Family Hiking Day Trip at Hickory Run State Park

Recently we took a refreshing day trip to Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains—a perfect blend of hiking, waterfalls, and outdoor fun for the whole family. With over 15,000 acres of forest, streams, and rocky landscapes, Hickory Run has something for everyone. We explored two of its most scenic trails, had a lakeside picnic, and let the kids roam free in nature. It was a peaceful yet adventurous escape from daily routines.

We started our hike on the Shades of Death Trail—I’ll admit, the name made me a little hesitant at first! But it turned out to be a beautiful and family-friendly trail. The path winds through the woods along Sand Spring Run, passing mossy rocks, little wooden bridges, and a small waterfall that was perfect for quick photo stops. The gentle sound of the water made it such a peaceful walk, and the kids had the best time splashing in the shallow spots while we took in the views.

Next, we headed over to the Orchard Trail Loop, which connects to the Hawk Falls Trail. This trail is relatively easy and offers a mix of woodland scenery and rocky sections that keep things interesting. It was a bit longer than I had anticipated, and our little one definitely was getting tired on this one, but at the end came the big reward came at the end: Hawk Falls. Tucked into a wooded gorge, the falls are about 25 feet high and surrounded by smooth rocks and rushing water. We spent some time relaxing here, watching the falls and enjoying the cool mist. It’s a great payoff for a moderate hike, and it’s not hard to see why it’s one of the park’s most popular spots. Next, if it's not as busy at the trail, hopefully we can get parking near the other entrance of Hawk Falls Trail and have a little shorter of a hike.

After our hikes, we made our way to the Sand Spring Day Use Area, where we had packed a picnic lunch. The tables were conveniently located near the lake, offering a peaceful view as we ate. The kids wasted no time heading to the sandy beach area, where they played for nearly an hour—digging, building, and climbing on the nearby rocks. The water was calm, the sun was warm, and the whole setting felt like a hidden retreat.

If you're looking for a day of hiking, waterfalls, and family fun in the great outdoors, Hickory Run State Park is well worth the trip. With its mix of trails and relaxing picnic areas, it’s the kind of place that leaves you refreshed and ready to plan your next visit.