Over the weekend, I went on a day trip to Hickory Run State Park in PA, a place I have been going to since I was a kid. Hickory Run State Park sits in the Pocono Mountains, and is approximately an hour and a half to two hours from Philadelphia. I should’ve taken more pictures, but your girl here forgot her camera, so the ones I have will have to do.
Here’s how the day went:
MorningFirst was a stop at WAWA for the essentials (water, toilet paper, breakfast, gas, etc.). Yes, I do take toilet paper and a plastic bag in case someone needs to “get relief in the woods” for a hot sec. We’re prepared here, okay?? haha!!
Mid Morning-Early Afternoon
I arrived at the roadside parking lot in Hickory Run State Park, where the trail to Hawk Falls starts. I grab my water bottle, keys, and cell phone (my camera for the day), and throw everything in my day pack. It takes about 10-15 mins to get to Hawk Falls from the trail opening. You walk down the trail, over the bridge, up the trail, and you’ll start to hear the water fall from there. I knew how to get there from prior visits, but I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails app if you want to prep before hand. Also, this trail is sometimes packed with people, so if you follow the sound of the falls or just follow the crowd, you’ll find it. After admiring, and taking some pictures at the bottom and top of Hawk Falls, it was time to head back to the car, and venture to Boulder Field.
Once you pull off the main road, the rest of the roads to Boulder Field are ones that should be a “slow and steady” kind of ride. The roads are one way (one in, one out), and they’re a little rough as you head back into the woods (I have seen SO many different cars take this drive, and they were completely fine, so I wouldn’t sweat it, just be cautious). On the way to Boulder Field, I stopped by Hickory Run Lake, where there is a little sign off to the right to let you know it’s there. There is space to park off to the side of the road safely, if you choose to take the short walk down the trail to go see the lake.
After spending time down by the lake, I headed back to the car and made my way to Boulder Field. The field is WILD!! You can read more about it here. Even though you can drive to the field, there are also trails that can also lead to the field if you prefer a nice day hike. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time this day to do the hiking part, but the drive was still really pretty.
Overall it was a really nice way to spend the morning and early afternoon, and I am sure I will be back up there again sooner rather than later!!
As a side note: (PLEASE!!!!!) Do Not leave your trash in state and national parks. Either find a trash can, or take it with you. Also, thank the park rangers, and please don’t give them a hard time when they’re just trying to keep you safe.
xo MLG