Today our adventures took us to Hickory Run State Park. The last time we were here it was fall when the leaves were showing off their vibrant autumn colors. I was excited to see how it was going to look in winter covered in snow. We got an early start so we could avoid the crowds. This area has become quite popular over the years, and can be very overcrowded on weekends. The parking area for Hawk Falls off route 534 was empty when we arrived. We parked the car, geared up in our microspikes and made our way onto the icy trail. Light snow showers began just as we started the hike. The trail was packed down into a hard sheet of ice. But the path was wide and not very steep, so it was safe to travel with just light traction. A foot bridge crossed over Hawk Run, and we continued past steep rock walls lined in hemlock and rhododendron. We followed a short use trail to a rock outcropping that gave us a nice view of the top of the falls tumbling down the side of the rocky ledge. It looked so beautiful as soft white snowflakes fell from the sky. In just a short .6 miles we arrived at the bottom where the 25 foot Hawk Falls plunged into a clear pool of cascades. We spent some time here enjoying the magnificence of this natural waterfall. Near the falls, we noticed some ice formations along the high cliff walls and decided to explore them. The moss covered ledges and large icicles dripped with melting water. We then got back on the trail and followed along Mud Run until we reached the junction for the Orchard Trail. We turned east and made an ascent up a hill and onto a ridge with nice views that continued through a hardwood forest. Eventually, the trail dropped us down again on some switchbacks into a windy thicket of rhododendron. It led us to a large rock outcrop just above Mud Run where spectacular cascades tumbled over large rocks and boulders. There were many use trails branching off to offer closer views of the beautiful water flow. The trail then turned northeast and we started to ascend moving away from the creek. Now higher above Mud Run the trail was a mix of patchy snow and muddy pools of water flowing down the mountain. Our waterproof boots came in handy here. Eventually, the trail looped west and back into the hardwoods where it was mostly snow. We closed the lollipop loop and made our way back over the ridge and down to the Hawk Falls trail to return the way we came. By this time many people were starting to arrive. We saw several large groups slipping and sliding on the ice attempting to make their way to the falls on the icy trail. When we arrived back at the parking area, there were at least 20+ cars with more lining up to get a spot. I was grateful to have been able to enjoy a quiet morning in solitude along this beautiful trail.
Today I ventured up to the Pocono Mountains to Hickory Run State Park. I was here years ago, but barely remember it. Hickory Run State Park sits on 15,990 acres in Carbon County and there are 41 miles of hiking trails. It’s also home to Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. I parked at the turn out off the 534, east of the turnpike overpass. I picked up a park map at the kiosk and examined the area. I was near Hawk Falls which is just a short .6 miles. I decided to make that my first stop. The trail starts off through thickets of tall rhododendrons and descends on an easy grade to Hawk Run. I’m learning that streams here are referred to as a “run”. I crossed over a footbridge and came to an intersection where you can climb up the steps leading to the Orchard Trail or carry on to Hawk Falls. I noticed that the trails are very well marked and have paint blazes on the trees to guide you. I made my way over to the 25 foot waterfall which was flowing nicely. I wondered if these waterfalls ever get down to a trickle as they do in Southern California where we didn’t get much rain. After snapping some photos, I made my way back to the car. From here I drove over to Sand Spring Lake to use the facilities (Flushable toilets and soap in the restrooms! Score!). There were some families with their kids swimming in the lake and the lake was loaded with bright green bullfrogs! I ran back to my car and pulled out the camera for some pictures. After being way more excited over frogs then a person should be, I pulled out the map again to decided on my next trail. I found a one mile trail called Shades of Death. This trail was noted as being the most difficult hiking in the park. I am not sure what is considered difficult here on the east coast, so of course I wanted to find out. The reality is that this trail was mostly full of rough terrain; tree roots, mud, rocks, but nothing overly terrifying to warrant the name Shades of Death. I later learned after reading the park brochure, that the trail was named by the colonists for its dark forests, swamps and rocky soil. So don’t let this name discourage you, I saw many families with small children hiking here. The muddy, rocky trail follows along Sand Spring run and takes you through more rhododendrons just like the Hawk Falls trail. There are notable rock formations and at one point there’s a narrow slot with steps cut into stone that you have to climb up. Along my way I saw many small waterfalls. I was not at a loss for lush greenery. There were a couple of dams and the remains of logging mills which I understand date back to the early 1800s. This hike does not gain much elevation, but it was a very nice hike through the shady forest along the stream. The trail ended in a grassy meadow leading up to the visitors center. I turned around here and returned the way I came. It was a lovely morning and a good introduction of what’s to come on the Pennsylvania trails.
