A Tale of Two Titans: Adventure Awaits at Lehigh Gorge and Hickory Run State Parks

Pennsylvania’s wilderness boasts two crown jewels waiting to be explored: Lehigh Gorge State Park and Hickory Run State Park. Each park offers a unique tapestry of adventure, promising experiences that will leave you breathless.

Lehigh Gorge State Park: A Carved Canvas of History and Beauty

Imagine this: emerald forests clinging to towering cliffs, a ribbon of jade-green river snaking through the valley floor, and remnants of a bygone era whispering tales of industry. Lehigh Gorge State Park paints this picture and so much more. Hike or bike the breathtaking Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Trail, following the path once carved by miners and marveled at by train passengers. Kayak or whitewater raft down the Lehigh River, the rushing water a thrilling counterpoint to the serene grandeur of the gorge. For the history buffs, explore the remnants of the Lehigh Canal, a testament to human ingenuity and a window into Pennsylvania’s rich industrial past.

Hickory Run State Park: Where Fairytale Forests Meet Cascading Waterfalls

Step into a world sculpted by glaciers and adorned with emerald moss-covered boulders. Hickory Run State Park transports you to a wonderland of towering hemlocks, trickling streams, and cascading waterfalls. Hike along scenic trails with names like “Sandstone Trail” and “Glen Onoko Loop,” each turn revealing a new breathtaking vista. Be mesmerized by the park’s crown jewel, the aptly named “Lauch Gap Trail,” which leads you past a series of three waterfalls – plunging, cascading, and roaring – a symphony of water amidst the verdant embrace of the forest. In winter, Hickory Run transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Beyond the Scenery: A Park for All Seasons

Lehigh Gorge and Hickory Run offer more than just stunning landscapes. Camp under a canopy of stars, cast a line in the park’s stocked streams, or have a picnic lunch with a breathtaking view as your backdrop. Both parks cater to rock climbers, with challenging faces waiting to be conquered. If you’re seeking a more relaxed experience, scenic drives offer a leisurely way to soak in the beauty of these natural wonders.

Choose Your Adventure: A Park for Every Explorer

Lehigh Gorge State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of historical intrigue and adrenaline-pumping activities. Hickory Run State Park offers a serene escape, a place to reconnect with nature and marvel at its raw beauty. Whichever park you choose, an unforgettable adventure awaits. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack your sense of adventure, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Lehigh Gorge and Hickory Run State Parks.