Hiking at Hickory Run State Park

A Scenic Family Day Trip to Hickory Run State Park

This past weekend, 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 intriguingly named Shades of Death Trail—don’t let the name fool you, it's actually a beautiful and family-friendly trail. It is a hike though, so make sure the little ones watch out for tree roots and rocks! The trail winds through the trees along the Sand Spring Run creek, and leads you to the Stametz Dam Falls for some photo-worthy moments. The sound of the water and rustling trees made for a calming hike, and the kids loved skipping rocks and walking across the top of the dam (although I was quite nervous!)

Next, we planned to hike the Hawk Falls Trail, but the parking area was full. So we pulled into the next lot and took a chance on the Orchard Trail Loop, which connects to the Hawk Falls Trail. This trail was moderate level and we had to take a few rests with the kids. But it wasn’t crowded and offered a mix of woodland scenery and rocky sections that keep things interesting. The big reward came at the end: Hawk Falls. We spent some time resting 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.

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—getting messy digging in the sand and climbing on the nearby rocks. Best of all it had modern restrooms!

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 to hike one of the many other trails!

Waterfall on Shades of Death Trail

Hawk Falls