After a snowfall is an especially peaceful time to visit Hickory Run State Park. Typically, there will be a small number of people in the park and the snow creates a calm, quiet atmosphere.
If you have beginner snowshoers in your group, or if you’re looking for a short, easy trail, or perhaps you have new snowshoes to test, the park’s Nature Trail is a perfect place to start. This .6 mile loop trail is fairly level with no significant uphill or downhill. There are no water crossings, and the trail is well-marked. It’s also easy to access. The trailhead is located adjacent to the large parking lot in the day-use area, near the picnic pavilion. Restrooms may be open in the day-use area, or visit the park’s visitor center.
Nature Trail leads through a section of forest with a variety of trees and plants. Along the way, you’ll see posts with numbers. You can get a Nature Trail Self-guided Brochure at the visitor center, or it may be stocked at the trailhead, or it’s available online at the address listed below. The brochure identifies plants and trees along the trail. During winter, especially when the area is snow-covered, you won’t see all of the plants; but, you will see some of them, plus the assortment of trees. The brochure contains some interesting facts about the plants and how people use them. For example, the Eastern hemlock, Pennsylvania’s state tree, was sought by lumbermen in the early 1900’s as a good source of wood for construction; plus, its’ bark was used in tanning animal hides.
Along the trail, some branches heavy-laden with snow, may droop across the path. Other branches could also be broken and you’ll need to maneuver under one branch and step over other branches.
There is a section of the trail with two wooden benches. Stop here for a moment. A gently flowing stream can be heard nearby. Perhaps you’ll hear birds or see some wildlife wandering through the park. Or maybe, you’ll choose to simply pause and enjoy the serenity of the snow-covered forest.
To access the online Nature Trail Self-guided Brochure go to:
http://elibrary.dcnr.pa.gov/GetDocument?docId=3540528&DocName=HICK_NatureTrailBrochure.pdf
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