Hickory Run State Park, Carbon County

The 15,990 acre Hickory Run State Park lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The most notable feature of the state park is the huge boulder field located in the northeast corner. The field comprises about 720,000 square feet (16.5 acres) in area and the top of the boulder layer is virtually level with the approaching path. The immense weight of the boulders has compressed the underlying soil 12 feet or more. The boulder field was created about 20,000 years ago during the most recent glacial period. The boulders consist of the sandstone and conglomerates identical to those capping the ridges that surround the field on three sides. Large amounts of melting waters from the glaciers apparently carried the boulders down from the ridges and into the valley where they now reside. The Boulder Field is truly a stunning sight, seemingly appearing out of nowhere in the park's dense woodland. The Boulder Field is a National Natural Landmark.