Shades of Death at Hickory Run State Park is an enormously popular waterfall trail in Pennsylvania—and for good reason!
This gorgeous trail is family-friendly and dog-friendly. It’s about 2.5-3 miles, out-back-back, and on the easy side of moderate. With all of the rocks to navigate on the trail, you’ll want to wear supportive shoes with good grip.
I’ve hiked Shades of Death several times in different seasons. In my opinion, the best time to hike Shades of Death is winter since the trail is quiet and the waterfalls are full. But it’s honestly lovely to hike at any time of year.
If you’re considering hiking the Shades of Death Trail, the guide below will tell you everything you need to know!
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Parking for Shades of Death at Hickory Run
You have two options when parking for Shades of Death.
Our favorite place to park is at the Hickory Run State Park Visitor Center. There is a large parking lot, and you have easy access to the amenities, like the bathrooms. However, if you park at the visitor center, you’ll start at the top of the trail, which means you’ll have a bit of an ascent on the way back. But it’s not a steep trail, so it’s not too bad on the way back.
Another place to park to access the Shades of Death Trail is along PA-534, just over one mile west of the Hickory Run State Park Visitor Center. The small lot holds about a dozen cars and has port-a-johns.
Prepare for Your Hike at Hickory Run State Park
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 Shades of Death Trail
The Hickory Run State Park Visitor Center shares a parking lot with the trailhead for Shades of Death and has running water bathrooms and water bottle filling stations.
Best Time to Hike Shades of Death
Shades of Death is one of the most popular waterfall trails in Hickory Run State Park. It is especially busy on weekends and during the summer months. The best time to hike is early morning, late afternoon, or during the off-season.
Thanks to the many rhododendrons and mountain laurels along the trail, Shades of Death is just as beautiful in the winter as it is in the summer. So, if you enjoy a winter hike, this is a great option!
The Shades of Death Trail
- Trail Location: Shades of Death lower trailhead is at 41.02466941110019, -75.70988292934165 on PA-534. The upper trailhead is accessed from the Hickory Run State Park visitor’s center.
- Trail Length: The trail is an out-and-back trail, approximately 2.5-3 miles round trip.
- Trail Difficulty: Easy side of moderate but technical. The multiple rocks and roots along the trail require decent footwear.
- Elevation Gain: 270 feet
- Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead for Shades of Death
The upper trailhead for Shades of Death is to the left of the Hickory Run State Park Visitor Center. You’ll follow the flat path until you pass a gathering area on your right.
The lower trailhead is just off PA-534, just over a mile west of the visitor center.
What to Expect On the Trail
This ominous waterfall trail near Philadelphia isn’t as bad as it sounds. Actually, it’s quite the opposite!
Many people have described the Shades of Death trail as “magical” with its massive rhododendrons and beautiful cascades.
The big falls are man-made by damming the Sand Spring Run in multiple places, but that doesn’t make them any less beautiful. The natural cascades are also a sight to see! Some even look like natural water slides.
The trail is very rocky, as you’ll have to traverse large rocks and boulders and navigate over some water if it’s been rainy. There is even a stone staircase halfway through the trail.
Shades of Death is an out-and-back trail about 2.2-3 miles long, depending on where you turn around.
Good to Know: If you start at the lower trailhead, you’ll probably want to turn around at the dirt road crossing. Past that point, there isn’t too much excitement, and it is not worth the extra effort (unless you want to use the bathrooms at the visitor center).
Other Hikes Near Shades of Death
There are so many beautiful hikes at Hickory Run State Park. One of our favorites is another beautiful waterfall hike to Hawk Falls. The hike to Hawk Falls is an easy 1.2-mile out-and-back trail.
Right next to Hawk Falls is the Orchard Trail, a 1.2-mile loop that you can easily add to the hike to Hawk Falls since they are connected. The Orchard Trail is considered moderate and has some steeper sections.
Don’t forget to check out the Boulder Field! The drive to Boulder Field is a dirt road with many potholes, but it’s worth visiting.
Wrapping Up Shades of Death Trail Hike
As one of the best and most popular hikes in Hickory Run State Park, you’ll want to do the Shades of Death trail. This fun, out-and-back trail is great for families with young kids, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys beautiful waterfall hikes. Add this trail to your Pennsylvania bucket list!
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