Hickory Run State Forest Boulder Field Loop
Glacial boulder field meets Pennsylvania forest roads
The Boulder Field at Hickory Run sits like an ancient alien landing pad—16,000 years of glacial chaos scattered across 16 acres of car-sized rocks. This forest road loop circles the geological wonder via Sand Spring Trail and Beach Lake Road, threading through dense Pocono hardwoods before opening onto the surreal moonscape. Hawk Falls Trail junction marks the halfway point where Hickory Run Creek cuts through hemlock gorges, creating ford challenges after spring snowmelt.
Moderate difficulty demands high-clearance stock 4WD for creek crossings and loose shale sections. Rocky stretches will test your spotter skills and tire placement. May through October offers the best window when creek levels drop and leaf-off provides visibility. No permits required for day runs, but overnight camping needs state park registration. This 18-mile loop delivers Pennsylvania’s most unique geological feature plus solid trail driving without the Moab crowds.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania |
| Land manager | Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | dcnr.pa.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4Runner or Wrangler handle this trail without modifications?
Yes — a stock 4WD vehicle with decent ground clearance (8+ inches) is the listed minimum and should get you through. Lifted rigs will have more breathing room on the rockier sections and creek crossings, but a bone-stock Tacoma or Wrangler driven carefully will manage fine.
When does the trail typically open and close each year?
Best window is May through October. Spring can bring soft ground and high creek levels, and winter snow makes the boulder field sections genuinely sketchy. DCNR may close forest roads seasonally or after heavy storms, so check with them directly before heading out.
Do you need a permit to run this trail?
No permit is required to drive the forest roads through Hickory Run State Forest. Standard Pennsylvania state forest rules apply — no off-trail driving, pack out your trash, and stay on designated roads. Hickory Run State Park (adjacent) may charge a day-use fee if you're entering the park itself.
What's the hardest section of the trail and what makes it technical?
The sections near the boulder field are the gnarliest — loose, irregular glacial rocks up to several feet across that make picking a clean line genuinely important. Add in the creek crossings where rocky approaches can get slick, and that's where most people earn their scars. Nothing that should stop a competent driver, but it demands attention.
How deep are the water crossings and is there a way to check conditions before going?
The creek crossings are generally manageable but depth varies a lot with rainfall — after a wet stretch they can climb to axle height or beyond. Cell service is spotty out there, so check USGS stream gauge data for the Lehigh River watershed before you leave Jim Thorpe, and have a bailout plan if water looks high when you arrive.
Trail track
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