"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn." ―Elizabeth Lawrence
Today we hiked the Shades of Death Trail. The name is a little gruesome, but it’s the most popular and picturesque trail in Hickory Run State Park, and I can understand why. While it might sound scary, the trail is actually among the most fun trails to hike in Pennsylvania. The trail is an out and back hike about 2.5 miles that follows the Sand Spring Run and meanders through rhododendron thickets and unique rock formations. Along the trail, the creek cascades over two beautiful man-made dam waterfalls and a series of small riffles and waterfalls as it drops 300 feet to Hickory Run. There are also remains of logging mills. The ruins and dams date back to the early 1800s.
The first colonists chose this sinister name for the area that had rocky soil, numerous swamps and dark forests.
Remains of an old lumber mill.
The Stametz Dam was built 150 years ago.
Small falls along the trail.
The rock formations are so much fun to see and hike through.
This dam was built by the CCC during the Great Depression.
This beautiful lake was formed when the dam was built.
Shades of fall.
Saylorville Dam and Falls along Sand Spring Road.
Bridge crossing Hickory Run on Sand Spring Road.
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