The Complete Guide to Hickory Run State Park & the Boulder Field

February 17, 2025

A 16-acre field of glacial boulders, a National Natural Landmark since 1967, sits at the heart of one of the largest state parks in the region — here's how to see it properly.

At nearly 16,000 acres, Hickory Run — established in 1945 — is one of the largest state parks in the Poconos, with more than 40 miles of trails threading through Carbon County forest and some of the region's best trout streams. Most visitors come for one feature specifically: the Boulder Field, a roughly 16-acre expanse of rock spanning almost 1,800 feet at its widest point, left behind by glacial activity more than 20,000 years ago and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1967 — one of only 27 such sites in Pennsylvania.

Walking the Boulder Field itself is slower and more physical than it looks in photos — the boulders are uneven and shift underfoot, so sturdy footwear and a bit of patience make a real difference. Beyond the field, Hawk Falls is a short, popular hike to a genuine waterfall, and the park's trout streams draw dedicated anglers well outside of peak tourist season.

Our own Boulder Field Trail hike listing leads directly to this same landmark, and the park sits just past our Big Boulder Lake destination — an easy add-on for guests already staying near Jack Frost or Big Boulder who want a genuinely different kind of afternoon than another lake day.

Where to Hike

Featured Trails

Boulder Field Trail

Moderate

6.5 mi · Out & Back538 ft gain2.5–3 hrsView on AllTrails

This trail leads to the Boulder Field National Natural Landmark, a 400-by-1,800-foot ice-age rock expanse where forest abruptly gives way to a strange, photogenic, scree-like landscape with nothing growing among the stones. The final stretch requires picking across uneven boulders, so wear sturdy footwear. It's 6.5 miles out and back with about 538 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate—a gentle climb but a long haul taking most hikers a good chunk of a morning. You can turn back anytime, though the reward is at the far end. The trailhead is near Big Boulder Lake. Bring water for the full distance and start early in summer, since there's no shade on the rock.

Geologic LandmarkNational Natural Landmark

Hawk Falls Trail

Easy

1.2 mi · Out & Back134 ft gain0.5–1 hrView on AllTrails

A short, popular hike in Hickory Run State Park leading to a 25-foot waterfall, most striking after rain or snowmelt. At 1.2 miles out and back with 134 feet of elevation gain, it's rated easy—about a half-hour each way—though the final approach requires some rock scrambling, so go slowly with kids. Being out and back, you can turn around anytime, making it forgiving for young children or grandparents. It's one of the park's most photographed spots, so expect weekend crowds; arrive early for solitude. The trailhead is near Big Boulder Lake, pairing well with a Boulder Field visit. Wear shoes with good grip, as rocks near the water stay damp and slick.

25-Ft WaterfallRhododendron-Lined TrailFamily-Friendly

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