places where you won't be able to wipe the wag off your dog's tail - White Haven PA
The Park
In 1918, Allentown millionaire General Harry C. Trexler began buying land for one purpose: “I would like to see Hickory Run developed into a state park where families can come and enjoy wholesome recreation.” Trexler, who began his career as a farmer but soon branched into logging and other industries, opened his land to public hunting and fishing. He died before his grandiose plans could be completed but the National Park Service purchased Hickory Run in 1935 to create a national recreation demonstration area and a decade later was transferred to Pennsylvania and became the long dreamed-of Hickory Run State Park. One thing your dog won’t find in the park’s more than 15,000 acres is many hickory trees; one theory of the park’s name origins is that it was based on one large, now-extinct hickory tree.
The Walks
More than 20 trails covering over 40 miles in three natural areas await your dog in Hickory Run State Park. The leading candidate for “prettiest trail” in the park is the intriguingly named Shades of Death Trail near the park office. It follows Sand Spring and meanders through unique rock formations and past dams and old logging-mill ruins that date to the 1800s. The thick rhododendron forest is a natural highlight. In Mud Run Natural Area (on PA 534, east of the Pennsylvania Turnpike) a popular short canine hike is the trip to picturesque Hawk Falls. On hot days days your dog will enjoy splashing in the several streams that come together in the area.
Where The Paw Meets The Earth: Hiking-only trails have yellow blazes. Blue-blazed trails allow cross-country skiing and orange-blazed trails allow snowmobiling.
Workout For Your Dog - Long, hearty hikes possible
Swimming - Hickory Run Lake and Sand Spring Lake and a pack of streams are ideal for canine aquatics.
Restrictions On Dogs - Dogs are permitted on the trails throughout the park and allowed in designated sites in the campground.
Something Extra
The Boulder Field, covered with bowling ball-sized rocks, is a National Natural Landmark. Some 14 acres of jumbled
stone deposited during the last Ice Age stretch across more than a quarter-mile. The unique slope of the terrain here is responsible for the glacial debris piling up here. The Boulder Field is reached on a relatively easy hike with your dog of 3.5 miles (one way) on the Boulder Field Trail.
Phone - (570) 443-0400
Admission Fee - None
Directions - White Haven; from I-80, take Exit 274 at the Hickory Run State Park Exit, and drive east on PA 534 for six miles. From the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take Exit 95 and drive west on PA 940 for three miles then turn east on PA 534 for six miles.
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