State Park

Hickory Run State Park

Carbon County, PennsylvaniaAbout 28,595 acresEstablished 1945
Status
Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
Entrance fee
Not posted
Day-use reservations
None mentionedCan reach capacity
Dogs
Not stated — check with park
Camping
17 campsitesAlso cabins, yurts, glamping or camper cabins
Official site
pa.gov(272) 808-6192

Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current

Current alerts 1

Construction CONSTRUCTION AND TRAFFIC CONGESTIONThe Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is replacing the 476 Turnpike bridge that passes over PA Route 534, adjacent to Hawk Falls, within Hickory Run… (more)

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is replacing the 476 Turnpike bridge that passes over PA Route 534, adjacent to Hawk Falls, within Hickory Run State Park. Park visitors can expect delays and traffic congestion Monday through Friday. Please use caution while in that area and anticipate delays in your travel time on PA Route 534 through Hickory Run State Park.

Posted by the park. Official alert

Overview

In Carbon County, about 8 miles northeast of Hazleton, Hickory Run State Park covers about 28,595 acres.

Things to do include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, golf, winter sports, and disc golf. Its trail network totals roughly 40 miles, according to the park. Water access includes a swimming beach and a fishing pier. Camping is available: 17 campsites across 4 camping areas, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and group camping. There are also cabins, yurts, and camper cabins or similar shelters for rent.

Hours

Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.

FacilityDaysHoursSeason
ParkDailysunrise – sunset—
Official wording

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The visitor center is open specific hours. The beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the visitor center for facility seasons and hours. The park experiences high visitation from the spring through the fall. Parking areas at trailheads may reach capacity early in the day, even during the week. Please arrive early and have a back-up plan if parking lots are full.

Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).

Reservations

Day use
No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
Booking system
ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
Phone
888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Parking areas at trailheads may reach capacity early in the day, even during the week.

Check availability and book

We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.

Pets

See the park’s wording

Pets: Allowed on designated sites

Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.

Camping

Campground or site typeSitesHookups / featuresPrice
Camping
Season: Mid-April through mid-December Sites: Large tent and trailer area with forested and open sections Hookups: Many sites with electric; some full-hookup sites (sewer, water, electricity) Amenities: • Warm showers • Flush restrooms • Sanitary dump station • Camp store with supplies, ice, firewood, and food ADA Accessible: Four campsites near restrooms and showers Pets: Allowed on designated sites Alcohol: Prohibited throughout the campground Attention All Campers: Because of an active bear population, overnight guests are required to store all food and any scented items such as toothpaste,
4Hookups: Many sites with electric; some full-hookup sites (sewer, water, electricity) • Camp store with supplies, ice, firewood, and foodShowers—
Organized Group Tenting
Season: Across PA 534 from the campground, this rustic area is open year round and has:
Adult and youth groups can rent one or more of the 13 group sites. Across PA 534 from the campground, this rustic area is open year round and has: • Picnic tables • Fire rings • Flush toilets • Water spigots One utility trailer is permitted per site. No RVs or travel trailers are permitted.
13—
Organized Group Cabin Camps
Season: The camps are open from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October. Located in a wooded setting with adjacent play fields, the camps share a swimming pool that is open from about June 1 to Labor Day.
Camp Daddy Allen holds 124 people and Camp Shehaqua holds 149 people. The camps are open from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October. Located in a wooded setting with adjacent play fields, the camps share a swimming pool that is open from about June 1 to Labor Day. Groups must supply their own certified lifeguards. Contact the park for registration information.
—Camp Daddy Allen holds 124 people and Camp Shehaqua holds 149 people.—
Maps and Rosters for the Group Cabin Camps
• Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF) • Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC) • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF) • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC)
—• Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF) • Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC) • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF) • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC)—
Camping details from the park

Camping

Season: Mid-April through mid-December

Sites: Large tent and trailer area with forested and open sections

Hookups: Many sites with electric; some full-hookup sites (sewer, water, electricity)

Amenities:

  • Warm showers
  • Flush restrooms
  • Sanitary dump station
  • Camp store with supplies, ice, firewood, and food

ADA Accessible: Four campsites near restrooms and showers

Pets: Allowed on designated sites

Alcohol: Prohibited throughout the campground

Attention All Campers: Because of an active bear population, overnight guests are required to store all food and any scented items such as toothpaste, deodorant, and dish soap in their vehicle while away from their site. Trash should be disposed of in the bear-proof dumpsters. This includes when leaving the site for even a short period of time, day or night. Park staff will enforce these rules and failure to comply may result in a citation.

