If you’re looking for a cost-free way to spend a day in Northeastern Pennsylvania, Hickory Run State Park might be the answer. Spanning nearly 16,000 acres in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains, Hickory Run offers countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Below we’ve listed six of the most popular activities the state park has to offer, along with some guidance about how to make the most of each one:      

1. Hiking at Hickory Run

Hickory Run offers 44 miles of hiking trails, many of which have existed since – or in certain cases, even before – the park was established in 1945. Here’s a few highlights…

• Shades of Death Trail – the name of this hiking trail recognizes refugee soldiers who used the area’s dense brush to hide from enemy forces during the American Revolution.
• Fireline Trail – is now known for its picturesque lookout point, originally functioned as a fire entrance into the park.
• Hawk Falls Trail – this trail provides access to a 25-foot waterfall, the gateway to which is beset with rhododendrons.

Every trail offers something different, and certain trails present more challenges than others. Stop by the park office or download a Hickory Run State Park map from their website before you start hiking. Cell service is spotty in areas of the park so having a printed version of the map may be a good idea.    

2. Boulder Field

Boulder Field is a national natural landmark measuring 400 x 1,800 ft. It was formed more than 20,000 years ago, when layers of rainwater from a continental glacier began to melt into the underlying rock. On frigid nights, the melting water would refreeze and expand, creating tense and porous cracks beneath the surface. Over time, that individual sheet of rock eroded, resulting in a remarkable – and somehow seamless – configuration of sandstone boulders. Looking at a bunch of rocks may not be on the top of your list of things to see. But believe us, it’s worth the time to check it out!

3. Swimming at Sand Spring Lake

This lakeside beach is open for public swimming and sunbathing during the warm-weather months from 8 AM to sunset. Visitors can enjoy lunch in an adjoining 400-table picnic area, or accompany their kids to the Sand Spring Playground.

4. Fishing

Anglers can enjoy a relaxing day along the riverbanks, reeling in panfish, brook, and brown trout. With that said, it is worth noting that fishing rules tend to vary throughout the state park (e.g., Hickory Run’s southernmost waterways are catch and release.) As such, your best bet is to consult the park office before you start casting. 

5. Disc Golf

Bring along your discs and take on the challenging 18-hole disc golf course. The course at Hickory Run State Park loops around open fields and into densely wooded areas. Over the river and through the woods! This disc golf course includes obstacles like streams, hills, dense patches of shrubs, a lake, a rock wall and lots of trees. Be courteous to other park visitors as this course nears the swimming lake and picnic area.

6. Geocaching (and Orienteering)

Mobile gamers can compete thanks to a number of geocache containers throughout the state park. Hickory Run also offers three permanent orienteering courses, which require anywhere between 1-4 hours to complete. Courses have been designed to accommodate variable skill levels.

For more information on any of the activities and trails available at Hickory Run State Park, check out their official website or stop by the park office. And there are so many other things to do in the area! Whitewater Challengers offers whitewater rafting, trail biking, camping and more – located just 15 minutes from Hickory Run State Park. There are enough sights to see and fun activities to do to make your trip to the Poconos a multi-day adventure!