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Quakertown, PA
Change City

Nockamixon State Park

1542 Mountain View Dr.
Quakertown, PA 18951

215-529-7300

The 5,286-acre Nockamixon State Park is in the rolling hills of scenic Bucks County, close enough to Philadelphia for a day trip, but far enough away for a vacation.Tohickon Creek, Three Mile Run, and Haycock Run feed the 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon, which is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and a destination for boaters and anglers.Visitors can stay the night in a cabin or enjoy the many activities of the park for the day. Popular activities are picnicking, swimming in the pool, hiking, biking, disc golfing, hunting, fishing, and boating.Hiking at Nockamixon State ParkThe hiking trails of the park explore forests, fields, and the edge of the lake. For the safety of all park users, dogs must be leashed and under physical control while in the park. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.Sterner Mill Hiking Area1.8 miles, more difficult hikingThe southwest corner of the park has several loop trails that pass near the lake. Hikers can see a small pond, rock outcroppings, lake views, and pass through hardwood forests and pine plantations. These trails are closed to horses.High Bridge Trail1.2 miles, more difficult hikingThis wooded hiking trail runs along both sides of Tohickon Creek from the Weisel Hostel to the High Bridge on PA 563 and Quarry Trail. This trail connects the Sterner Mill Hiking Area with the hostel.Quarry Trail2.65 miles, more difficult hikingThis trail winds through old foundations which are remnants of a summer camp. The trail provides a spectacular view of the lake and an overlook of the old quarry that provided building material for area structures. The trail can be accessed from the Kahagon Road Parking Lot off PA 563 or Old Bethlehem Road.Old Mill Trail5.6 miles, more difficult hikingThis trail crosses the stream at the old mill pond and passes across the top of the stone dam breast. Hikers pass through a mature woodlot, pine plantations, and walk a loop that follows the lake shore. Access the trail from the western terminus of the Paved Bicycle Trail, from the gravel lot on Deerwood Lane, or from Old Bethlehem Road.Old Haycock Road1.3 miles, easiest hikingThis hiking trail is an old road that reaches the lake. The trail begins behind the gate at the Haycock Boat Launch.Southside of the Lake Trails13.5 miles, easiest hikingEstablished trails extend most of the way along the south shore of the lake. Park land on this side of the lake is narrow at spots but there still is a two-way “loop” of trails and many parking lots for creating hikes of various lengths.Trails:Elephant (4.6 milesChurch (5.1 miles)Mink (3.8 miles)Other TrailsThe paved, two-mile bicycle trail can be hiked, as well as the 10 miles of mountain biking trails, but please be considerate of bike riders.Picnicking at Nockamixon State ParkPicnic tables and charcoal grills are in several areas of the park and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.Some picnic areas are closed in winter; however, the following are open year-round:HaycockTohickonThe MarinaThree Mile RunPicnic pavilions by parking lots #1 and #5 may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee.Unreserved pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.Pavilions do not have electricity.Modern restrooms are available nearby.Some picnic areas are not accessible by vehicle in winter.Swimming at Nockamixon State ParkThe swimming pool complex includes a half acre main pool with:Two waterslidesA shallow end with fountains for childrenDressing roomsFirst aid stationSnack barWeather permitting, the summer hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.The pool operates on a weekend-only schedule from Memorial Day weekend through the second weekend in June when it shifts to a daily schedule.The pool will resume weekend-only operation from mid-August through Labor Day weekend. Check the advisories tab for updates.Wildlife WatchingBirdingMore than 250 species of birds have been recorded at Nockamixon State Park. The numerous habitats of the park are havens for birds and wildlife. The park has:GrasslandsSuccessional fieldsPine plantationsSecond growth forestsWetlands1,450-acre Lake NockamixonThe fishing pier in the Day Use Area is a great place to look for migrating waterfowl and raptors in the spring and fall. More than twenty species of waterfowl have been recorded in the park, including:DucksGrebesSwansGeeseLoonsThe paved bike trail in the Day Use Area passes through forests, overgrown fields, and picnic groves. Finches and sparrows are year-round residents. Spring and summer visitors to the area include:Baltimore oriolesBlue-winged warblersPrairie warblersWhite-eyed vireosThe forest by the pool in the Day Use Area is a good place to see pileated woodpeckers, which have nested there. Phoebes and eastern wood-pewees are common summer residents of the park. Migratory warblers often visit to rest and refuel in the trees.The lake by the marina is a great place to look for waterfowl, especially rafts of ducks during migration. During March and April, huge flocks of gulls pass through the area. Vultures roost by the marina year round. Nesting boxes in the grassy areas near the marina host eastern bluebirds and tree swallows. Please do not disturb nest boxes.The forest around the cabin area comes alive each spring with the songs of wood thrushes, veeries, and ovenbirds. Summer visitors to Mink Trail are:Prairie warblersBaltimore oriolesEastern towheesWhite-eyed vireosThe varied habitats by the dam support diverse bird species. The hemlock dominated forest is a year-round home to woodpeckers and a summer breeding grounds for thrushes, scarlet tanagers, and warblers.The spillway of the dam is a favorite spot for:KilldeerSandpipersHeronsGreat egretsKingfishersOspreyThe woodlot above the dam is home to:WrensRose-breasted grosbeaksBlue-gray gnatcatchersBald eagles and osprey have been spotted around the deep waters above the dam and can be seen anywhere around the lake especially in February, March, and September.Boating at Nockamixon State ParkUp to 20 hp Motors PermittedThe 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon has six public launching areas.The marina and Tohickon launch ramps are popular with enthusiasts of:SailboatsCatamaransWindsurfingThree Mile Run and Haycock launch facilities are favored for:MotorboatsKayaksInflatable watercraftLaunching facilities are open 24 hours-a-day.In addition to having the largest launch ramp in the park, the marina has:Docking facilities for 648 boats up to 24 feet in lengthA 120-space dry storage area for boats on trailers12 trailer spacesFishing at Nockamixon State ParkThe 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon is a warmwater fishery and classified a Big Bass Lake.Common species are:WalleyeMuskellungePickerelSmallmouth and largemouth bassStriped bass hybridsChannel catfishCarpVarious panfishThis activity or structure is ADA accessible. There is a fishing pier at the midpoint of the lake in the Day Use Area and an ADA accessible fishing platform near the Haycock Boat Launch.Loaner fishing rods are available at the park office with valid photo identification.Volunteers, park employees, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission employees have installed fish habitat structures throughout the lake. A map showing the structures, water depths, and specific features of the lake is available at the park office and the marina office.Hunting at Nockamixon State ParkDuring established hunting seasons, about 3,500 acres are open to:HuntingTrappingTraining of dogsCommon game species are:DeerPheasantRabbitTurkeyAll of Nockamixon State Park is included in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Special Regulations Area for Southeastern Pennsylvania. Certain park areas are open to archery hunting only. No live birds may be released for training. Contact the park office for additional information.Biking at Nockamixon State Park2 miles of trailThe popular paved bicycle trail winds through the Day Use Area and is ideal for:BicyclesStrollersWheelchairsWalkersThe eastern end of the trail begins at the Marina, which offers parking and great views of the lake.The western end of the trail features a waterfall and the Old Mill Pond.A spur off the main trail passes by the swimming pool and playground.Horses are prohibited.Use caution while biking:This trail is not a loopThe trail has many curvesPlease exercise caution and be considerate of other riders and walkers when using the trailMountain Biking at Nockamixon State Park10 miles of trailsA 10-mile trail system for mountain bikes is on the east side of Haycock Cove.Trailheads are located off of Tower and South Park roads, and PA 563. Parking is available at the Tower Road and the Haycock Boat Launch parking lots.Horses are prohibited on these trails. Detailed trail maps can be downloaded at RideNox.comOpens In A New Window or picked up at the park office.Use caution while mountain biking:The 10-mile mountain bike trail can be hazardous and slipperySome slopes are steep with rough surfacesThe trail is for riders equipped for off-road ridingTrails are closed during wet conditionsBikers ride bike trails at their own riskTrails are open to huntingHorseback Riding at Nockamixon State ParkHorseback riding is permitted on roadsides throughout the park and on the following trails:QuarryOld MillTrails on the south side of the lakePedestrians should yield to horses.Horses may be rented at a private establishment near the park.Carriages and vehicles are prohibited on trails, except for approved ADA equipment.Trails are open to hunting.Disc Golfing at Nockamixon State ParkAn 18-hole course in the Day Use Area begins from Parking Lot 13 by the Children’s Fishing Pond.Loaner discs are available at the park office with valid photo identification.Sledding at Nockamixon State ParkThe area above the Marina is used for sledding and tobogganing.Park in Lot #13. Do not block gates.Cross-country Skiing at Nockamixon State ParkThe bicycle trail and roads in the closed day use area are open for cross-country skiing.There are also steeper hiking trails in the Sterner Mill Area.Cross-country ski trails are not groomed.Ice Skating at Nockamixon State ParkSkating is permitted on the frozen lake surface when conditions are suitable.Ice thickness is not monitored.

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