You are right, Gator, take your time. There is so much to know. I tried to teach my Girl Scouts to observe the woods when I took them hiking. Thank you for taking folks to such a lovely place. Soothed my soul.
I'm glad you enjoyed, Kate. I used to focus so much on mileage and moving fast when I was younger, but now l have learned to soak in the atmosphere and not be in such a hurry.
This was my first time on that trail myself although I have visited Hickory Run so many times. It definitely has the bang for the buck factor - I need to come up with a better name than that - with alot to see in such a relatively short distance. Easy to see why its the most popular trail there. Thank you Hiker Spike!
The snow and ice always make the streams look so cool also the views looking straight up the trees really liked as well. Would definitely like to see in the summer as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Harry, I certainly put a focus on trying to create a relaxing, peaceful, ambience with these videos. In fact I often doze off during editing from listening to the music and the sounds of nature, lol. I appreciate your watching and commenting my friend.
Ahh Walter, you did it again. You have perfectly showcased this spectacular trail in beautiful Pennsylvania. What a treat to experience the serenity and scenery of this special place accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. It made it a nearly spiritual experience. It boggles the mind that you have only 444 subscribers. Your attention to detail is a gift to all of us. Thank you!
Super kind words, thank you I appreciate that very much. You know for me, being out in the woods is in fact very much a spiritual experience, and Im happy that comes across somewhat in these films. As far as the subscriber count goes.... clearly I have done something to offend the youtube gods for they have yet to place place me in their good graces, I just don't know what to say about it.
The snow makes everything feel a bit more whimsical. I appreciate that you savored this hike. Sometimes I feel lacking as a real hiker cause I'm unable to cover miles upon miles. Great reminder to just get outside a enjoy nature. You requested questions, so here you go -- Is this video a secret drinking game? 🙂 Take a drink everytime Gator says beautiful...lol
Oh my gosh, thank you Belle for your insightful commentary as usual. One thing i will say is there is no such thing as a "real hiker". Everybody has a different set of circumstances - age, health, transportation, experience, etc. the most important thing is just to get outside! Some people unfortunately cannot do that even, and I hope that my videos provide those folks with the feel atleast of being on trail. Second thing is I will have to put a warning label on the video if people were to take a drink everytime I say beautiful, lol! I need to work on my adjectives...
Yes it is a lovely little trail. My favorite kind of hike, along a beautiful, wild, Pennsylvania mountain stream. Thanks watching and leaving a nice comment Celeste Mc, I appreciate it!
@@WALTERZOLNA you are welcome! Do they have an exactly parking area to go there? I have been at Hickory Run States Park around the sand spring lake but not in the area of Shakes of Death.
@@CelesteMcYouTV There is a small parking area on route 534 right across from the old white chapel, that is where I parked. Its about 1 mile from the Sand spring Lake.
Shades of Death is one of my favorite trails. I've hiked it many times in all seasons but winter. I really need to do that. Your comment at about 8:42 is spot on. You really need to experience it first hand to understand how beautiful it is. You can continue up in to the camping areas and follow the main route through there. You will eventually come to the edge of the camping area and be looking down on the Shades of Death Trail from the other side of the stream. I descend to the stream, find a crossing area then head back so I get some sort of loop out of the hike. Hickory Run State Park is really beautiful and Shades of Death is the jewel of the place.
Beautifully stated Charlie. I agree with everything you said. Hickory Run is a special place atop the Pocono Plateau. One of my favorite hiking areas for sure!
Thank you William, I take that as quite the compliment! I enjoy the whole process of creating the videos, it's a labor of love I guess you could say. Just trying to create content people will enjoy and that I can be proud to put my name on.
This is a very scenic trail but short. Fortunately Hickory Run is loaded with many other awesome trails as well, meaning you can choose from a wide assortment of hikes and loops from this simple but beautiful one, to all day many mile affairs. Hope you have the opportunity to get out on the trail soon my friend!
Another good one! I have been hiking Hickory Run park for years but believe it or not I always ignored this trail and went right for my faves, the Fireline trail and the Manor House trail and others that branch off those. But I saw the Wandering Woodsman do a video on the abandoned cemetery across from this trail and went looking for that this summer. It was a spur of the moment thing and wasn't planning for a hike to so just gave the shades of death trail a try and so glad I did! What beauty! it was incredibly hot and humid that day and started to rain so the trail became really slippery, well it was already slippery, but it was just so wild, almost primordial, I kept going. I can't decide if it's more beautiful in the snow after watching your video!
I too have hiked Hickory run many times over the years, yet this was my first time on the Shades of Death. I always avoided it because of the proximity to route 534 i think. I can totally envision the scene there in summer, probably feels almost like a jungle. I speak about it often to the point that I am self conscious about repeating myself, but the deeply shaded Hemlock forests with the rhododendron, mountain laurel, dense ferns and cold mountain streams are the iconic Pennsylvania ecosystems I love to explore. Great little trail, just have to hit it at the right time to avoid the "touristy" types. Thank you again my friend for watching and supporting the channel.
