Today we hiked in Hickory Run State Park. It had been a while since we’d been here, and I knew the fall foliage would be starting to change into autumn color.
Hickory Run was once territory of the Lenape, Susquehannock and the Iroquois Nation. When the colonists arrived, they named the area Shades of Death due to the rocky unfarmable soil and swamps.
We started on the Gould Trail which took us through the woods and down to Hickory Run via the Switchback Trail. Hickory Run was beautiful and the leaves were starting to change to golden color. We headed north on the Fireline Trail which took us up the hillside overlooking the Lehigh River and the distant State Gameland 149. I particularly enjoyed the Pitch Pines along the trail. We passed an overlook with a clear view of Lehigh Gorge. Heading east on Fireline, we turned south to take the Skyline Trail back to Gould to make a lollipop loop. But before reaching the trailhead, we found a comfortable log just off the trail to stop, make coffee and have light breakfast on our campstove. I miss camping. We haven’t been since we left California. Most of the campgrounds in our area are very developed and mostly made for large campers. I’m not a fan of this type of camping, so I haven’t had much luck finding more remote space.
It was a lovely day. As we reached the trailhead the sun began to hide behind the clouds and we headed back home.
Click “Read More” below for more photos from this hike.
Swiftwater Forest Preserve in Paradise Township is a very quite, very beautiful short loop in and out of tall white pines and hemlock trees. It was still pretty cold out this weekend, but the sun was shining and the snow was frozen enough to need light traction to keep from slipping. We hiked the short loop around the preserve which is just about 2.5 miles, stopping for a moment by the chimney to watch the white pines sway in the wind. Many times when I’m hiking, I like to stop, feel my feet connect to the earth and observe the stillness of my surroundings. There’s a lot to be learned from what you find in the forest, and today these wise old trees had a lot to say. After a short meditation, we headed back around the loop and headed home feeling at peace having and such a beautiful day.
Went back to the DWG again today. I like the NJ side of the Gap. The trails all connect and you can piece together different hikes depending on how long or short you want. We started at the Fairview Trail just off Old Mine Road. From here we hiked to the intersection with the AT and the Holly Springs connector. We took the connector down to Dunnfiled Creek, then back up the hillside to Sunfish Pond. From there we picked up the Appalachian Trail and followed it back to Fairview. It was about an 8 mile loop. I enjoyed hiking along Dunnfiled Creek. The terrain was more interesting as was the scenery with the tall Hemlock trees and Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel. We rock hopped across the creek several times and there were a few little rock scrambles along the way. After you pass the backpacker’s camp at the junction for the Douglas Trail and the AT, the trail gets super rocky. Not the fun scramble rocks, but the ones that jut out and trip you. With the leaf debris it’s hard to tell where you’re stepping. Overall, it was a nice day, sun was out and the cooler temperature made for good hiking weather.
Another day in the Delaware Water Gap. We hiked from Garvey Springs up to Sunfish Pond. Perfect weather and lots of rock hopping along Sunfish pond. Took the AT to the Douglas Trail to close the loop. Nice day and not too many people out and about on the trails.
After hiking in the Adirondacks where it was mostly past peak foliage, we were able to catch the some of the colors spreading south through Northeastern Pennsylvania. We hiked the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area from the trailhead at the Pocono Environmental Education Center. We first took the Two Ponds trail to Tumbling Waters falls, then back to the parking area where we picked up the Ridge Trail that looped us through Scenic Gorge. Some fun, easy rock scrambles on this hike and pretty scenery made for a nice, relaxing day.
We spent another couple of days hiking in the Adirondack Mountains High Peaks Region. Weather was not ideal for high elevation since it’s the beginning of shoulder season when fall starts to turn into winter. Trail conditions are beginning to become a mix of mud, ice and snow so we stayed low and just enjoyed our time exploring the area and scouting out more potential hikes for future trips. Once there’s a good coating of snow on the ground we’ll be back for snowshoeing. Despite the weather, (rain mixed with snow which I honestly don’t mind… better then humidity!), we had an amazing time.
We had a nice hike around Tuscarora State Park. We started from the Day Use area on the Lake View Trail heading east and clockwise around Tuscarora Lake. The trail looped along the edge of the north side of the lake until crossing over the dam and heading back into the woods. The views along the trail of the lake were quite nice. We then passed through open meadows and followed the Crow Trail to its terminus at the parking area. I had thought we might be able to make a loop around the lake, but I wasn’t quite sure of the route. I had a feeling we’d have to take the road, but decided to wait until I had better intel and come back another day. We made our way back the way we came and enjoyed the scenery from the opposite direction. I enjoyed the hike today and this is a lovely area with very few people. The terrain isn’t quite as rocky as further north so the walking wasn’t as tough on your feet. I really enjoy this area and will be back again to complete the loop.
