can barely notice, making it comfortable to ride slow or fast.

    Photos
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park
    Lehigh Park

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    Hickory Run State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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