Hickory Run State Park
White Haven, PA

Most of the park's 15,500 acres are covered with forests, although there are two lakes (Sand Spring Lake and Hickory Run Lake), numerous streams (such as Hickory Run, Irishtown Run, Fourth Run, Sand Spring Run, Mud Run, ...) and Hawk Falls. The water in Mud Run and Hawk Falls is delightfully cold. In the Summer, swimming is allowed in Sand Spring Lake. You can fish in Hickory Run Lake and most of the streams. (In some of the streams, only fly fishing is permitted.)

There are 30 miles of marked hiking trails. Some of them can be used by mountain bikers in the Summer and cross-country skiiers and snowmobiles in the Winter. One of the trails leads to Hawk Falls, and another to Boulder Field.

Boulder Field is the most unusual part of the park: 16 acres of boulders "lifted" up to the surface 20,000 years ago by glaciers (lifted by frost-heave). The boulders are in striking contrast to the lush vegetation that surrounds them. Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark. If you want to learn more about frost-heave, attend one of the talks given by rangers at the park.

The Lehigh River borders the park. Many rafting companies rent rafts, canoes and kayaks.

There are 381 family campsites, and a series of group sites that can accomodate up to 500 people. The family campsites have bathrooms with toilets and hot showers. The group campsites only have outhouses.

Driving directions: Take Interstate 80 West to exit 274 in Pennsylvania. Then go 6 miles on Pennsylvania Route 534 East. The family campsites are on the right side of 534 soon after the park office. The group campsites are at the southern end of the park; make your first right after going under a highway (the Pennsylvania Turnpike). If you come to the Hickory House restaurant, you've gone too far.

Alternative driving directions: Take Interstate 80 West to exit 284 in Pennsylvania. Then take Pennsylvania Route 115 South a few miles to Pennsylvania Route 903. Turn right and drive to Pennsylvania Route 534 West. Turn right again and drive several miles to the park. The gravel road to the group sites is the first left after the Hickory House Restaurant and the sign for Hickory Run State Park. This route is a little more complicated, but I think it is shorter.

Address: R.D. 1, Box 81, White Haven, PA 18661
Phone: 717-443-0400
Web site: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx