This state park offers scenic views atop sheer cliffs and walks along white water in the gorge below.
Treading the Towering Edge of the High Rocks Vista
The High Rocks Trail in Bucks County, PA is a dessert-first adventure in that the vistas of the Tohickon Gorge are an easy walk just a few hundred feet from the parking lot. The accessibility of the views makes High Rocks a popular spot for families with young children, people with limited mobility, and those who want to experience scenic views without a hike. Park in the large gravel lot at 40.44117, -75.10078 and head toward the conspicuous cliffs area. As shown in the map at the bottom of the post there is an approximately 1.8 mile loop west (right hand if looking at the cliffs) through Tohickon Valley Park, but we will be heading on the longer trail to the east. Of course, you can extend your adventure and do both. There is also a trail to the bottom of the cliffs.
There are a string of vistas, each offering a different perspective of the Tohickon Gorge. Some viewing areas have chest-high metal fences, especially near the beginning of the trail, but a little further on there are perches with nothing but open space between the adventurer and the gorge. Views to the east show the Tohickon creek winding through the gorge.
Trout lilies were in bloom during this late-March excursion.
Views to the south and west show the Tohickon Creek curving through the gorge. There is an abundance of white water, making this a popular kayaking destination.
Exploring the Tohickon Creek Gorge
After the High Rocks area the trail splits into numerous more-or-less parallel trails that follow the contours of the gorge but at different elevations. The trails are generally narrow and hug the slope of the gorge. We wanted to explore down into the gorge to be near the water, so we took the yellow trail to the lowest trail which is blazed orange. There were several rocky tributary crossings, but we easily navigated these with dry feet even after heavy rain the preceding day. Sections of cliffs rose above us as we traveled the generally gradual descent.
The orange trail leveled as it followed another curve through the gorge. At first, the peaceful flat spot felt like we were at the bottom of the gorge, until turning the bend when we saw that we were actually on a plateau overlooking a floodplain. The creek is accessible from some side trails or by navigating a short distance down the slope where the trail draws closer to the creek a little further on. Traffic decreases with distance from the High Rocks area, and we saw few other people after the peaceful flat curve area.
Don’t Miss the Projecting Precipice
About a mile into our journey, the orange trail partially ascends the gorge to cross another tributary, then descends to the creek again. The trail then gradually inclines for about 0.4 miles until passing through the Tohickon Valley Park cabin camping area. Follow the paved road through the campground to 40.43563, -75.07786 where the trail resumes. The trail climbs the gorge steadily for about a quarter mile then converges with the other parallel trails near the top off the gorge. Your effort ascending the gorge is rewarded by a formation of rocky cliffs projecting from the top of the gorge.
After enjoying the cliffs, continue southeast on the trail for another 0.4 miles where it dips slightly back into the gorge then up again to the road across from the cemetery. Congratulations, you’ve made it to the southeastern terminus of the High Rocks Trail.
Backtrack past the cliffs to where the trails converged earlier, and now diverge. We chose to take the uppermost trail that runs through the campground. After passing through the campground, you have a choice of parallel trails that lead back to the High Rocks area. Since we came out on the low trail we decided to return on one of the high trails. If you want an easier, quicker hike, take the topmost trail blazed blue. The blue trail runs at the top of the gorge and is mostly flat with a packed earth surface. The blue trail runs between the gorge and the road, exchanging the wooded scenery with bushes and brush. If you want a more scenic route with a narrow, rocky, slope-hugging path, return via the yellow trail.
The route is shown in green below. The overall distance is 5.6 miles.
Thanks for joining us on another hike. We’re looking forward to next time. Meanwhile, be sure to check out our other adventures.
Ralph Stover State Park is located at 150 Tory Rd, Pipersville, PA 18947
For more information visit Ralph Stover State Park
While you are in the area, check out these nearby adventures:
