Enjoying Pennsylvania State Parks: Hickory Run State Park in the Poconos

Thanks to a wonder of the Ice Age, visitors from around the country flock to Hickory Run State Park in Lake Harmony, Pa. And this natural wonder, Boulder Field is just one reason to visit this Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania state park.

Hickory Run's Boulder Field was formed from a glacier that moved through the area over 20,000 years ago. In fact, other portions of the park were also formed as a result of the glacial movement. As a glacier shifts and ultimately melts, debris is moved and setting.

For Hickory Run State Park, this meant a deposit of boulders over a 400 feet by 1800 feet area, with some boulders measuring at 26 feet long. Boulder Field is flat and vast, and looks striking because there is virtually no vegetation in the field.

The glacial melting also paved the way for streams, bogs and waterfalls that dot the various trails and natural areas of the park. One of the other prominent natural areas in the park is called Mud Swamp, wetland area boasting lots of wildlife.

Aside from Boulder Field, here is a look at what this 15,500-acre park has to offer:

Hiking Trails

With all the natural wonders highlighted above, Hickory Run makes for scenic hikes. The park offers 43 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. A few of the trails are also open to snowmobiles and cross-country skiing.

Camping

Hickory Run State Park is said to be one of the best spots for camping in the Pocono Mountains. The park offers both modern and primitive campsites for both tent and trailer camping. There are campsites both in forest areas and open, grassy areas.

Hickory Run has a camp store, which sells firewood, ice, food and other general camping supplies. Most camping areas are also located near modern restrooms, which include showers.

Hickory Run also offers two cabin camps for organized camping trips, such as for scout groups, youth groups and other groups. Camp Daddy and Camp Shaehua have play fields, swimming areas and more.

Swimming Area

The lake is open for swimming from mid-May through September, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There is a sandy beach, a snack bar, restrooms and picnic areas to accompany the swimming area.

Picnicking

At Hickory Run's Sand Spring Beach, there are over 400 picnic tables available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Additionally, there are pavilions available for reservation. If there are no reservations, anyone can use the pavilion as well.

Hickory Run also offers:

- Disc Golf (also called Frisbee golf)
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Environmental education programs
- Winter activities

For more information on Hickory Run State Park visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/hickoryrun.aspx.