Hi Walt. Love your vids...watch them all the time! You do a great job with videography and narration. Certainly not trying to be a Karen, but I do see you using a lot of Drone footage. Do you know something I don't? My understanding is that drones are not allowed in PA state parks, with the exception of a few designated areas in a few state parks...e.g. Beltzville SP. 🤔
First let me say thankyou for watching the videos, I greatly appreciate that. Drones are a very touchy subject. You are technically correct in your assessment, and you will notice over time that I have used them less and less. At first I was unaware of the regulations now I am more conscious of them. I do think however it is a blurry line as there are thousands of not millions of drone videos posted online. Drinking alcohol is "illegal" in state parks, yet everyone who drinks, drinks while camping. You can go to any campground dumpster and see that they are overflowing with bottles and cans. What I am saying is that if I put up a drone for 5 minutes and no plants, animals, or people are harmed, and no one's experience is affected I don't really see the problem with that. Same as if you are sitting by a camp fire having a couple drinks I don't see any problem with that either. Only when your behavior crosses a line and others are affected do I think this becomes problematic. But as it stands now, I don't want any trouble and it seems like drones are very controversial, so I will be using them sparingly if at all. Which is a shame because as an amateur film maker they really change the game with how you can present content.
@@WALTERZOLNA yes...and I appreciate your response. Again I enjoy your channel and watch it regularly. I am currently studying for the FAA Part 107 Certificate so I can use Drone footage on my YT channel...small as it may be. I'll be scheduling my test shortly. I brought up the topic just in case you weren't aware of the restrictions. There is not a blanket restriction on PA state Forests, but could be restricted by the regional office. There is a blanket restriction though regarding the State Parks with a few exceptions. Do as you see fit, but the FAA is coming down recently on YTers using drones illegally in their video if you're not already aware.
@@GrizOnTheTrail thanks for the heads up I appreciate that. Even though I have been doing this for alittle while it is still a learning process. Good luck with your channel my friend, stay in touch.
Aften r reading your comment I had to look them up myself. After some reflection I do recall coming across these critters in the past occasionally, though not that particular day. One time stands out to me when hiking the AT on a very warm winter day. It was probably mid 50s and an 8-10 inch snow pack was melting rapidly. Certain sections of the trail were almost like black patches with these little critters. Good to know they are harmless and actually quite beneficial to the environment.
@@WALTERZOLNA My husband was freaking out, afraid to walk through them, thinking they would jump on him like fleas do. LOL, I however was not worried about it and looked them up when we got home. Men!
Great view and waterfalls with snow and ice
Appreciate your support Amanda!
Beautifully done. Really enjoyed this!
Thank you my friend, I appreciate your kind words very much!
You are right, Gator, take your time. There is so much to know. I tried to teach my Girl Scouts to observe the woods when I took them hiking.
Thank you for taking folks to such a lovely place. Soothed my soul.
I'm glad you enjoyed, Kate. I used to focus so much on mileage and moving fast when I was younger, but now l have learned to soak in the atmosphere and not be in such a hurry.
I was only on this trail once, in the summer. What a huge difference! You captured the beauty of winter so well!
This was my first time on that trail myself although I have visited Hickory Run so many times. It definitely has the bang for the buck factor - I need to come up with a better name than that - with alot to see in such a relatively short distance. Easy to see why its the most popular trail there. Thank you Hiker Spike!
Another picturesque scenic hike. Thank you for allowing me to follow you on this trail. Beautiful nature. Lovely sights and sounds⛰
Thank you for coming along Joanne, its my pleasure to share this with you!
The snow and ice always make the streams look so cool also the views looking straight up the trees really liked as well.
Would definitely like to see in the summer as well. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Heath, I appreciate your watching and insightful comment.
Really nice winter video.The waterfall was stunning!Be careful out there dearheart🌟
Thanks Brooke, I appreciate your kind comments and consideration. I need to get myself a good pair of micro spikes for improved grip on icy surfaces.
As usual, beautiful music, even more beautiful photography, and a new trail to explore. Thank you once again for your extraordinary videos!!!!!!!!
Thank you Judy that is so kind of you to say. I appreciate your watching and commenting!
Wonderful video! Your film skills are second to none. I enjoy every one of your videos. Keep them coming!
Thank you so much Mark, Im trying my best to bring the highest level of content that I possibly can, and i appreciate your support!
Gorgeous! What a juxtaposition of greenery, snow, ice, and water. Your videos are so well done and relaxes the soul. Thanks for doing them.
