Nockamixon State Park

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 Park

The 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 Area
1.8 miles, more difficult hiking

The 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 Trail
1.2 miles, more difficult hiking

This 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 Trail
2.65 miles, more difficult hiking

This 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 Trail
5.6 miles, more difficult hiking

This 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 Road
1.3 miles, easiest hiking

This 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 Trails
13.5 miles, easiest hiking

Established 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 miles
Church (5.1 miles)
Mink (3.8 miles)
Other Trails
The 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 Park

Picnic 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:

Haycock
Tohickon
The Marina
Three Mile Run
Picnic 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 Park

The swimming pool complex includes a half acre main pool with:

Two waterslides
A shallow end with fountains for children
Dressing rooms
First aid station
Snack bar
Weather 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 Watching

Birding
More 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:

Grasslands
Successional fields
Pine plantations
Second growth forests
Wetlands
1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon

The 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:

Ducks
Grebes
Swans
Geese
Loons

The 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 orioles
Blue-winged warblers
Prairie warblers
White-eyed vireos

The 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 warblers
Baltimore orioles
Eastern towhees
White-eyed vireos

The 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:

Killdeer
Sandpipers
Herons
Great egrets
Kingfishers
Osprey

The woodlot above the dam is home to:

Wrens
Rose-breasted grosbeaks
Blue-gray gnatcatchers

Bald 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 Park

Up to 20 hp Motors Permitted

The 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon has six public launching areas.

The marina and Tohickon launch ramps are popular with enthusiasts of:

Sailboats
Catamarans
Windsurfing
Three Mile Run and Haycock launch facilities are favored for:

Motorboats
Kayaks
Inflatable watercraft
Launching 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 length
A 120-space dry storage area for boats on trailers
12 trailer spaces

Fishing at Nockamixon State Park

The 1,450-acre Lake Nockamixon is a warmwater fishery and classified a Big Bass Lake.

Common species are:

Walleye
Muskellunge
Pickerel
Smallmouth and largemouth bass
Striped bass hybrids
Channel catfish
Carp
Various panfish
This 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 Park

During established hunting seasons, about 3,500 acres are open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:

Deer
Pheasant
Rabbit
Turkey
All 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 Park

2 miles of trail

The popular paved bicycle trail winds through the Day Use Area and is ideal for:

Bicycles
Strollers
Wheelchairs
Walkers
The 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 loop
The trail has many curves
Please exercise caution and be considerate of other riders and walkers when using the trail

Mountain Biking at Nockamixon State Park

10 miles of trails

A 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 slippery
Some slopes are steep with rough surfaces
The trail is for riders equipped for off-road riding
Trails are closed during wet conditions
Bikers ride bike trails at their own risk
Trails are open to hunting

Horseback Riding at Nockamixon State Park

Horseback riding is permitted on roadsides throughout the park and on the following trails:

Quarry
Old Mill
Trails on the south side of the lake
Pedestrians 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 Park

An 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 Park

The area above the Marina is used for sledding and tobogganing.

Park in Lot #13. Do not block gates.

Cross-country Skiing at Nockamixon State Park

The 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 Park

Skating is permitted on the frozen lake surface when conditions are suitable.

Ice thickness is not monitored.