Sixteen acres of boulders, some the size of small cars, sit in a field in the Pocono foothills, left behind roughly 20,000 years ago when glaciers retreated from this part of Pennsylvania. Boulder Field is a genuine National Natural Landmark, and unlike most geological wonders that demand a strenuous hike, you can actually drive right up to it. That accessibility, combined with 40-plus miles of trails, hidden waterfalls, and nearly 400 campsites across almost 16,000 acres, has made Hickory Run one of Pennsylvania’s officially designated “25 Must-See State Parks.”
Here’s what to know about Boulder Field access, camping seasons, and trail rules before a 2026 visit.
Hickory Run State Park Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Location | 3 Family Camp Rd, White Haven, PA (Carbon County) |
| Park size | About 15,990 acres |
| Day-use admission | Free |
| Park hours | Sunrise to sunset, year-round; day-use areas close at dusk |
| Trail mileage | Over 40 miles |
| Boulder Field size | 16 acres, National Natural Landmark, formed by glacial activity ~20,000 years ago |
| Boulder Field access | Drivable via Boulder Field Road, or hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Field Trail |
| Camping | About 392 sites, including 3 cottages |
| Camping season | Mid-April through mid-October (select rustic sites/cottages open through deer season in December) |
| Camping reservation window | Up to 11 months in advance |
| Biking on trails | Prohibited park-wide |
Boulder Field: The Feature That Draws Everyone
This is Hickory Run’s signature attraction, and it genuinely doesn’t look like anything else in the Pennsylvania woods. Boulder Field is a 16-acre expanse of glacially deposited rock, roughly 1,800 feet across and 400 feet wide, that formed when retreating glaciers left this massive boulder deposit behind at the end of the last ice age. Walking out onto the field itself feels like stepping onto an alien landscape dropped into an otherwise typical Pocono forest.
What makes Boulder Field genuinely accessible compared to most National Natural Landmarks is that you don’t need to commit to a long hike to see it. Drive directly to it via Boulder Field Road, or if you’d rather earn the view, hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Field Trail from the SR 534 trailhead. Either way, expect the boulder-hopping itself to be strenuous on your ankles and footwear regardless of how you arrive, so sturdy shoes matter here even if your approach involved no hiking at all.
Hawk Falls: A Short, Rewarding Waterfall Hike
For visitors wanting a quicker, family-friendly payoff, Hawk Falls delivers a 25-foot cascade reachable via a short 0.7-mile trail, crossing a footbridge before gently descending to the river. The falls tumble over rock formations into a pool that, while scenic, isn’t deep enough for swimming, so plan on viewing and photographing rather than wading in. The surrounding area offers plenty of spots for picnicking and letting kids play near the water’s edge, making this one of the park’s most approachable short hikes for families not up for the full Boulder Field trek.
Camping: Seasonal Windows and What Stays Open Later
Hickory Run’s roughly 392 campsites, including three cottages, operate on a defined seasonal schedule running mid-April through mid-October for most sites. A notable exception: select rustic campsites and cottages remain open beyond the standard season, through the end of Pennsylvania’s deer hunting season in December, appealing to hunters or visitors wanting a late-fall stay after the main camping crowd has cleared out.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Pennsylvania’s state parks reservation system, and certain site categories require booking at least 3 days ahead of arrival rather than allowing same-day reservations. Given the park’s popularity and its inclusion on Pennsylvania’s must-see list, booking summer weekends well within that 11-month window is a smart move rather than waiting until closer to your travel date.
Why Biking Isn’t Allowed on Any Trail
This is a rule that surprises visitors used to more bike-friendly Pennsylvania state parks. Hickory Run prohibits biking on all of its trails, a deliberate choice made to preserve the trail surfaces and the diverse ecosystems they pass through. If mountain biking was part of your Poconos trip planning, know that this specific park isn’t the destination for it, and plan your cycling elsewhere in the region while saving Hickory Run for hiking, fishing, and Boulder Field exploration instead.
Fishing: Streams, a Wheelchair-Accessible Pier, and the Lehigh River
Hickory Run takes its name from the stream running through the park, and the broader property offers genuinely excellent fishing across multiple waterways, from Hickory Run itself to Hawk Run, Mud Run, and Fourth Run, spanning both stocked waters and wild trout streams. For anglers with mobility considerations, the CCC Pond near the campground includes a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, a thoughtful amenity not universally available at comparable parks.
The Lehigh River runs along the park’s western border and stays open for fishing year-round from Francis E. Walter Dam down to Sandy Run, offering trout alongside warm-water game fish and panfish. Regardless of where you’re fishing within the park, a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required, and Pennsylvania’s 2026 trout season officially opens April 4, worth noting if timing your visit around opening day matters to your fishing plans.
Wildlife: Black Bears Are Genuinely Common Here
Hickory Run’s forested terrain supports a real black bear population, and sightings are common enough that the park explicitly flags this for visitors. Bears here aren’t a rare, exciting anomaly, they’re a regular part of the ecosystem, which means standard food storage precautions at your campsite genuinely matter rather than being an abstract suggestion. Keep food secured, don’t leave coolers or trash out overnight, and give any bear you encounter plenty of distance rather than approaching for a photo.
Dogs: Where They’re Welcome and Where They’re Not
Leashed dogs are welcome on the park’s 40-plus miles of trails and throughout the campground, a genuine plus for pet owners planning a Hickory Run camping trip. The one clear exception is the park’s beach area, where dogs aren’t permitted at all. If a swim day with your dog was part of your itinerary, plan around this restriction and stick to the trails and campground for pet-inclusive activities instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I drive directly to Boulder Field, or do I have to hike?
Both options exist. You can drive to Boulder Field via Boulder Field Road for direct access, or hike the 3.5-mile Boulder Field Trail from the SR 534 trailhead if you’d rather earn the view. Either way, wear sturdy shoes since navigating the boulders themselves is physically demanding regardless of how you arrive.
Q2. Can I bring my mountain bike to ride the trails at Hickory Run?
No. Biking is prohibited on all trails throughout the park, a rule maintained to protect trail surfaces and surrounding ecosystems. Plan cycling activities elsewhere in the Poconos region and save Hickory Run for hiking instead.
Q3. Is camping available year-round, or does it close for winter?
Most sites operate mid-April through mid-October, but select rustic campsites and cottages remain open beyond that standard season, through the end of deer hunting season in December. Check current availability for your specific site type and dates.
Q4. Should I be worried about black bears while camping or hiking?
Black bears are common throughout the park, so standard precautions genuinely matter here: store food securely, don’t leave items out overnight at your campsite, and maintain distance if you spot one on a trail rather than approaching for photos.
