Black Pool

The Black Pool

The Black Pool is a small pool in a stream on the Orchard Loop Trail in Hickory Run State Park. The Black Pool has a deep pool below a large rock suitable for jumping in, while being much less dangerous than Hawk Falls.

The Black Pool

Directions to the Black Pool

By Kevin Convery

1. Take the Hawk Falls Trail past Hawk Falls itself.
2. Around the bend by the “Mud Run” sign on the left, you will see a sign for “Orchard Trail” also to the left. It is slightly hidden so keep an eye out for it. There, take a sharp left off a steep hill when just within sight of river.
3. Follow the trail over the top of the ridge for about ½ to ¾ miles until you see a large fallen tree blocking path.
4. Continue past the fallen dead tree for a few hundred yards. You will see two signs saying “Hawk Falls Trail” and “Orchard Trail.”
5. Here, turn right down into a steep trail with switchbacks (meaning it zigzags down a slope). Follow this trail to bottom of the slope.
6. At the bottom, go left towards the sound of a waterfall until you reach a big flat rock looking over the Black Pool.