Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021 - 11

The hiking trail throughout
the wilderness is a 12-mile loop
with minimal signage and is
only moderately maintained.
If exploring the trail, bring a
paper copy of the trail map or
have a GPS on hand. Do not rely
on your cell phone. Cell phone
reception in this area is poor.
Also, carry a few survival items,
such as matches and an extra
set of clothing, just in case the
unexpected happens. Always let
someone know where you are
going beforehand.
A great overnight trip to
The display board at the trailhead is full of need-to-know information to make your trip to
the Hickory Creek Wilderness enjoyable and safe.
years (such as the summer of 2020), some of these small
feeder creeks dry up, so most of the trout move down into
the main stem. But, as water levels come up again in the
fall and throughout winter, wild trout are found almost
anywhere throughout Hickory Creek Wilderness.
The main key to success when fishing the Hickory
Creek Wilderness is stealth. Fishing pressure is minimal,
so the trout are sensitive to any intrusion. When
approaching potential holding water, keep low and creep
within casting distance. It is helpful to get into position
and then wait a few seconds before making a cast to
observe what is going on in the pool.
East Hickory Creek and Middle Hickory Creek have
plenty of quality trout habitat. There are lots of undercut
banks and deep pools with woody debris and structure. If
you are patient, and lucky, sometimes you may catch a nice
trout feeding in a part of the pool that is accessible. On
numerous occasions, I was able to cast close enough to a
structure and a good-sized trout came out from under it to
take my fly. Of course, a good-sized trout in these streams
may be only 7 inches long.
Hickory Creek Wilderness can also be accessed by one
trailhead located along State Route 2002 near the Hearts
Content Recreation Area. There a designated parking
area with a well-marked map of the wilderness as well as
a display board with various notices and items of interest.
One poster includes a quote from the Wilderness Act of
1984 and reads, " A wilderness, in contrast with those areas
where man and his own works dominate the landscape,
is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and
community of life are untrammeled by man, where man
himself is a visitor who does not remain. "
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Hickory Creek Wilderness is to
pack some light camping gear and
hike in from the trailhead. The
trail loop intersects several creeks
that you can camp near and fish.
No permit is required to enjoy
Hickory Creek Wilderness. Leave
no trace behind when you leave.
There is also a small camping
area near the trail head, at the Hearts Content Recreation
Area. Picnic tables and shelters are also available.
The Hickory Creek Wilderness has piqued my sense of
adventure. Each time I fish or hike the trails, I find enough
to make me want to return. In this time of technology and
fast-paced living, it is important to " unplug " and return to
the forest where life moves at its own pace.
The 12-mile loop through the wilderness is perfect for hikers,
backpackers, cross-country skiers, and anyone looking to enjoy
nature in a pristine setting.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * September/October 2021
11

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Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - September/October 2021

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