Thanks Harry, I certainly put a focus on trying to create a relaxing, peaceful, ambience with these videos. In fact I often doze off during editing from listening to the music and the sounds of nature, lol. I appreciate your watching and commenting my friend.
Fantastic video composition man, nature sounds fits perfectly with music. New friend here.🙌🏻🛎🔔
Thank you Ervinslens, that means a lot to me coming from such a fine filmmaker as yourself.
Ahh Walter, you did it again. You have perfectly showcased this spectacular trail in beautiful Pennsylvania. What a treat to experience the serenity and scenery of this special place accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. It made it a nearly spiritual experience. It boggles the mind that you have only 444 subscribers. Your attention to detail is a gift to all of us. Thank you!
Super kind words, thank you I appreciate that very much. You know for me, being out in the woods is in fact very much a spiritual experience, and Im happy that comes across somewhat in these films. As far as the subscriber count goes.... clearly I have done something to offend the youtube gods for they have yet to place place me in their good graces, I just don't know what to say about it.
Totally agree on the ridiculous number of views on these exceptional videos! I'm spreading the word!
Thanks for sharing your nice work!
Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment, I appreciate it very much!
So nice and peaceful in the wintertime
There is definitely something to be said for the stillness and quiet of the forest in winter, I agree.
I enjoyed your video of the beautiful trail. I too like to look around whenever I hike.
Thank you Verda, There's so much to see if one simply opens there eyes and ears!
The snow makes everything feel a bit more whimsical. I appreciate that you savored this hike. Sometimes I feel lacking as a real hiker cause I'm unable to cover miles upon miles. Great reminder to just get outside a enjoy nature. You requested questions, so here you go -- Is this video a secret drinking game? 🙂 Take a drink everytime Gator says beautiful...lol
Oh my gosh, thank you Belle for your insightful commentary as usual. One thing i will say is there is no such thing as a "real hiker". Everybody has a different set of circumstances - age, health, transportation, experience, etc. the most important thing is just to get outside! Some people unfortunately cannot do that even, and I hope that my videos provide those folks with the feel atleast of being on trail. Second thing is I will have to put a warning label on the video if people were to take a drink everytime I say beautiful, lol! I need to work on my adjectives...
So beautiful! I want to go during the winter for such amazing view 😮
Yes it is a lovely little trail. My favorite kind of hike, along a beautiful, wild, Pennsylvania mountain stream. Thanks watching and leaving a nice comment Celeste Mc, I appreciate it!
@@WALTERZOLNA you are welcome!
Do they have an exactly parking area to go there? I have been at Hickory Run States Park around the sand spring lake but not in the area of Shakes of Death.
@@CelesteMcYouTV There is a small parking area on route 534 right across from the old white chapel, that is where I parked. Its about 1 mile from the Sand spring Lake.
Shades of Death is one of my favorite trails. I've hiked it many times in all seasons but winter. I really need to do that. Your comment at about 8:42 is spot on. You really need to experience it first hand to understand how beautiful it is. You can continue up in to the camping areas and follow the main route through there. You will eventually come to the edge of the camping area and be looking down on the Shades of Death Trail from the other side of the stream. I descend to the stream, find a crossing area then head back so I get some sort of loop out of the hike. Hickory Run State Park is really beautiful and Shades of Death is the jewel of the place.
Beautifully stated Charlie. I agree with everything you said. Hickory Run is a special place atop the Pocono Plateau. One of my favorite hiking areas for sure!
Walter, love that trail nice to see it in winter. Great camera work videoing the trail. That's the trail my tripod fell over into the stream.
Oh my gosh, I crashed my drone into a stream at Hickory Run myself, must be some bad luck there, lol.
@WALTER ZOLNA not good! Saw the footage of it at the first fall and had a bit of drone envy. Lol
Walter, You have ruined me for other videos. Your cinematography is amazing. Beautiful videos!
Thank you William, I take that as quite the compliment! I enjoy the whole process of creating the videos, it's a labor of love I guess you could say. Just trying to create content people will enjoy and that I can be proud to put my name on.
Another great video, thanks for putting these out there!!
People seem to really like this one and I'm honestly not sure why it's so popular, but it is a good example of beautiful Scenic Pennsylvania!
Fantastic 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Appreciate that Ian, so much to see at Hickory Run, it's one of Pennsylvania's top parks for sure!
Hope you go back in the spring👍
One of my favorite trails ! Haven’t been there in a few months . Thanks for bringing it to us !
My pleasure Kipp, I can understand why its one of your faves, it sure packs alot of action into a short trail!
This one has been on my list for a while, I wish the Poconos were closer. I’m in need of a good hike!
This is a very scenic trail but short. Fortunately Hickory Run is loaded with many other awesome trails as well, meaning you can choose from a wide assortment of hikes and loops from this simple but beautiful one, to all day many mile affairs. Hope you have the opportunity to get out on the trail soon my friend!
