Bike Trails Paths Near Me in Rochester
Oil Creek State Park
305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA
The Oil Creek Valley is the site of the world’s first commercial oil well. Oil Creek State Park tells the story of the early petroleum industry by interpreting oil boomtowns, oil wells, and early transportation. Scenic Oil Creek carves a valley of deep hollows, steep hillsides, and wetlands.
Hiking at Oil Creek State Park
52 miles of trails
The hiking and interpretive trails lead visitors through areas rich in historic and scenic interest. Trail maps and information are available at the park office.
Mountain bikes and horses are prohibited on hiking trails.
If you find yourself lost, travel downhill to the bicycle trail or Oil Creek and follow either upstream to Drake Well or downstream to the park office at Petroleum Centre.
The railroad running along Oil Creek is an active line. Caution: Stay off of the tracks at all times.
Blood Farm Interpretive Trail
0.5 mile
Spend 30 minutes walking through the 440-acre Blood Farm oil lease. This farm produced more oil than all of the other farms in the oil region in 1861 and 1862. Learn about 15 years of frantic drilling, gushing oil, and devastating fires. Interpretive signs throughout the trail will guide your tour.
Delzell Trail
0.7 mile
Along the 0.7-mile long trail can be seen changes that have happened throughout the valley.
Petroleum Centre Walking Tour
0.5 mile
Petroleum Centre flourished from 1863 to 1870 on its twin livelihoods of oil and entertainment. This company town had no government, law enforcement, sanitation, or public works. It was reputed to the “wickedest town east of the Mississippi!” Start at the Petroleum Centre Amphitheater for this 45-minute self-guiding tour.
Wildcat Hollow Trails
Hike the “wickedest hollow east of the Mississippi!” on these short, easy hiking trails.
Geology Trail
1 mile
Large glacial boulders and beautiful views can be explored while wondering this scenic trail.
Forestry Trail
0.8 mile
A wide variety of hard- and softwood trees can be viewed along this trail. Many trees are well over 100 years old.
Oil History Trail
0.25 mile
Relics from the oil boom can still be found along this quiet walk, including a rare “Wolf Rig.”
Wetland Trail
0.8 mile
Enjoy a relaxing stroll around one of Oil Creeks wetland areas. A wide variety of interesting plant and animal species call this area home.
Gerard Hiking Trail
36 miles
This 36-mile long trail encompasses the entire park. The main trail is marked with yellow paint blazes.
For shorter day hikes, use the five connecting loops blazed in white.
Parking areas are available at several access points.
Scenic vistas, waterfalls, and historic sites are prevalent along the trail.
Two overnight hike-in shelter areas (Cow Run and Wolfkiel Run) are along the trail. Each area contains tent sites, six Adirondack-style shelters with fireplaces, restrooms, and seasonal water supply. A fee and reservations are mandatory for use of these areas and overnight usage is limited to one night per shelter site.
Fires are only permitted in camp stoves, fireplaces, or designated locations and must be extinguished when unattended. Standing timber and shrubs must not be defaced. Camping is permitted in shelter areas only. Other special regulations pertain to these areas. Contact the park office for further information.
Pets are permitted at the shelter areas. Please contact the park office for guidelines for pets.
Picnicking at Oil Creek State Park
Blood Farm Day Use Area and Egbert Farm Day Use Area are on the southern side of the park and are ideal settings for an enjoyable outing.
The day use areas have:
Picnic tables
Charcoal grills
Drinking fountains
Restrooms
Playfields
A playground is in the Egbert Farm Day Use Area.
Picnic pavilions that may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stay the Night at Oil Creek State Park
Backpacking
The 36-mile long Gerard Hiking Trail encompasses the entire park. The main trail is marked with yellow paint blazes.
For shorter day hikes, use the five connecting loops blazed in white.
Parking areas are available at several access points.
Scenic vistas, waterfalls, and historic sites are prevalent along the trail.
Two overnight, hike-in shelter areas (Cow Run and Wolfkiel Run) are along the trail. Each area contains:
Tent sites
Six Adirondack-style shelters with fireplaces
Restrooms
Seasonal water supply
A fee and reservations are mandatory for use of these areas and overnight usage is limited to one night per shelter site.
Fires are only permitted in camp stoves, fireplaces, or designated locations and must be extinguished when unattended.
Standing timber and shrubs must not be defaced.
Camping is permitted in shelter areas only. Other special regulations pertain to these areas.
Contact the park office for further information.
