Hickory Run State Park - Hawk Falls and the Mud Run Natural Area 

Hickory Run State Park is one of the premiere hiking destinations in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. With over 40 miles of trails featuring waterfalls, dense and diverse forests, and geological and historical attractions there is something here for everyone. Today we take a look at the extremely popular and photogenic Hawk Falls, and the lesser known but beautiful Mud Run Natural Area. Our hike starts on the route 534 parking area and descends along Hawk Run on a wide and well worn path, crosses a foot bridge and quickly reaches the waterfall. These falls are a super popular area, many people try to swim here, and the place can quickly become overcrowded. The park service does its best to maintain order and swimming is NOT ALLOWED, and violators will be fined. Try to visit early and during the week for an opportunity to experience this scenic treasure in its purest and most natural state. Many people will simply return to there cars from this point but there is much more to see for those willing to explore onward. Just after the falls Hawk Run empties into Mud Run which is a much larger classic mountain stream - crystal clear waters, fast moving currents, and continuous rapids, boulders, and deep pools. Bear left at Mud Run, following upstream, and you will soon connect with the Orchard trail. In this particular hike I missed the obvious trail junction where I should have went to the left and continued following the yellow blazes. Instead I plowed ahead on a faint footpath that followed Mud Run. I do not recommend this option as it was overgrown, loaded with spider webs, and the footing was extremely treacherous in places. Ultimately, I did emerge back onto the Orchard trail after a bushwack up the side of the hill but I picked up a tick and some poison ivy for my efforts. The orchard trail is a beautiful trail, marred only by the occasional far off sound of traffic from the nearby Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania turnpike. Here the trail meanders through thick stands of rhododendron and beneath a healthy and dark canopy of hemlock, pine, and oak. Rocks are covered with brilliant bright green mosses, and Mud Run roars at it courses through the thoroughly scenic surroundings. This is classic, iconic, Pocono habitat. Eventually the trail emerges onto an unpaved access road where you will turn left and emerge back onto rt. 534. It is only a short quarter mile or so road walk back to the car. All in all alittle over 3 miles of beautiful hiking through the Mud Run Natural area of Hickory Run State Park.
MUSIC - Alaska Sky by Patrick Patrikios
At The End Of Times, Nothing by Lifeblood
Indulgence by Alec Slayne
Aleph by Ciaran Delany
Eureka by Huma-Huma
Foreign Entity by Calm Shores
Lost Luggage by Mac Taboel
CAMERAS - GoPro Hero8 @ 4k 24fps
DJI Mini 2 @ 4k 24fps
EDITING SOFTWARE - Wondershare FilmoA
THUMBNAIL - Canva
Hawk falls is a beautiful location. PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE help to keep it that way by not littering, not swimming, and respecting posted rules. Thank you my friends, and happy hiking!