Hickory Run Variety Hike (moderate)

Covered in forests, bogs and boulders, the top of the Pocono Plateau is a uniquely wild corner of Pennsylvania. Few Native Americans visited this rough country poor for agriculture and difficult to traverse. In the 19th century European settlers logged much of the Poconos, but the timber boom ended in the 1870s after a series of massive wildfires claimed the lives of many residents and consumed several logging camps. After the timber industry left the land went back to the wild, and in 1945 Hickory Run State Park was established to conserve 15,990 acres of forest between the top of the plateau and the Lehigh Gorge. Within the park today are quiet, brooding forests, thick tangled glens of rhododendron, huge glacial boulder fields and picturesque waterfalls.

This will be an easy to moderate 8.5 mile hike depending on your fitness level. We will be hiking from Old Stage Rd. trailhead towards the Boulder Field first, then turning around and heading to Hawk Falls. This route has some ups and downs totaling around 600-700ft of elevation gain over slightly hilly terrain. The trail is also rough and rocky in places so good footwear is a necessity. Bring ample water and some extra calories to get through the day.

We will be starting from the parking area at the end of Old Stage Rd. (41.02373910422825, -75.62281708182746). Turn off PA 534.

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. If you try and contact me about arriving late I will not be able to see it.

Hike will cancel from severe weather.