Organized Group Tenting

Adult and youth groups can rent one or more of the 13 group sites.

Across PA 534 from the campground, this rustic area is open year round and has:

  • Picnic tables
  • Fire rings
  • Flush toilets
  • Water spigots

One utility trailer is permitted per site. No RVs or travel trailers are permitted.

Organized Group Cabin Camps

Camp Daddy Allen holds 124 people and Camp Shehaqua holds 149 people.

The camps are open from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October.

Located in a wooded setting with adjacent play fields, the camps share a swimming pool that is open from about June 1 to Labor Day. Groups must supply their own certified lifeguards.

Contact the park for registration information.

Maps and Rosters for the Group Cabin Camps

  • Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF)
  • Daddy Allen Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC)
  • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Map (PDF)
  • Shehaqua Organized Group Cabin Camp Roster (DOC)

From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.

Cabins and lodging

  • Glamping at Hickory Run State Park
  • Camping Cottages: 3 units
  • Deluxe Camping Cottages: 2 units

Glamping at Hickory Run State Park

In partnership with Timberline Glamping, DCNR is bringing glamping to Hickory Run State Park in 2026. Hickory Run will have eight sites with a mix of two spacious layouts that accommodate 4-6 guests.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to feel at home:

  • Keurig coffee maker and mini fridge
  • Rugs, lamps, diffuser, and cozy décor
  • Electrical outlets for all your devices
  • Ceiling fan plus full residential-style A/C and heating

Reserve Now

More About Glamping

Camping Cottages

Three cottages in the campground feature:

  • Wooden walls and floors
  • Windows
  • Porch
  • Electric baseboard heat
  • Lights
  • Electric outlets

Each cottage sleeps five people in a single bunk and single/double bunk.

Read more from the park

There is no running water or restrooms in the cottages, however, there is potable water and a modern restroom nearby.

Ruffed Grouse Camping Cottage is ADA accessible.

Deluxe Camping Cottages

Two deluxe cottages are available from early April until mid-December.

The deluxe cottages have minimal furnishings:

  • Kitchen stove top
  • Refrigerator
  • Electric heat
  • Lighting
  • Bunk beds

There is no running water or restrooms in these deluxe cottages, however, there is potable water and a modern restroom nearby.

Eastern Hemlock Deluxe Cottage is ADA accessible.

Things to do

Winter sportsSnowmobilingGeocachingSwimmingFishingHuntingPicnickingGolfDisc golfHikingCross-country skiingCamping

