Hickory Run State Park, Shades of Death Loop (moderate/difficult)

The top of the Pocono Plateau is a uniquely wild area. Despite its relative proximity to major population centers in the Northeast it has in many ways remained untouched by human activity. Few Native Americans settled here, and European colonists avoided the area due to its dense forests, swamps and thin rocky soil. In the hollows along the rivers which bisected the plateau they called "hells" for the tangles of rhododendron and hemlock. It was also given another name: Shades of Death, for the dark brooding atmosphere which seemed to hang over these isolated glens and convinced early German settlers that these valleys were haunted and should be shunned. Of course, this doesn't deter the modern-day hiker.

This will be a moderate to difficult 11 mile double loop hike. We will be hiking off the south side of PA Route 534 towards the Lehigh Gorge and up Hickory and Sandspring Run. This route has a few short, steep climbs and will total around 1400 feet of elevation gain over all its ups and downs. The trail is also rough and rocky in places. Be prepared to keep a good pace over this level of terrain. Bring ample water and some extra calories to get through the day. We will be taking breaks as we go.
We will be starting from the parking area along PA Route 534 and McGinley Pond Rd. at the Shades of Death/Sand Springs Trail trailhead.

Make sure to arrive on time. Once we start I will not be able to check my phone. There is no cell phone service at the trailhead.

AllTrails link to the approximate route:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/pennsylvania/hickory-run-blue-sky-fireline-loops

Hike will cancel from severe weather.