Shades Of Death Trail, PA 18229

Writing this from the grave as I didn't make it out but other than unfortunately meeting my maker it was a beautiful scenic trail with, fish, waterfalls, rock piles made by hikers (don't knock em down like the little kid I witnessed) and unfortunately my human remains!

Although I didn't get to finish the trail (maybe another day), it was absolutely gorgeous. The water was flowing pretty nicely the day I visited (1-16-2023), so the waterfall coming over Stametz Dam was really beautiful, along with Sand Spring Run, and the small tributary stream flowing down the hillside along the trail.
Hickory Run Chapel at the beginning of the trail (across the road from the parking area) was also very beautiful, with the water flowing over the small dam in front of it. Some of the trail is very narrow, and footing is quite tricky, as well as some wet, muddy spots. I highly recommend wearing proper footwear due to these conditions. There were more people there than I thought there would be on such a cold, breezy day, but I was actually relieved, in case I slipped down a hillside into the creek Lol.
I hope to go back and make it to CCC Dam up further up the trail from Stametz Dam next time!

Absolutely beautiful hike along a creek and over some small boulders. There are a few man-made waterfalls with dams and lots of natural mini-falls throughout. Very scenic and peaceful. It was perfect on a chilly weekday in the winter. I only encountered 2 families. I would imagine it gets busy in warmer weather and on weekends.

The trail was nice and big and perfect for taking the whole family! PLEASE! PLEASE! PLEASE! Mark more trees with trail markers I got turned around so many times and couldn't even find the loop to do the trail so we just turned around and went back the way we came. Overall we loved it and will be back again!

Great little hike. Not difficult. Beautiful falls and good trails. A little rock but this old handled it OK.

Trail is good for all ages. Avoid after a heavy rain unless you are prepared for walking up a stream. The pools and falls are beautiful. Markings are very visible but there are many stomped down side trails due to high visitor volume.

A very fun trail with lots of water features and tree roots. It does get busy and can get congested in some spots so you would get the most out of this trail during the week or earlier in the morning.

Well defined blazed trail. Pretty easy going. Terrific scenes and above average waterfall. Great little hike. Just also very busy.

Fun, not to difficult hike. Has a waterfall, rocks, and a ton of roots. Younger kids would especially enjoy it:)

Nice small and easy hike. 2 miles back and forth. Carry a pair of clothes if you want to enjoy the waterfall. That will be fun. Not many spots for parking so go before 9 am.

We had a great time! Trail doesn't have a ton of elevation change but there are several sections in and across rocks and tons of roots to navigate and some steam crossings, but nothing terrible.

Awesome short trail for everyone including little ones, waterfall was amazing and so beautiful

It is listed as most difficult however it is good for a family trip, it’s fun and scenic as you go along the river, boots are recommended, might be slippery.

The shades of death trail was one of the best trails i've ever hiked.there was no shortage of excitement or beauty on this trail.definitely recommend for a fun little challenge but bring your hiking boots!

Fun trail, beautiful views with waterfalls and greenery. We went when it was damp from raining and continued to drizzle throughout our hike.

The main trail is not very difficult, but if you take any of the other trial options they are pretty steep and have some great views. Overall a really fun hike with lots to do at the top.

I have been going to Hickory Run for over 40 years (camping, hiking, leaf peeping & of course, the Boulder Field) and also recommend the Shades of Death trail. Although I have done almost all of the trails there, my favorite is the Stage trail. Although it does not have the water views, it has varied scenery and an interesting history. Enjoy!

Beautiful, easy hike. We didn't get to the end because it was a spur of the moment stop and we were concerned with the time change and light we had left. Would recommend.