[1][2] Hickory Creek Wilderness is primarily characterized by black cherry and beech, with scattered hemlock and clumps of oak, maple and birch, with an understory of abundant flowers, ferns, shrubs, and mosses.

[1][2] American black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, barred owl, and pileated woodpecker are common in the Wilderness.

[2] The Hickory Creek Wilderness contains several unofficial and unblazed trails, largely on old railroad grades, mostly along the scenic Middle and East Forks of Hickory Creek, though a 1985 tornado has made some sections impassable.

While maintained by volunteers, that trail is left in a largely primitive state per the rules of the federal Wilderness Area.

[4] A short segment of the Tanbark Trail crosses the eastern corner of the wilderness area.