Hawk Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in Hickory Run State Park.
And it’s no wonder! The relatively easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail can be completed in less than 30 minutes and leads to a beautiful 25-foot-tall waterfall and views of Mud Run and Panther Creek.
This is one of our favorite hikes in Hickory Run State Park, and we love to add it to a visit to Bouler Field or after hiking Shades of Death.
This beautiful Poconos waterfall trail is perfect for all ages and is a great place to introduce anyone to the beauty of hiking. If you’re planning on visiting Hawk Falls on your next trip to Hickory Run, then the guide below will give you everything you need to know, so let’s dive in!
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Prepare For Your Hike to Hawk Falls in PA
Be a Responsible Visitor
As you visit this trail, remember to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
Amenities at Hawk Falls Trail
There are no bathrooms at the Hawk Falls trailhead. However, the Hickory Run State Park Visitor Center is 3 miles down the road and has running water bathrooms and water bottle filling stations.
Best Time to Visit Hawk Falls
Hawk Falls in PA is a popular trail, especially on weekends and during the summer months. However, like most waterfall trails, to get the best experience, you’ll want to visit Hawk Falls during the winter or early spring.
Pets
Dogs are allowed on the trail at Hawk Falls, but they must be leashed.
Hawk Falls Parking
There are two parking areas at Hawk Falls in Hickory Run State Park, just past the PA Turnpike on PA-534.
Both parking lots for Hawk Falls are located on PA-534 and hold about 20 cars each. They can fill up quickly on the weekends and in the summer months. However, the trail is relatively short, so a spot should open up with little wait.
The trailhead is on the south side of PA-534 and about 150 feet west of the parking lots (walk towards the PA Turnpike overpass).
Hike to Hall Falls at Hickory Run State Park
| Trail Location: | The Hawk Falls trailhead is located on PA-534 (41.01033379339081, -75.6345402190877). Park at the lot and walk about 150 feet towards the turnpike bridge to access the trailhead. |
| Trail Length: | The trail is about 1.2 miles round trip. The Orchard Trail loop adds 1.2 miles to the hike. |
| Trail Difficulty: | Easy |
| Trail Type: | Out and back |
| Elevation Gain: | 135 feet |
| Dog Friendly: | Yes |
Trailhead
As noted above, the trailhead for Hawk Falls is about 150 feet from the two parking areas PA-534. There is a sign indicating the start of the trail, and it is marked by yellow trail blazes.
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail to Hawk Falls is primarily flat, with a short decline at the start of the trail. Although the trail is relatively short (only about .6 miles to the waterfall), there is plenty to see along the way.
As you enjoy the trail, you’ll find large boulder erratics that kids can’t stay off of! There is also a pretty bridge crossing over Panther Creek.
As you approach the waterfall, stop along the bank of Mud Run. Across the water, there is a cool triangle-shaped rock you won’t want to miss!
You should also turn right to continue on the trail to the waterfall when you reach Mud Run. Going left will take you to the Orchard Trail.
At the Waterfall
It might not be even close to the tallest waterfall in Pennsylvania, but Hawk Falls is still impressive at 25 feet tall (four feet taller than Maryland’s 2nd tallest waterfall!).
There are boulders along the right side of the waterfall that many people climb up to reach the top. If you choose to do this, please use caution on the wet rocks, as they can be slippery.
Other Hikes Near Hawk Falls
There are so many great hikes at Hickory Run State Park. The Orchard Trail is a 1.2-mile loop that is easy to add to the hike to Hawk Falls since they are connected. The Orchard Trail is considered moderate and has some steeper sections.
You can also hike from the Hawk Falls parking area to Boulder Field, a popular attraction at Hickory Run State Park. The trail to Boulder Field is about 6.5 miles, out and back. Keep in mind that it can be very muddy or even flooded, especially after rainfall.
One of our favorite trails at Hickory Run State Park is another fantastic waterfall trail. Shades of Death is a moderate 2.5-mile out-and-back trail that features several man-made waterfalls and beautiful cascades. The rhododendrons along this trail are absolutely beautiful and make it green year-round. You can access this trail at the Hickory Run State Park visitor center.
Wrapping Up the Hike to Hawk Falls in Pennsylvania
The hike to Hawk Falls is a moderately easy and fun waterfall trail in the Poconos that almost anyone can handle. The 25-foot waterfall is worth the visit, and you can always add on more hikes to your trip. Plus, there is even more to do at Hickory Run State Park, especially in the summer when Sand Spring Lake is open for swimming!
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