Pets are permitted at the shelter areas. Please contact the park office for guidelines for pets.
Kayaking and Canoeing at Oil Creek State Park
Oil Creek offers a scenic float and is classed as a beginner’s creek under normal conditions.
Water levels can change rapidly and boaters should call the park office for current water conditions.
Generally, the canoeing season is from March to early June.
Fishing at Oil Creek State Park
Oil Creek is known for its bass and trout. Three streams provide brook trout fishing:
Boughton Run
Toy Run
Jones Run
Two delayed harvest, artificial lures only areas cover 2.5 miles of Oil Creek.
Hunting at Oil Creek State Park
During established season, about 6,800 acres are open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:
Rabbit
Deer
Squirrel
Turkey
Black bear
Ruffed grouse
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
Biking at Oil Creek State Park
9.7 miles of trails
A paved bicycle trail through scenic Oil Creek Gorge is a major park attraction.
Trailheads are at Petroleum Centre in the south and Drake Well Museum in the north.
Trail users may rent bicycles at the park office.
Picnic tables, benches, rain shelters, and restrooms are at key points along the trail. Historical markers detail special events of the 1860s oil boom era.
Sledding at Oil Creek State Park
The sledding hill is in Petroleum Centre across from the park office in the Egbert Day Use Area. Parking is adjacent to the hill. Vault toilets are nearby. When open, the park office has modern restrooms.
Also nearby are:
Playground
Charcoal grills
Picnic tables
Pavilion for rent, or first-come, first-served
Cross-country Skiing at Oil Creek State Park
11.5 miles of trails
A cross-country ski trail complex located between Petroleum Centre and Plumer can be accessed on SR 1004.
A network of 11.5 miles of groomed trails offers beginner and intermediate skiers a variety of skiing experiences. Track is set on all trails in the complex.
A fee is charged for a ski pass, which is required in the complex.
The area includes a large parking area, warming hut, and restrooms.
Mountain bikes are prohibited on ski trails.
Most of the trails utilize old oil lease and lumber roads and are generally about 10 feet wide.
Six connecting trails are blazed in white.
Blue Loop
2.6 miles, easiest skiing
Suitable for beginning skiers, Blue Loop is relatively flat with one steep section.
Green Loop
0.6 miles, easiest skiing
Green Loop is suitable for beginning skiers.
Red Loop
5.8 miles, more difficult skiing
This very challenging trail has several steep hills, and some sharp turns, and also leads to a very impressive scenic view.
Ohiopyle State Park
124 Main Street, Ohiopyle, PA
Located on the southern reaches of the Laurel Ridge, Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres of rugged natural beauty and serves as the gateway to the Laurel Highlands. Close to major metropolitan areas and offering vast choices of activities, Ohiopyle State Park attracts millions of visitors annually.
Passing through the heart of the park, the rushing waters of the Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River Gorge are the centerpiece for Ohiopyle. The “Yough” [yawk] provides some of the best whitewater boating in the eastern United States, as well as spectacular scenery.
Ohiopyle is the southern gateway into the Laurel Highlands and represents the beautiful natural resources and unique sense of community that visitors can find throughout the region.
Hiking at Ohiopyle State Park
79 miles of trails
The hiking trails at Ohiopyle showcase the spectacular scenery of the Laurel Highlands. There is a wide variety of hiking trails from short day hikes to challenging backpacking.
Always bring a map and water and wear sturdy shoes when hiking.
Baughman Trail
3.4 miles, red blazes, most difficult hiking
This trail has trailheads at the back of the Middle Yough Take-out Parking Area adjacent to the Train Station/Visitor Center in downtown Ohiopyle and at the Mountain Biking Trail parking lot. This steep, rocky trail passes Baughman Rock, a spectacular overlook of the Youghiogheny River Gorge.
Beech Trail
2.7 miles total, white blazes, more difficult hiking
The Beech Loop begins at the Kentuck Campground Amphitheater and connects to the Beech Trail and Sproul Trail. The 2.1-mile Beech Trail passes through a forest of towering American beech trees and leads to the Great Gorge Trail.
Great Gorge Trail
2.6 miles, green blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail begins at the Cucumber Picnic Area and crosses several bridges and roads. The trail follows Cucumber Run and passes an area known for its spring wildflowers. The next trail section follows an old tramway used to transport coal to the railroad.
A spur of this trail leads up a steep incline to the Kentuck Campground.
