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The Hickory Creek Wilderness is part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Hickory Creek was designated as Wilderness in 1984 and contains 8,663 acres of gentle to moderate terrain bound by Forest Road 119 to the south and State Route 2002 and 3005 to the north. There are two major creeks in the area, East Hickory Creek and Middle Hickory Creek.
Topography ranges from 1,273 feet where East Hickory Creek exits the wilderness to 1,900 feet on the plateau. There are no particularly steep slopes. Much of the area is heavily forested, primarily with northern hardwoods such as black cherry, oak, beech, birch and hemlock. Bear, deer and turkey are common wildlife in the area.
The Hickory Creek Trail, which runs through the wilderness, is minimally signed and maintained. The rolling 12-mile loop is an easy day-hike or can become an overnight backpacking trip. The only trailhead is along State Route 2002 and the trail is marked infrequently with faded yellow or white blazes painted onto trees.
View/Print Trail Brochure - pdf
At a Glance
| Operational Hours: | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Fees: | No fee |
| Permit Info: | No permit required |
| Open Season: | January - December |
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: | As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you on-line or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest. Applicable Orders for this Site:
|
| Closest Towns: | Tidioute, PA |
| Operated By: | U.S. Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Bradford Ranger District Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701 Phone: 814-362-4613 Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov |
General Information
Directions:From Warren
- Travel on Main Ave
- Turn right onto Pleasant Drive
- Travel on State Route 3005/337/Pleasant Drive for 10.7 miles
- At the intersection with State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road go straight (State Route 3005 will make a sharp right
- Travel on State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road for 3.2 miles to the trailheads
From Tidioute
- Travel on Route 62 for .5 miles
- Turn left onto State Route 3005/337/Pleasant Drive
- Travel on State Route 3005/337/Pleasant Drive for 13.5 miles
- At the intersection with State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road turn right (State Route 3005 will make a sharp left
- Travel on State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road for 3.2 miles to the trailheads
Activities
Day Hiking
This 12-mile trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it traverses the rolling terrain within the Hickory Creek Wilderness. These trails are open for winter hiking.
Trails are not groomed, and are minimally signed and maintained.
Visit our Outdoor Safety section for tips on hiking and camping in the wilderness.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Backpacking
This 12-mile trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it traverses the rolling terrain within the Hickory Creek Wilderness. These trails are open for winter hiking.
Trails are not groomed, and are minimally signed and maintained.
Visit our Outdoor Safety section for tips on hiking and camping in the wilderness.
| Fire Information | Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
Viewing Wildlife
Over 70 species of game and non-game fish live in the Allegheny National Forest. Over 300 species of mammals, including raccoon, gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, red and gray fox, beaver, mink, and muskrat as well as game species suck as white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey.
For information on species common to Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for game and nongame species information.
When you see wildlife, please remember:
- never feed wildlife
- don't interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviors.
- keep a respectful distance
- preserve habitat by following "leave no trace" principles.
- leave young wildlife where you find them.
If you think you've found a sick or injured animal please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Viewing Plants
For information about the types of plants and trees you may see on the Allegheny:
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
|---|
XC Skiing/Snowshoeing
This 12-mile trail offers challenges to a wide range of skill levels as it traverses the rolling terrain within the Hickory Creek Wilderness. These trails are open for winter hiking.
Trails are not groomed, and are minimally signed and maintained.
Visit our Outdoor Safety section for tips on hiking and camping in the wilderness.
| Warming Shelters | No |
| Base Conditions | Not a groomed trail |
| Difficulty Level: | Difficult |
|---|
Related Information
Location
