Hickory Run State Park. Area

About Black Run Swimming Hole at Hickory Run State Park Area

Tucked deep within the forested folds of Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains, the Black Run swimming hole is one of those places that rewards the curious and the patient. Nestled within PA State Game Lands #40, adjacent to Hickory Run State Park, this unofficial, secluded spot feels like a discovery the woods have kept to themselves — a small waterfall spilling into a cool, clear pool rimmed by broad, flat rocks warm from the summer sun.

The Setting: Forest, Stone, and Falling Water

Getting here is part of the experience. The access trail winds through dense second-growth forest, the kind where the canopy closes overhead and the air smells of damp earth and pine needles. Your footsteps fall on uneven ground — roots, stones, soft patches of soil — so you'll want proper footwear and a bit of patience. When the trees finally open up and you hear the soft rush of falling water, the payoff is immediate. Black Run tumbles over a natural stone ledge into a pool deep enough to swim and clear enough to see the bottom. The surrounding rocks jut out at inviting angles, flat-topped and sun-warmed, perfect for stretching out between swims or launching yourself into the pool below. The forest crowds in on all sides, giving the whole scene an almost prehistoric stillness.

The Swimming Experience

The water here is cold and refreshing even on the hottest July afternoons — fed by shaded woodland streams, it carries that bracing clarity that only truly wild swimming holes offer. The pool beneath the small waterfall reaches depths suitable for jumping from the surrounding rocks, though conditions vary with rainfall and season. Because this is an unofficial swimming area, there are no lifeguards or safety staff on site, so visitors should assess conditions carefully and swim with a companion. The seclusion also means this spot has historically attracted a clothing-optional crowd, so come prepared for a free-spirited atmosphere. On weekdays and early mornings, you may have the whole place to yourself.

Practical Visit Information

Black Run swimming hole is free to visit, making it an especially appealing day-trip destination. The best time to visit runs from late May through early September, when water levels are cooperative and the forest is in full green glory. Fall brings a spectacular backdrop of turning foliage, though swimming becomes less practical as temperatures drop. All park facilities — restrooms, picnic areas, and the like — are available within Hickory Run State Park proper, so plan to use those before making the short hike in. Camping is available at Hickory Run State Park itself, making it easy to turn this into an overnight adventure and beat the weekend crowds to the water.

Plan Your Visit

Black Run is situated within reach of several northeastern Pennsylvania communities. White Haven is the closest town and a natural base for supplies and fuel before you head in. Wilkes-Barre and Hazleton are both within reasonable driving distance and offer a full range of lodging, dining, and services for visitors looking to spend more time exploring the Pocono Mountain region. Whether you're making a quick summer afternoon of it or building a longer wilderness weekend around Hickory Run State Park, Black Run rewards the effort it takes to find it.