The true Great Outdoors: Hickory Run State Park, Pennsylvania
Written: Jul 24 '01 (Updated Aug 09 '01)
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Pros: wild bears, spacious camping, great hiking trails, boulder field, scenery
Cons: wild bears do come out
The Bottom Line: So many different adventures, so many different types of trips. Great for family outtings, groups, couples, or friends - each time you go, it's a different experience!
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| baby.baby's Full Review: Hickory Run State Park |
Getting There
When you go to Hickory Run, it might be because you've heard of the great big field of rocks, Boulder Field, but there is plenty more to see. On your way there you will probably drive right over part of the park and not even realize that people are below you. If you take a walk on Falls Trail you will eventually come to a part deep down in the forest and rocks. The water is running calmly over the edge of big water fall and right above you people are crossing it. It gives you a keen sense of nature - do those people know you're down here?
What to do when you get here
This is a great park to camp at. The bathrooms are well-maintained (some words of advice [Tip #1]: take a shower in the afternoon, the floors are spotless, it's not crowded at all, and ladies, leave the make up and hair accessories at home. While I was in the bathroom 2 woman were doing there hair all up with dryers and curling irons. They each had two big bags of these "essentials," but then the one woman turned to me and said "Oh, that's what I forgot, my toothbrush!"). The campgrounds are spacious and restrooms are quite close.
There are many recreational things to do. You can hike on some of the 40 miles of hiking trails they have. Hike from Boulder Field to Falls Trail if you like or hike out to a great scenic overlook above the Lehigh River. You're sure to encounter some types of animals along your hike (Tip #2: do take the bug spray, even if your husband or wife opposes, take it and use it, chances are they will be jealous - ask them if they would like some a few minutes into the hike :) ). There are frogs hopping, snakes crawling (especially in the little rivers), caterpillars sneaking around, coyotes running free, deer trampling along the trails, and bears looking for fun. I've only been there a few times and much to my surprise I encountered all these animals. Do use caution when hiking, going for a swim in the river along the trails(I personally advise against it), cooking, storing food, and sleeping. If you encounter a bear, make as much noise as you can, other people will follow, and the bear is sure to leave. If anyone hikes the trail out to Lehigh River, keep your eyes peeled for little brick "buildings" on the trail. They look like tiny fireplaces built so that the ground would be the wall of a house... let me know what they are... or make up some old tale about how the early settlers made them and tell me about it :)
Boulder Field...Wow...I don't know where to start...
This 400x1800 ft natural area is all rock. You can climb on them, jump from one to the next, or get down close and view the different animals that live on them. The rocks are quite smooth and I believe it's to have formed more than 20,000 years ago from glacier ice. You can read more about it on the signs at the field. Don't go here wearing sandals expecting to climb around, unless they are meant for it. I actual prefer my bear feet as I feel I am closer to nature and am freer to roam around comfortably. (Tip #3: Either keep a death grip on your keys or give a spare to someone in your group [preferably a non-adventurer]. You might lose them, and if you do you certainly won't get them back, as one family found out during one of my trips. These rocks, also spreading over a large distance, are very, very deep with small crevasses your fingers will not fit.)
There is a camp store when you first enter the campground (Tip #4: if you want a small camping pillow, you can get the same one they sell at a nearby Walmart for half of what they sell it), a very nice beach, and as I mentioned early, Boulder Field. There is a lot of open ground at the beach where you will find refreshment stands, picnic areas, and a playground. You'll encounter tadpoles and fish when you first step into the water and you might see people scuba diving to look at all the creatures here. You have to go into the water here!! In the winter you can even go skating here.
Along the way to the beach, Boulder Field, and various trails, many roads are marked one way so be careful. These roads, and many trails, are often available for snow-mobiling and cross country skiing as well. Many people fish in the different rivers throughout the park as many hunters also hunt in the designated areas. Please use care when driving into the park, deer jump out in front of cars to no end. It's sort of contradicting, though; the hunters are searching in vain for these animals when, just a few miles down the road, these animals are jumping into the middle of the roads!
Around Town
There isn't too much too close to this park in terms of shopping and rainy day activities that keep children content, so bring along the rain gear and games! If you're willing to drive a little bit, you can find walmart, an outlet shopping area - The Crossings, and many fast food restaurants. Don't think that by going into the little towns nearby you will find much. Most "shopping centers" and "malls" consist of five shops in a row... very quaint areas, but not too helpful if you need something in particular.
More to See
If you want to go to another great state park, head on over to Lehigh Gorge. There's plenty to do here. In fact, when you follow the trail to Lehigh River you're practically in this park. You can even go white water rafting here with class 3 rapids, but this is another epinion.
Check out the other reviews I've written about parks I've been to:
*Beltzville: http://e.epinions.com/content_22974992004 -- Nice flat, short trails, relaxing environment
*Promised Land: http://e.epinions.com/content_22986460804 -- Very Relaxing
*Locust Lake: http://e.epinions.com/content_22983577220 -- Smaller, not as adventurous park
*Big Pocono State Park: http://www.epinions.com/content_22979055236 -- Great Views
*Rickett's Glen: http://e.epinions.com/content_33054756484 -- Adventurous Trail
*Hickory Run: http://e.epinions.com/content_32935612036 -- Exciting Rock Adventure
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: Anytime
Recommended for: Anybody
Review Topic: Overview
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Epinions.com ID:
baby.baby
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Reviews written: 26
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
I like reading, writing, gymnastics, swimming, and learning.
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