| Location | White Haven | Trail Type | Lollipop |
| Distance | 1 mile | Foot Traffic | Heavy |
| Difficulty | Easy | Elev. Gain | 131 feet |
| Recommended for: | Everyone |
Hiking to Hawk Falls is one of the first things you should do if you’re spending time at Hickory Run State Park, which has more than 40 miles of trails near the town of Jim Thorpe in the scenic Poconos Mountains. The trail itself is only about 1-mile long and is easy enough for even the littlest hikers and dogs. Your efforts will be rewarded with a stunning 25-foot waterfall and some lovely scenery along the way.
In the warm summer months, the thick rhododendron and beautiful mountain laurel only enhance the hike, making the path to the falls a really lovely experience all on its own. The trail is equally beautiful in the fall, especially around peak foliage in October, when the leaves create a kaleidoscope of yellows, oranges, and reds.
Jump to a Section
- Hike the Hawk Falls Trail
- Why You Shouldn’t Swim at Hawk Falls
- Bear Activity at Hickory Run
- Directions & Parking for Hawk Falls
- Camping at Hickory Run State Park
- Other Hiking Trails in the Poconos Mountains
Hike the Hawk Falls Trail
One of the benefits of visiting a popular trail like this is that it’s clearly marked and easy to follow. From the parking lot, head southwest along PA 534, toward the overpass. In about 50 yards, you’ll reach the trail head on your left.
The blazes here are yellow, which indicate it’s a hiking trail. Hickory Run State Park doesn’t use different colored blazes to indicate different trails — instead, the color of the blaze indicates what type of trail you’re on. Any of these trails can be used for hiking in warmer months, but yellow indicates hiking-only paths, blue is used for cross country skiing, and orange for snowmobiling.
The Hawk Falls Trail is a wide path here, lined with traditional Pennsylvania flora and leading downhill. At about 0.3 miles, you’ll cross a wooden bridge over Hawk Run, the stream that feeds Hawk Falls. The path gets a little rockier on the other side of the bridge as it continues its descent toward the water.
Both the stream and falls were named for the Hawk family, who once owned the land across from the parking lot. In the early to mid-1800s the waterways and surrounding lands were dotted with mills, farms, and logging operations.
You’ll hear the falls before you see them. At 0.4 miles, you can bear right for a view from the top of the falls. Once you’re done admiring it from that angle, though, I recommend heading back to the trail to continue the descent.
At 0.5 miles, the Hawk Falls Trail intersects with the Orchard Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that leads to the Mud Run Natural Area, where there is fishing (delayed harvest, artificial lures only). The steep stone staircase leads up to an unpaved access road and parking.
Pass the Orchard Trail signpost, continue toward the water, and turn right along the bank of Mud Run to continue toward Hawk Falls. The rhododendron bushes create a thick tunnel here, and around 0.6 miles it will open up — high overhead is the PA 534 overpass, and around the corner on your right is the bottom of Hawk Falls.
To return to the top of the the falls, there’s a small rock scramble to climb. It’s not for everyone, so if you’re uncomfortable with the idea, just double back on the trail you came from. The brochures and website for Hickory Run claim this trail is “more difficult” hiking, and I presume it’s because of this very brief section, but since it’s not a necessary part of the hike, don’t let the PA DCNR’s difficulty rating scare you off.
Whether you opt to climb the rocks and complete the lollipop loop or double back the way you came, the grade going back uphill to the parking area is mellow and manageable.
Why You Shouldn’t Swim at Hawk Falls
On a warm day, you’ll be tempted to jump right into the inviting pool of cool, rushing water. The beautiful backdrop of the falls is especially tempting for those who tend to do things for the ‘Gram. Resist the urge.
Swimming at Hickory Run State Park is only permitted at Sand Spring Lake. Not only does swimming through watering holes like this disrupt a natural habitat, but it also adds chemicals from your sunscreen and bug spray into our waterways. And for the record, no one wants you distracting from the view or appearing in all their pictures of the waterfalls. Be considerate to your fellow visitors who have come to enjoy this peaceful, beautiful place.
Bear Activity at Hickory Run State Park
Black bears have terrible eyesight but a very keen sense of smell. Your food isn’t the only thing that could attract a curious, hungry bear — deodorant, toothpaste, soaps, and garbage can give off scents that will attract unwanted visitors to your campsite.
Hickory Run State Park has large, metal receptacles with bear-proof locks located around the campgrounds. Use these to dispose of your trash, be sure to keep your food and other scented items in your vehicle when you’re not there, and if you’re at a primitive site, be sure to hang a bear bag (the park recommends suspending your bag on a branch, at least 10 feet in the air and 3 feet away from any tree trunks. Bears are excellent climbers).
Black bears typically run from people — remember, they have poor hearing, so making loud noises should scare them off — but getting between them and food is a situation you want to avoid. If you encounter a bear that doesn’t run or seems to be hanging around a particular area, be sure to notify a park employee.
Directions & Parking for Hawk Falls
Coordinates for Parking Lot: 41.01067, -75.63432
From I-80: Take exit 274 at the Hickory Run State Park Exist, and drive east on PA 534 for 6 miles.
From the PA Turnpike Northeast Extension: Take exit 95 and drive west on PA 940 for 3 miles, then turn east on PA 534 for 6 miles.
There’s ample parking at the trailhead as well as right across the street at the Boulder Field trailhead, but this area is very popular, especially in the summer and fall months, and oftentimes you’ll see cars parked all along the side of PA 534. Carpool if possible to avoid having to find multiple spaces.
Camping at Hickory Run State Park
Hickory Run State Park sits in the western foothills of the Poconos Mountains in Carbon County. It’s known for its natural areas, fishing, and more than 40 miles of hiking trails. The park has more than 252 modern electric and non-electric camping sites (some with electric hookups and some with full service), three cottages, two deluxe cottages, and more as well as organized group tenting and cabin camps. (For more details about these, or to make a reservation, visit the PA DCNR site.)
The main campground area has modern restrooms and warm showers. There’s also a general store right down the road that sells basic camping supplies, firewood, ice, and food.
The park is currently building a brand new Visitor Center on PA 534. The facility will serve as the welcome point for both Hickory Run and Lehigh Gorge state parks, featuring exhibits, indoor classrooms, and space for other special events and programs hosted by park staff. As a result of the construction, the park has temporarily relocated the family camping entrance. (Stop by the Park Office for the latest information about entrances and parking.)
There’s no biking on trails at Hickory Run, but it is permitted at nearby Lehigh Gorge State Park on more than 20 miles of abandoned railroad grade turned rail trail.
Other Hiking Trails in the Poconos Mountains
- Shades of Death Trail (1 mile, yellow blazes) – don’t let the name fool you, this is a short, easy hike that offers several water features, including Stametz Dam.
- Fireline Trail (2.4 miles, yellow blazes) – an easy hike with a stunning view of the Lehigh River and Lehigh Gorge State Park. Excellent sunset spot.
- Boulder Trail (3.5 miles, yellow blazes) – this trail has a modest elevation change but is extremely rocky, which will slow your progress. Wear sturdy shoes to avoid potential ankle and tripping injuries.
- Tank Hollow Vista (3.4 miles) – trail in State Game Lands 141 with beautiful views, regardless of the time of year.
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