Pocono Live

About

Hickory Run is a 15,990-acre state park in Carbon County with more than 40 miles of hiking trails and miles of trout streams. Its best known stop is Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. The field is 400 by 1,800 feet and is mostly bare rock, with some boulders 26 feet long.

You can reach Boulder Field by hiking or by driving a 5-mile one-way dirt loop. Hawk Falls Trail leads to a 25-foot natural waterfall in the east end of the park. In summer there is a swimming beach at Sand Spring Lake, a large picnic area and a snack stand.

History

The park says General Harry Trexler of Allentown began buying the land in 1918, hoping it would become a state park where families could enjoy wholesome recreation. Before that the area was logged heavily from the 1830s, and a fire in 1875 hurt the mills and the town of Hickory Run. The Manor House and the chapel remain from that town.

When to go

The park is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset. The visitor center, beach and other areas keep their own seasons and hours, so contact the visitor center for them. The beach is open for swimming from late May to mid-September.

Mountain laurel usually blooms in mid to late June and rhododendron in early to mid-July, and fall foliage usually peaks in October. The Boulder Field road is not maintained in winter and is often closed until spring.

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Good to know

Biking is prohibited on all trails here, though it is allowed on the rail trail at nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Hunting is permitted on about 13,000 acres during established seasons. The Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails are often icy in winter.

Cell service is unpredictable, so download the park map before you go.

Price

• EntranceNo entrance fee

Fees apply for some things, such as campsites and reserved pavilions.

Prices checked November 2026 on the website of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. They can change, so check before you go.

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