Another trail located in the Hickory Run State Park with a rather peculiar name. This trail is reveled as on of the most favorited trails in the State Park, due to the multiple levels of variation and the overall layout of the trail. In order to access the trail you need to travel a few miles down from Hawk Falls and the Boulder Trail, you will find the trail head of Shades Of Death.

The trail head has one main parking are located next to a park office. However during this hike we parked across the street. The trail features remnants of a stone building (most likely a sawmill or a mill house) and a dam. Also a lot of waterfalls! Before I begin, the trail path is marked with yellow paint, which can be seen on both the trees and rocks.

To begin from the parking area you must cross the small foot bridge, within a few minutes of hiking you’ll experience heavily rooted trails, be careful and take your time on these parts! After that section you’ll see a river and a waterfall in the distance, that’ll be where the dam is located along with the remnants of a possible SawMill.

The trail the continues upwards and you’ll go through a small creek and through a cool stone stairway through two huge rocks. That was probably my favorite part of the trail. Eventually following the trail it will lead you to a pond ,where it is approved for trout fishing and you can see a playground in the distance. This is just about near the end of the trail which leads out to the highway. Since this is an out and back you can either walk the highway or the trail back. Expect to spend an hour or two to while doing this trail to take in the beauty of the area. This trail is also great for a hot day because it is just about all shaded and the waterfalls created a nice misty “cool off” area for everyone. This was a great trail for everyone in our group. Do yourself a favor and get out there!

Mike