Hickory Run State Park
Stand at the edge and look out across a sea of boulders—thousands of massive rocks stretching 1,800 feet to the tree line, mysteriously flat, eerily silent, completely devoid of vegetation. This is the Boulder Field, a 16-acre geological wonder formed during the last Ice Age and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967. There is nothing else like it in Pennsylvania—perhaps nothing quite like it anywhere.
But Hickory Run State Park is far more than its famous boulder field. Spread across nearly 16,000 acres of Pocono Mountain wilderness, the park offers over 40 miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls including the popular 25-foot Hawk Falls, excellent camping, and some of the most varied terrain in the state. Ranked as the #4 state park in Pennsylvania, Hickory Run delivers geology, waterfalls, history, and wild beauty in one sprawling wilderness.
Park Fast Facts
| 📍 Location | RR 1, Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661 |
| 🗺️ Region | Western Pocono Mountains / Carbon County |
| 📐 Total Area | 15,990 acres |
| 🪨 Boulder Field Size | 16 acres (1,800 ft wide) |
| 🥾 Trail Miles | 40+ miles |
| 💧 Waterfalls | Multiple (Hawk Falls most popular) |
| 🏆 PA Ranking | #4 State Park in Pennsylvania |
Entrance & Camping Fees
Park entrance is FREE! Camping fees vary by site type and residency.
| Type | PA Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Day Use / Parking | FREE | FREE |
| ⛺ Basic Campsite | $17-27/night | $22-32/night |
| ⚡ Electric/Water Site | $60-75/night | $60-75/night |
| 🏡 Cabins/Cottages | $38-105/night | $38-105/night |
The Boulder Field
The Boulder Field is unlike anything else you’ll see in Pennsylvania. A perfectly flat expanse of boulders—some over 30 feet long—covers 16 acres with no vegetation, no soil, just rock. The effect is otherworldly.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 📏 Size | 16 acres (720,000 sq ft) |
| 📐 Width | ~1,800 feet at widest point |
| 🪨 Boulder Size | 3 to 30+ feet in length |
| 🧱 Rock Type | Gray-red sandstone & conglomerate |
| 🧊 Formation | ~20,000 years ago (last Ice Age) |
| 🏆 Status | National Natural Landmark (1967) |
💡 Tip: You can walk out onto the boulders—carefully! The rocks are uneven and can shift. Wear sturdy shoes and watch your step.
Waterfalls
Hickory Run features several waterfalls, with Hawk Falls being the most popular and accessible.
| Waterfall | Height | Trail | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💧 Hawk Falls | 25 ft | 0.6 mi loop | Most popular; no swimming; beautiful pool |
| 💧 Saylorsville Falls | ~15 ft | Nearby trailhead | Less crowded alternative |
| 💧 Shades of Death Falls | Multiple cascades | 1.0 mi out & back | Several waterfalls along Sand Spring Run (some man-made) |
Popular Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🪨 Boulder Field Trail | 3.5 mi RT | Moderate/Hard | Leads to the famous Boulder Field |
| 💧 Hawk Falls Trail | 0.6 mi loop | Moderate | 25-foot waterfall; rocky descent |
| 💀 Shades of Death Trail | 1.0 mi RT | Most Difficult | Rocky, scenic; multiple waterfalls along stream |
| 🌲 Gamewire Trail | 4.2 mi | Moderate | Forest hiking; connects to other trails |
| 🏊 Sand Spring Trail | 3.8 mi | Easy/Moderate | Leads to Sand Spring Lake (swimming) |
Camping
The campground offers 127 sites in a forested setting with modern amenities. Book early for summer weekends!
| Site Type | Count | Features |
|---|---|---|
| ⛺ Standard Sites | ~112 | Tent pads, fire rings, picnic tables |
| ⚡ Full Hookup Sites | 15 | Electric, water, sewer connections |
| 🏡 Rustic Cottages | Available | Year-round; basic kitchen, woodstove |
| 👥 Group Camping | Available | Large organized groups |
Campground Amenities
- 🚿 Modern Restrooms – Flush toilets, hot showers
- 🛒 Camp Store – Firewood, ice, supplies
- 🚰 Dump Station – For RVs
- 📅 Season – Mid-April to mid-October (some cottages year-round)
Swimming
Sand Spring Lake offers a beach and designated swimming area during summer season. Lifeguards on duty seasonal weekends. Swimming is NOT permitted at Hawk Falls.
Seasonal Activities
| Season | Activities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr-May) | Hiking, waterfalls at peak flow | Trails can be muddy; wildflowers |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug) | Camping, swimming, hiking, Boulder Field | Peak season; book campsites early |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov) | Fall foliage hiking, camping | Spectacular colors; fewer crowds |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec-Mar) | Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing | 20 miles of ski trails; cottages open |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Boulder Field and how did it form?
The Boulder Field is a 16-acre expanse of thousands of boulders—some over 30 feet long—sitting on a perfectly flat valley floor with no vegetation. It formed around 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age when periglacial freeze-thaw cycles shattered bedrock and glacial meltwater deposited the boulders in this unusual flat configuration.
Can I walk on the Boulder Field?
Yes! You can walk out onto the boulders—but be careful. The rocks are uneven, sometimes wobbly, and require careful footwork. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support. Keep children supervised. It’s a unique experience but demands attention.
Can I swim at Hawk Falls?
No. Swimming is prohibited at Hawk Falls due to safety concerns. For swimming, head to Sand Spring Lake, which has a designated beach and seasonal lifeguards.
Is there an entrance fee?
No! Hickory Run State Park has no entrance fee. All hiking trails, Boulder Field access, and day-use areas are free. You only pay if you camp or stay in a cabin.
What’s the “Shades of Death” trail?
Don’t worry—the ominous name likely comes from the dense, shadowy hemlock forest the trail passes through. It’s a rugged, scenic 1-mile trail along Sand Spring Run featuring several waterfalls. Rated “most difficult” due to rocky terrain.
How far is it from Philadelphia?
Hickory Run is about 95 miles from Philadelphia (roughly 1.5-2 hours via I-476). It’s one of the most accessible Pocono Mountain parks from the Philadelphia metro area.
Plan Your Visit to Hickory Run State Park
Explore a prehistoric boulder field, chase waterfalls, and camp in the Pocono wilderness—all at Pennsylvania’s #4 ranked state park.
📍 Address: RR 1, Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661
🌐 Official Website: PA DCNR – Hickory Run State Park
📞 Park Office: (570) 443-0400
🏕️ Reservations: ReserveAmerica.com