Trails

TrailLengthDifficultyNotes
A -- Beach Trail0.5 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches Beach Trail provides an easy walk from Sand Spring Lake to the campground.Hiking
B -- Bear Trail1.1 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This wide, grassy trail branches off Fourth Run Trail and ends at the northern park boundary. This secluded trail is great for viewing wildlife.Hiking
C -- Blue Trail1 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Blue Trail winds through a forest dominated by chestnut oak, mountain laurel, and rhododendron. Mid to late June is the best time to see blooming mountain laurel, but blooming rhododendron can be seen early to mid-July.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
D -- Boulder Field Trail3.5 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail ends and Boulder Field, a National Natural Landmark. Along the trail you may see a variety of wildlife including: bears, white-tail deer, turkeys, snowshoe hares, ruffed grouse, and owls.Hiking
E -- Deer Trail0.5 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches Deer trail starts in the Sand Spring Day Use Area and ends at PA 534. In the spring and fall, vernal and autumnal pools along the trail may contain various frog, toad, and salamander species.Hiking
F -- Fireline Trail2.4 miMost difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Originally developed as an access road for firefighting equipment, this scenic trail has a picturesque overlook of the Lehigh River and Lehigh Gorge State Park.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
G -- Fourth Run Trail4.8 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: non-flush restroom The longest tail in the park passes through a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. It crosses Fourth Run multiple times, which provides excellent fishing opportunities for native brook trout.HikingSnowmobiling
H -- Gamewire Trail3.3 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This trail follows the boundary fence line that used to surround the game preserve of General Harry C. Trexler, who owned most of the property that became Hickory Run State Park.HikingSnowmobiling
I -- Gould Trail1 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended This trail winds through deciduous woods and fields, crossing Goulds Run at the trail's mid-point. In the summer, look and listen for indigo buntings, broad-winged hawks, field sparrows, and eastern bluebirds.HikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended
J -- Hawk Falls Trail0.6 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail wanders through a tunnel of rhododendron and ends with a view of Hawk Falls, a natural, 25-foot waterfall. Swimming is prohibited at Hawk Falls.Hiking
K -- Hickory Run Trail1.3 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This trail descends into a field where the National Park Service built a picnic area and parking lot in the 1930s. Parts of the curbing can still be seen among the wildflowers. This is one of the best places in the park to see butterflies.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
L -- Lake Trail0.6 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This short but very scenic trail runs around the back of Hickory Run Lake and connects to Stage Trail.HikingSnowmobiling
M -- Leonardsville Trail0.6 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail branches off of the western end of Stage Trail. The trail resembles a tunnel through a remarkably dense stand of rhododendrons and, at times, seems almost completely enclosed.Hiking
N -- Manor House Trail2.2 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This trail begins off of PA 534 and follows along the park boundary (white blazes) until it connects with Fourth Run Trail.HikingSnowmobiling
O -- Nature Trail0.4 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This trail begins near the pavilion and meanders through a variety of tree and plant species. Copies of the self-guided brochure PDF) corresponding with the numbered posts along the trail are available at the trailhead and visitor center.Hiking
P -- Orchard Trail1.2 miMost difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail is a loop that connects to the Hawk Falls Trail. It also provides access to the Mud Run Natural Area and fishing in Mud Run, a delayed-harvest and artificial lures only stream.Hiking
Q -- Pine Hill Trail3.9 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Most of this trail follows the park boundary and travels through an oak, maple forest thick with mountain laurel.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
R -- Ridge Trail1.1 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: benches Ridge trail is narrow and winds through the valley carved by Hickory Run. Near the fordway are remains of a double sawmill and flash dam built in the 1830s.Hiking
S -- Sand Spring Trail2.6 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none A wooden water tower and waterlines seen along the trail are artifacts from the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration during the mid-1930s and 40s that originally developed the park as a National Recreational Demonstration Area.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
T -- Shades of Death1 miMost difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches at Visitor Center Trailhead Despite the gruesome name, this is one of the most picturesque trails in the park. There are also remains of logging mills and dams dating back to the early 1800s.Hiking
U -- Skyline Trail2.1 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Skyline Trail branches off from Fireline Trail and meanders through a forest dominated by beech, gray birch, and pitch pine. When it reconnects with Fireline Trail, it follows a ridge, overlooking the Lehigh River.HikingCross-country skiing recommended
V -- Stage Trail4.5 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This trail was once the stagecoach road from Bethlehem to Wilkes-Barre, the trail is surprisingly flat and shows the skill of the early road builders.HikingSnowmobiling
W -- Stone Trail1.25 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: non-flush restroom This trail starts in the Boulder Field parking area and passes through sheep laurel, hemlocks, and deciduous forest along the park boundary.HikingSnowmobiling
X -- Switchback Trail0.7 miMore difficultRecreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail connects Hickory Run Trail and Gould Trail. From Hickory Run Trail, the trail switchbacks up to the plateau, then meanders through a forest of beech, gray birch, and pitch pine to an intersection with Gould Trail.Hiking
Y -- Boundary Trail1.5 miEasiestRecreations permitted: hiking, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This trail runs along the northern boundary of the park and connects Stone Trail with Fourth Run Trail.HikingSnowmobiling
Trail descriptions from the park

44 miles of trails

The trails lead through areas rich in historic and scenic interest. This is especially true from mid-June until mid-July when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom and again in mid-October at the height of the fall foliage.

As you hike, think of all the people and families that have used these trails in the past. Preserve these trails for the use of future generations by using trails appropriately.

Biking is prohibited on all trails at Hickory Run State Park, but is permitted at nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park on the rail-trail.

Hickory Run State Park Map

Many of the trails were old roads from the towns of Hickory Run and Saylorsville that flourished in the area between 1830 and 1900. Most of the other park trails were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps under the guidance of the National Park Service between 1936 and 1945.

Trail Blazes

  • Yellow blazes are hiking only trails
  • Blue blazes are hiking and cross-country skiing trails
  • Orange blazes are hiking and snowmobiling trails

Prepare for a Safe Hike

For every hike, even on trails less than a mile -- Always carry water, a park map, and wear appropriate footwear. Cell phones are unreliable in the forest and are not an alternative to a paper map.

