Hickory Run State Park Area
Swimming hole in Wilkes-barre, Pennsylvania · Other
Hickory Run State Park Area is a natural swimming hole. It is near Wilkes-barre, Pennsylvania. Access is free. Best season: Late spring to early fall (May through September) offers optimal.
Typical season: Late spring to early fall (May through September) offers optimal
About Hickory Run State Park Area
Near Wilkes-Barre in Pennsylvania, Hickory Run S.P. Area offers a straightforward outdoor swim on Varies-See Below. Nestled within PA State Game Lands #40, adjacent to Hickory Run State Park, this unofficial, secluded spot feels like a secret the woods have kept to themselves. A small waterfall spilling into a cool, clear pool rimmed by broad, flat rocks warm from the summer sun. The access trail winds through dense second-growth forest, the kind where the canopy closes overhead and the air smells of damp earth and pine needles. Your footsteps fall on uneven ground. Roots, stones, soft patches of soil. So you'll want proper footwear and a bit of patience. When the trees finally open up and you hear the soft rush of falling water, the payoff is immediate. Black Run tumbles over a natural stone ledge into a pool deep enough to swim and clear enough to see the bottom. The surrounding rocks jut out at inviting angles, flat-topped and sun-warmed, perfect for stretching out between swims or launching yourself into the pool below. The forest crowds in on all sides, giving the whole scene an almost prehistoric stillness. Fed by shaded woodland streams, it carries that bracing clarity that only truly wild . Treat Hickory Run S.P. Area as a wild swim: no lifeguard, variable depth, and rules that can change by season.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Water type
- Varies-see below
- Water body
- Varies-see below
- Fee
- Free
- Nearest town
- Wilkes-barre
- State
- Pennsylvania
- Coordinates
- 41.06064, -75.77408
- Best season
- Late spring to early fall (May through September) offers optimal .
- Access difficulty
- Moderate: Access requires navigating uneven terrain and a short hike through the woods.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Cliff jumping
- Reported
- Camping
- Hickory Run S.P. Has camping.
- Land manager
- State park / recreation agency
- Activities
- See below
- Facilities
- Hickory Run State Park provides camping, restrooms, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for all travelers.
- Listing last updated
- May 12, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitLate spring to early fall (May through September) offers optimal .
- AccessModerate: Access requires navigating uneven terrain and a short hike through the woods.
- FacilitiesHickory Run State Park provides camping, restrooms, and picnic areas, ensuring a comfortable visit for all travelers.
- Camping nearbyHickory Run S.P. Has camping.
Highlights & features
- Secluded swimming hole in Black Run
- Crystal-clear water and deep pools
- Rocks for sunbathing and jumping
- Surrounded by lush forests
- Nearby hiking trails
- Seclusion and tranquility
- Suit-optional swimming experience
- Natural rock formations for jumping and sunbathing
How to get there
Hickory Run S.P. Area lies in Pennsylvania near Wilkes-Barre, Hazelton, and White Haven. Use these driving notes as a starting point and confirm road conditions before you go.
Starting Point: Interstate 80 (I-80) Exit
Take Exit 274 (south of Wilkes-Barre).
Set your odometer at Exit 274
After exiting I-80, reset your odometer to track distances more easily. Follow Route 534 South:
Turn onto Route 534 South and follow signs directing you toward Hickory Run State Park.
Continue on Route 534: Drive about 3 miles on Route 534 South. You will pass through wooded areas and see signs for Hickory Run State Park.
Enter PA State Game Lands #40
Look for signage indicating PA State Game Lands #40, which is near Hickory Run State Park. This is the general area where the swimming area. Locate Black Run: Black Run is a secluded . The area features large rocks suitable for sunbathing and jumping.
Parking and Final Approach
Parking is typically available at designated pull-off areas near the entrance to PA State Game Lands #40. Ensure you park in legal and safe locations. From the parking area, follow trails leading toward Black Run. Trails may be unmarked, so proceed carefully and stay aware of your surroundings. Exercise caution when navigating rocky terrain and entering the water.
Helpful notes
This . Plan accordingly by bringing water, snacks, and any necessary supplies. Be mindful of local regulations, including . Always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Have a safe visit to Black Run and the Hickory Run State Park area! Bring water, sunscreen, and gear for a primitive swim day. Weekends and holidays can draw more visitors. Check local updates on access and water levels before you leave home.
Plan your visit
Hickory Run S.P. Area works well as a day trip from Wilkes-Barre or Hazelton. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Jim Thorpe Area (about 14 mi away) or browse more Pennsylvania swimming spots in our directory. For the full list in Pennsylvania, see our state directory.
Access & fees
Access is via PA State Game Lands #40. This is an unofficial, natural area with no fee mentioned. All official facilities (restrooms, etc.) are located within the adjacent Hickory Run State Park. Check for any posted regulations specific to the Game Lands.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Hickory Run S. P. Area?
Yes. Hickory Run S. P. Area near Wilkes-Barre, Hazelton, and White Haven in PA is a varies-see below swimming spot on Varies-see below. Scout depth and current before entering — no lifeguards at most natural access points.
Is Hickory Run S. P. Area free?
Access is generally free (fee listed as “None”). Confirm any parking or day-use rules on site, and pack out trash.
How do you get to Hickory Run S. P. Area?
Hickory Run S. P. Area is in PA within day-trip range of Wilkes-Barre, Hazelton, and White Haven. Use a current map for the put-in or park entrance; cell service can be limited at remote spots.
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Map & location
Culture & history
Part of Pennsylvania’s rich conservation history, Hickory Run State Park preserves natural beauty and offers recreational opportunities.
Conservation
Follow Leave No Trace principles to protect the delicate ecosystem. Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Sources & updates
Official land managers cited on this page
Always confirm current rules, closures, and fees on the agency site before visiting.
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.