Boulder Field in Hickory Run State Park

Boulder Field can be found in Hickory Run State Park and can be reached via car or the 3.5-mile long Boulder Field Trail from the parking area on SR 534.

The field is 16.5 acres in size and is made up of boulders of all sizes. A stream runs underneath the rocks and often can be heard when standing on the rocks, especially after it has rained recently. The boulders extend off a path leading from the parking lot nearby, the tops of the rocks are almost level with the ground, the soil below them being compressed about 12 feet from the weight of the stones.

Creating a field of boulders:

20,000 years ago, during the last Ice Age a massive mile thick glacier covered a large part of North America, including Pennsylvania. The ice caused temperatures in the region to plummet to below freezing for most of the year and the ground was frozen year round.

As the glacier moved south it unearthed rocks embedded in the soil. These rocks became attached to the ice and were pushed along its course. The rocks are made up of sandstone and conglomerates.

When the glacier receded billions of gallons of water from the melting ice formed the large valleys you can see today. The large amounts of water also carried the rocks from the surrounding hills and those attached to the glacier into the valley, thus forming Boulder Field.

Today, you can still see the rocks, some of which are pebble size and some that weigh as much as a small car. Boulder Field’s size alone is stunning but it’s story is equally as interesting.

Visitors to the park are encouraged to read about the field at the informational boards that are available as you approach the field. Many visitors also enjoy walking the field, jumping from rock to rock.

Boulder Field was designated a National Landmark in 1967. Please help preserve this natural wonder!

Important Note:

Please be careful on the rocks! Many rocks are unstable and will shift under your weight. Rocks can collapse under you if you step on them the wrong way and the uneven surface can cause you to fall, possibly resulting in injury.

Also, snakes often sun themselves on the rocks and spiders can be found in the crevices between the rocks. Do not harass these animals as they could be poisonous.

Medical facilities are not at hand if you should be injured, seek the attention of a Park Ranger immediately if you are hurt.