For longer adventures -- Pack high-energy snacks, more water, and layers for changing weather conditions. Stay well fueled and hydrated for a more enjoyable experience.

Before embarking on your next adventure, consider:

  • • Trail length, trail difficulty, and fitness level of your group -- On the park map, most trail lengths are one-way. Double the trail length to return to the starting location.
  • Weather forecast -- Be aware of possible upcoming weather and pack accordingly.
  • Time of day -- The park closes at sunset. Plan to leave the park well before sunset.
  • Have a plan B -- Be flexible! Sometimes changing to a better day or a different trail results in a safer experience.

Swimming

♿ Swimming is permitted only at the designated swimming area of Sand Spring Lake, which also features a sand beach. The beach is open for swimming from late May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.

Please read and follow posted rules for swimming.

Swim at your own risk.

A snack bar has sandwiches, drinks, ice cream, and snacks.

Smoke-Free Beach

Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area.

For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:

  • Cigarettes
  • Pipes
  • Cigars
  • E-cigarettes
  • Other handheld, lighted smoking devices

Amenities

Facilities

  • Picnic areas
  • Picnic shelters
  • Park or camp store
  • Group facilities

Water

  • Swimming beach
  • Fishing pier

Camping

  • Tent camping
  • RV camping
  • Electric hookups
  • Water hookups
  • Sewer hookups
  • Group camping

Lodging

  • Cabins
  • Yurts
  • Glamping or camper cabins

Recreation

  • Golf course
  • Disc golf

✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.

Accessibility

Hickory Run State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Loop 165-228, Site 212

Site 212 in Loop 165–228 offers a modern 50-amp electric hookup with a paved, back-in driveway that's 40 feet long and suitable for vehicles up to 15 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.

Loop 165-228, Site 213

Site 213 in Loop 165–228 features a modern 50-amp electric hookup with a 44-foot paved back-in driveway, accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.

Loop 229-277, Site 242

Site 242 in Loop 229–277 offers a modern 50-amp electric hookup with a 36-foot paved back-in driveway, suitable for vehicles up to 20 feet in length.

Read more from the park

Loop 229-277, Site 243

Site 243 in Loop 229–277 features a modern 50-amp electric hookup with a 38-foot paved back-in driveway, accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet.

Deluxe Cottage: DC-2 - Eastern Hemlock

Deluxe Cottage DC 2 - Eastern Hemlock accommodates up to 6 people on 2 single/double bunk beds. Visitors are reminded they must bring their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.

Camping Cottage: SC-3 Ruffed Grouse

Camping Cottage: SC-3 Ruffed Grouse accommodates up to 5 people on 2 single/double bunk beds. Visitors are reminded they must bring their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.

Pavilion 1

Fishing Access

An ADA fishing pier is located near the campground in the CCC Pond.

Hunting

This park offers accessible hunting options. Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park.

DCNR permits visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit to use powered mobility devices on designated state park and forest lands, including administrative roads and trails not normally open to standard motorized vehicles.

Visitors interested in a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can fill out an application and submit it at any state park or forest office.

Swimming and Beaches

An ADA accessible sand beach is available in the designated swimming area of Sand Spring Lake.

There is ADA parking and restrooms nearby with a walkway to the water.

The beach is open for swimming from late May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.

Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.

Enjoy a scenic drive through PA woodlands along Boulder Field Road and Scenic Drive. Drive over the historic fordway and past Saylorsville Dam and Hickory Run Chapel.

Official accessibility information

Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.

Getting there

Address
3 Family Camp Road
White Haven, PA 18661-9712
Nearest town
Hazleton — about 8 mi northeast (straight line)
Coordinates
41.0092, -75.8346
Phone
(272) 808-6192
Email
hickoryrunsp@pa.gov

Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)

Directions from the park

The park is within a two- or three-hour drive from Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and New York City; and one hour from Allentown, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre. From I-80, take Exit 274 at the Hickory Run State Park Exit, and drive east on PA 534 for approximately 6 miles. The park may be reached by either Exit 95 or Exit 87 (EZ pass only) on the Northeast Turnpike. From Exit 95, drive west on PA 940 for 2.5 miles, turn east on PA-534 for approximately 7 miles. From Exit 87 (EZ pass only), drive north on PA-903 to PA-534 West. Turn left to follow PA-534 into the park. GPS DD: ​Lat. 41.024698 Long. - 75.687251

Nearby state parks

Sources and freshness

“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology

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