Hickory Run

Hickory Run State Park covers 15,990 acres in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, combining extensive forest, mountain streams, and one of the most unusual geological features in the eastern United States - the Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. The park offers hiking, fishing, swimming, and camping in a forested mountain setting. The Boulder Field, a 16-acre expanse of closely packed boulders with no vegetation or soil between them, is a dramatic periglacial relic from the last Ice Age, lying at the end of an otherwise ordinary Pocono woodland trail.

The park's large, contiguous forest supports healthy wildlife populations. Black bears are common and require campers to secure food properly. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, beavers, and porcupines inhabit the forest. Fishers, reintroduced to Pennsylvania, have been documented in the park. Brook trout and brown trout populate the park's streams, with Hickory Run and Sand Spring being popular fishing destinations. Over 100 bird species use the park, including scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, and various warbler species. Timber rattlesnakes inhabit rocky slopes. Red-spotted newts are common in woodland pools.

The park is covered primarily by mixed Appalachian hardwood forest of red oak, white oak, sugar maple, American beech, and black birch. Eastern hemlock grows in cooler ravines along streams. Mountain laurel and rhododendron provide spectacular flowering displays in June. The park's higher areas support species associated with northern hardwood forests, while lower elevations host more southern species. Extensive blueberry patches cover some areas, providing food for wildlife and visitors. The Boulder Field is notably devoid of vegetation, with only lichens colonizing the rock surfaces.

The park sits on the Pocono Plateau, underlain by Devonian and Mississippian-age sandstone and conglomerate. The Boulder Field is the park's most remarkable geological feature - a 400-by-1,800-foot expanse of red sandstone and conglomerate boulders, some measuring over 25 feet in length, densely packed with no soil between them. The field was created during the last Ice Age by periglacial freeze-thaw processes that shattered the bedrock and transported the fragments downslope. The absence of soil and vegetation over 10,000 years later indicates the extreme hostility of the boulder microenvironment to plant colonization. The feature is among the best examples of a periglacial boulder field in the United States.

The Pocono Plateau climate is cooler and snowier than lower-elevation areas of Pennsylvania. Summer temperatures reach the 70s to low 80s Fahrenheit, providing comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. Winters are cold, with temperatures regularly below zero and heavy snowfall that supports cross-country skiing. Annual precipitation averages about 48 inches, including approximately 50 inches of snow. The park's forested setting moderates summer heat while accentuating winter cold. Spring arrives late, and fall colors typically peak in mid-October.

The Lenape (Delaware) people inhabited the Pocono Mountains region for thousands of years, using the forests for hunting and the streams for fishing. European settlers arrived in the 18th century, establishing farming and lumber operations. The Pocono region was extensively logged in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and much of the park's forest is second growth that has regenerated over the past century. The area's natural beauty attracted vacationers by the early 1900s, and the Poconos became a popular honeymoon destination in the mid-20th century.

Hickory Run State Park was established in 1945, incorporating lands acquired by the federal government during the Great Depression and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. CCC workers built roads, trails, cabins, and other facilities during the 1930s, and some of these structures remain in use. The Boulder Field was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967. The park's substantial size makes it one of the larger state parks in Pennsylvania, and its location in the Poconos ensures steady visitation for both day trips and camping.

The Boulder Field Trail (1 mile from the nearest parking area) leads to the spectacular 16-acre boulder field, where visitors can walk among house-sized boulders in a surreal landscape. The park maintains over 40 miles of trails, including sections of the 7,000-mile North Country Trail. Hawk Falls is a scenic 25-foot waterfall reached by a short, popular hike. Sand Spring Lake provides a supervised beach for swimming. Fishing in Hickory Run, Sand Spring, and other streams offers catch-and-release and stocked trout opportunities. Winter activities include cross-country skiing on groomed trails and ice fishing.

Three campground areas offer a total of 381 sites, including tent sites and sites with electric hookups. A group camping area accommodates organized groups. The Sand Spring Lake area provides a beach, changing rooms, and picnic facilities. Rustic cabins are available. The park office and environmental education center provide information. The park is located off Interstate 80 at Exit 274, approximately 90 miles from Philadelphia and 85 miles from New York City. The Poconos region has extensive lodging and dining options. No entrance fee is charged.

The Boulder Field requires protection from visitor impacts, as the delicate lichen communities on the boulders are easily damaged by foot traffic and climbing. The park manages access to minimize disturbance while allowing visitors to experience this unique feature. Hemlock woolly adelgid threatens the park's eastern hemlock stands. Deer overbrowsing affects forest regeneration and understory diversity. The park conducts prescribed burns to maintain ecological health in some areas. Acid rain impacts on streams and soils have been a concern historically, though regulations have reduced sulfur dioxide emissions significantly. Invasive plant species including Japanese stiltgrass and garlic mustard require ongoing management.