What You Need to Know About Hickory Run State Park, PA

Hickory Run State Park, PA, offers almost 16,000 acres of land that are just waiting to be explored. Its miles of hiking trails, flowing fishing streams, and scenic picnic areas make this the perfect place to bond with nature! They also have great educational programs to help you make the best use of this beautiful outdoor classroom.

For more on Hickory Run State Park, PA, and other nearby scenic destinations, be sure to check out our complimentary Vacation Guide. It’s packed with great ideas and tips for your visit to the Poconos! You can also check out some of our other blog posts to learn more about Poconos waterfalls, whitewater rafting, hiking, and more.

Less than 45 minutes from the French Manor Inn & Spa, Hickory Run State Park, PA, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. Its diverse habitats, extensive wilderness, and many activities make it an excellent place to spend the day. There’s even disc golf and geocaching! Here are a few of our favorite things to do at Hickory Run State Park.

The streams and lakes located within Hickory Run State Park, PA are an angler’s paradise! Stocked with brook and brown trout, many of the streams are perfect settings for an afternoon fishing trip. The Lehigh River also has plenty of amazing spots, featuring warm-water game fish, trout, and panfish. (Keep in mind, the Saylorsville Dam to the Lehigh River is a catch and release fishing only area.)

Swimming in the lake is a great way to beat the heat in the summer! From May to September, you’ll enjoy the sand beach at Sand Spring Lake. The beach also has a concession area with sandwiches and other light snacks. Lifeguards are not present, so please plan accordingly.

When you come to Hickory Run State Park, come prepared to explore! The park offers 44 miles of hiking trails that wind through spectacular scenic areas. This is especially true in June and July when wildflowers like the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom. October is another exciting time go; fall hikers will enjoy the peak of autumn foliage. In the winter, the blue-blazed trails allow cross-country skiing and the orange-blazed trails allow snowmobiling.

Pitch a tent in the grass, drive up your RV, or make a reservation in one of the campground’s rustic cottages. The site also offers flush toilets, warm showers, and some electric hook-ups, as well as a camp store where you’ll find supplies like ice, firewood, and food. Be sure to download a Hickory Run State Park campground map before you head out.

Hickory Run State Park, PA has three state park natural areas for guests to explore. A “natural area” is an area that offers unique scenic, geologic, or ecological value that is maintained without any direct human intervention. Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark and features a striking rocky landscape. The Mud Swamp is a remote wetland dominated by spruce trees. The last natural area is Mud Run, a pristine mountain stream lined with rhododendron and eastern hemlock. Grab a camera and check out all three when you visit!

Want a more in-depth understanding of all the beauty you’ll see at Hickory Run State Park? Take part in one of their educational programs. Between March and November, you can participate in hands-on activities, guided walks, and presentations led by an environmental education specialist.  

After a wonderful trip to Hickory Run State Park in PA, treat yourself to a luxurious stay at our Poconos bed and breakfast! Our comfortable guest rooms and suites have everything you need to unwind, and our award-winning onsite restaurant offers delicious, hearty meals that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready for even more fun. Be sure to check out our current packages and specials, as well as our incredible spa. We can’t wait to hear all about your adventures in the Poconos!

For more information on the best Poconos attractions, including Beltzville State Park and Ricketts Glen State Park, request a copy of our free vacation guide.