The trails lead through areas rich in historic and scenic interest. This is especially true from mid-June until mid-July when the mountain laurel and rhododendron are in bloom and again in mid-October at the height of the fall foliage.
Most of the park trails were created by the Civilian Conservation Corps under the guidance of the National Park Service between 1936 and 1945. Many of the trails were old roads from the towns of Hickory Run and Saylorsville that flourished in the area between 1830 and 1900. As you hike, think of all the people and families that have used these trails in the past and preserve these trails for the use of future generations.
Some Easier Trails:
Beach Trail – 0.5 mile
Beach Trail provides an easy walk from Sand Spring Lake to the campground. The trail stretches from the lower loops of the campground, passing by sites #17, #53, #152, and #158 below the amphitheater. From there it crosses PA 534, across the road bridge, and continues on the service road to the beach.
Bear Trail – 1.1 miles
This wide, grassy trail branches off of Fourth Run Trail and ends at the northern park boundary (white blazes). It is possible to walk the park boundary to get to Leonardsville or Stage trails, but this can be difficult due to thick vegetation and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Blue Trail – 1 mile
This thin trail winds through a forest dominated by chestnut oak, mountain laurel (blooms mid-late June), and rhododendron (blooms early-mid July). Blue Trail is a connection between Pine Hill and Sand Spring trails. Blueberry picking is excellent along this trail close to the junction of Pine Hill Trail. Blue Trail also offers one of the best areas in the park to view mountain laurel when in bloom, but can be especially wet after rain or snow melt.
Deer Trail – 0.5 mile
Parking is available at the trailhead along the Sand Spring Day Use Area road. The trail ends at PA 534. Deer Trail is an old logging road and is fairly open. In the spring and fall, vernal and autumnal pools along the trail are filled with various frog, toad, and salamander species. Deer Trail is also an excellent trail for bird watching and listening for owls.
Gould Trail – 1 mile
Parking is available just west of the Youth Forestry Camp entrance on PA 534. The trail winds through deciduous woods and fields, crossing Goulds Run at the trail’s mid-point at an intersection with Skyline Trail. The southern portion of the trail ends at Fireline Trail. In the summer look and listen for indigo buntings, broad-winged hawks, field sparrows, and eastern bluebirds along the trail.
Hickory Run Trail – 1.3 miles
This trail begins near the sharp bend on PA 534 west of the chapel. Parking is available along PA 534 across from the chapel. The trail descends into a field where the National Park Service built a picnic area and parking lot in the 1930s. Parts of the curbing can still be seen among the wildflowers. This is one of the best places in the park to see butterflies. On the left, beyond the field, are foundations from the village of Hickory Run dating back to the early 1800s. A brick mill was established along the trail and sometimes these bricks, with Hickory Run printed on them, are exposed. Do not remove the bricks. At the halfway mark of the trail, a footbridge crosses Hickory Run and connects with Sand Spring Trail on the other side of the creek. Hickory Run Trail does not cross the bridge, but narrows and follows the creek, eventually ending at Fireline Trail near the Lehigh River.
Lake Trail – 0.6 mile
Parking is available at Hickory Run Lake off of Boulder Field Road. The trailhead is about 100 yards up the road past the parking area. This short but very scenic trail runs around the back of Hickory Run Lake and connects to Stage Trail. Two streams must be crossed, but this is not a problem unless it has been raining heavily.
Leonardsville Trail – 0.6 mile
Leonardsville Trail branches off the northern end of Stage Trail and ends at the park boundary (white blazes) with State Game Land 40. The trail resembles a tunnel through a remarkably dense stand of rhododendrons and at times can seem almost completely enclosed. A few small stream crossings are required. The trail is a good place to look for animal tracks because the surface is mostly dirt. During the 1800s this trail was the main road between the villages of Leonardsville and Saylorsville.
Nature Trail – 0.4 mile
Parking is available in the pavilion parking lot. The trailhead is near the pavilion. This short loop meanders through a variety of tree and plant species. Halfway around the loop, Deer Trail branches off. Self-guided interpretive brochures corresponding with the numbered posts along the trail are available at the trailhead or the park office.
Stone Trail – 2.4 miles
Parking is available in the Boulder Field parking lot. This wide trail passes sheep laurel, hemlocks, and deciduous forest to the park boundary line. Follow the park boundary to the west to an intersection with Fourth Run Trail.
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