Wilderness Connect

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Hickory Creek is one of only two designated wilderness areas in Pennsylvania. It rises from 1,273 feet to a plateau at 1,900 feet. Densely forested, this wilderness contains mostly northern hardwoods and hemlock, with an understory of abundant flowers, ferns, shrubs, and mosses. Bear, deer and turkey are common. Hickory Creek Trail, the only designated trail within the wilderness, is managed for foot travel only. The rolling 12-mile loop provides for easy day hikes as well overnight backpacking opportunities along flat to moderately steep terrain. Access to the trail is from a dedicated parking area just off State Route 2002. The trail may be difficult to follow after snowfall in winter.

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the Hickory Creek Wilderness.

Plan Ahead and Prepare
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Dispose of Waste Properly
Leave What You Find
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Respect Wildlife
Be Considerate of Other Visitors

For more information on Leave No Trace, Visit the Leave No Trace, Inc. website.

Location

Maps

Digital and paper maps are critical tools for wilderness visitors. Online maps can help you plan and prepare for your visit ahead of time. You can also carry digital maps with you on your GPS unit or other handheld GPS device. Having a paper map with you in the backcountry, as well as solid orienteering skills, however, ensures that you can still route-find in the event that your electronic device fails.

Online Maps

Interactive Map of the Hickory Creek Wilderness
Google Earth

Pennsylvania Wildernesses

Printed Maps

Fetching MyTopo from Database

USGS Store

Management & Regulations

Motorized equipment and equipment used for mechanical transport is generally prohibited in all wilderness areas. This includes the use of motor vehicles, motorboats, motorized equipment, bicycles, hang gliders, wagons, carts, portage wheels, and the landing of aircraft including helicopters.

Wilderness-Specific Regulations

Learn more about why regulations may be necessary in wilderness.

Contacts

Applicable Wilderness Law(s)

Public Law 98-585

Date: October 30, 1984
Acreage: 9,337 acres

Pennsylvania Wilderness Act of 1984 - Public law 98-585 (10/30/1984) To designate certain areas in the Allegheny National Forest as Wilderness and recreation areas

For more information (To download or see all affected Wilderness areas) visit our law library for 98-585 or special provisions for 98-585 or legislative history for 98-585.

Want to Volunteer for Wilderness?

Citizens who volunteer their time to steward our wilderness areas are an essential part of wilderness management. Contact the following groups to inquire about volunteer opportunities.