Another good one! I have been hiking Hickory Run park for years but believe it or not I always ignored this trail and went right for my faves, the Fireline trail and the Manor House trail and others that branch off those. But I saw the Wandering Woodsman do a video on the abandoned cemetery across from this trail and went looking for that this summer. It was a spur of the moment thing and wasn't planning for a hike to so just gave the shades of death trail a try and so glad I did! What beauty! it was incredibly hot and humid that day and started to rain so the trail became really slippery, well it was already slippery, but it was just so wild, almost primordial, I kept going. I can't decide if it's more beautiful in the snow after watching your video!
I too have hiked Hickory run many times over the years, yet this was my first time on the Shades of Death. I always avoided it because of the proximity to route 534 i think. I can totally envision the scene there in summer, probably feels almost like a jungle. I speak about it often to the point that I am self conscious about repeating myself, but the deeply shaded Hemlock forests with the rhododendron, mountain laurel, dense ferns and cold mountain streams are the iconic Pennsylvania ecosystems I love to explore. Great little trail, just have to hit it at the right time to avoid the "touristy" types. Thank you again my friend for watching and supporting the channel.
@@WALTERZOLNA LOL, I'm with you; avoiding the "touristy" types is my middle name! Take care!!
I was just there today, looks great in snow, but a little dangerous , did you go to hawk falls I would love to see that in the winter.
I did a separate video on hawk falls but it was in the spring or summer I think. There is a nice little loop trail there beyond the falls
This is pretty close to my neck of the woods!
I'm jelous, some beautiful places up that way. Thanks for checking out the vid Kaitlin!
Hi Walt. Love your vids...watch them all the time! You do a great job with videography and narration. Certainly not trying to be a Karen, but I do see you using a lot of Drone footage. Do you know something I don't? My understanding is that drones are not allowed in PA state parks, with the exception of a few designated areas in a few state parks...e.g. Beltzville SP. 🤔
First let me say thankyou for watching the videos, I greatly appreciate that. Drones are a very touchy subject. You are technically correct in your assessment, and you will notice over time that I have used them less and less. At first I was unaware of the regulations now I am more conscious of them. I do think however it is a blurry line as there are thousands of not millions of drone videos posted online. Drinking alcohol is "illegal" in state parks, yet everyone who drinks, drinks while camping. You can go to any campground dumpster and see that they are overflowing with bottles and cans. What I am saying is that if I put up a drone for 5 minutes and no plants, animals, or people are harmed, and no one's experience is affected I don't really see the problem with that. Same as if you are sitting by a camp fire having a couple drinks I don't see any problem with that either. Only when your behavior crosses a line and others are affected do I think this becomes problematic. But as it stands now, I don't want any trouble and it seems like drones are very controversial, so I will be using them sparingly if at all. Which is a shame because as an amateur film maker they really change the game with how you can present content.
@@WALTERZOLNA yes...and I appreciate your response. Again I enjoy your channel and watch it regularly. I am currently studying for the FAA Part 107 Certificate so I can use Drone footage on my YT channel...small as it may be. I'll be scheduling my test shortly. I brought up the topic just in case you weren't aware of the restrictions. There is not a blanket restriction on PA state Forests, but could be restricted by the regional office. There is a blanket restriction though regarding the State Parks with a few exceptions. Do as you see fit, but the FAA is coming down recently on YTers using drones illegally in their video if you're not already aware.
@@GrizOnTheTrail thanks for the heads up I appreciate that. Even though I have been doing this for alittle while it is still a learning process. Good luck with your channel my friend, stay in touch.
Did you notice the "snow fleas"? They were plentiful that day on the Hawk Falls trail. When we almost ran into you. I had to look them up. Very weird.
Aften r reading your comment I had to look them up myself. After some reflection I do recall coming across these critters in the past occasionally, though not that particular day. One time stands out to me when hiking the AT on a very warm winter day. It was probably mid 50s and an 8-10 inch snow pack was melting rapidly. Certain sections of the trail were almost like black patches with these little critters. Good to know they are harmless and actually quite beneficial to the environment.
@@WALTERZOLNA My husband was freaking out, afraid to walk through them, thinking they would jump on him like fleas do. LOL, I however was not worried about it and looked them up when we got home. Men!
@@rreuss9277 Lol, the important thing is you guys were able to get out there together!
I’m sure I’ve been there, is there a Boulder field there? It’s been a few years since I lived in PA.
Yes there is a huge glacial boulder field there, that is what the park is famous for.
For how long you walk 3 4 hour ?
It's a fairly short but beautiful trail. Just depends on how much time you stop to look around. I would say about 1-2 hours for the average hiker.
Is there car parking place ?
Plenty of parking at the trail head, just check out the state park website online!