Jonathan Run Trail
1.7 miles, blue blazes, easiest hiking
The trailhead is along the Holland Hill Road. The trail crisscrosses Jonathan Run and passes by small waterfalls, including Jonathan Run Falls. The trail connects to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Kentuck Trail
2.5 miles, pink blazes, more difficult hiking
This series of trails begins at the Tharp Knob Picnic Area. A short, one-mile loop includes the Tharp Knob Overlook. The trail continues to the Kentuck Campground contact station, briefly follows the road, then descends to meet Jonathan Run Trail.
McCune Trail
3.5 miles, purple blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail passes through various habitats and by evidence of the McCune Farm. Hikers can see an old spring house and pond as remnants of this working farm. The trail runs along the highest ridge in the park.
Meadow Run Trail
3 miles, yellow blazes, easiest hiking
There are trailheads near the ranger station, at the waterslides on SR 2011 and at Cucumber Falls on SR 2019. From the waterslides parking lot, take the left trail under the SR 381 bridge for 0.7 mile to Cucumber Falls. Take the trail to the right, which leads to a loop trail and the Cascades.
This trail is intersected by a path leading to the SR 2011 trailhead.
Old Mitchell Trail Loop
2.9 miles, red blazes, more difficult hiking
This loop trail begins at the Old Mitchell Place Parking Area in the west side of the park. The trail meanders through a variety of habitats including forest and meadow and is excellent for birding in the spring.
A connector trail splits off at the back of the loop connecting to the Great Allegheny Passage.
Pressley Ridge Trail
5.5 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking
A continuation of the Sugarloaf Trail System, this trail follows the ridge line, providing several loop options. A small connector trail leads to Lytle Road.
Sproul Trails
3.7 miles, purple blazes, easiest hiking
These five interconnecting loops are just north of the Kentuck Campground, near the second overflow parking area outside of the campground.
Sugarloaf Trail System
10.4 miles, orange blazes, most difficult hiking
This hiking, biking, and snowmobiling trail begins near the Train Station/Visitor Center. The trailhead is at the back of the Middle Youghiogheny Take-out Parking Area, to the right of the Great Allegheny Passage. The trail climbs 800 feet in elevation in two steep sections.
The trail connects to the main bike trail area near Sugarloaf Knob.
Sugar Run Trail
1.6 miles, orange blazes, more difficult hiking
This trail connects Old Mitchell Trail to Jonathan Run Trail.
Campground Connector
0.5 mile, unblazed, more difficult hiking
This emergency access road begins off the Great Allegheny Passage paralleling Beech Trail and then uphill to connect with the back of Fir Road in the campground.
Bicyclists traveling between the campground and the Great Allegheny Passage should walk their bicycles up and down this hill due to the steep grade.
Ferncliff Peninsula Trails
All trails have black blazes.
Ferncliff Trail
1.7 miles, easiest hiking
All other Ferncliff Peninsula trails branch off of this loop trail which circles the peninsula. The trailhead is near the Ferncliff Parking Lot.
Buffalo Nut Trail
0.1 mile, easiest hiking
This short trail is the first branch off of Ferncliff Trail and is a shortcut to Oakwoods Trail.
Fernwood Trail
0.5 mile, easiest hiking
This trail features beautiful ferns and the remnants of the old Ferncliff Hotel.
Oakwoods Trail
0.5 mile, easiest hiking
This trail passes through a mature hardwood forest.
Youghiogheny River Trail
27 miles, easiest hiking
The Yougiogheny River Trail is a portion of the Great Allegheny PassageOpens In A New Window which connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. This trail is suitable for all ages and is ADA accessible.
The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing, and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting.
All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.
From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area on the east side of the park, the trail descends at a one percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle.
From the Train Station/Visitor Center in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a three percent grade to Connellsville. Parking is available in Connellsville in lots on Third Street and in the Yough River Park.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail
The Youghiogheny River Trail is a segment of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic TrailOpens In A New Window. An enterprise of many partners, the evolving trail network celebrates the heritage of the Potomac and upper Ohio river basins and offers opportunities for hiking, bicycling, boating, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
National Park Service Passport Stamps for the trail are available at the Laurel Ridge State Park Office and at the visitor center in Ohiopyle.
Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
Ohiopyle serves as the southern terminus for the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This trail traverses the Laurel Ridge from Ohiopyle to the northern end near Johnstown.
The trail is open for year-round hiking and backpacking. An overnight shelter area is located every eight to 10 miles along the trail.
The portion of the trail within Ohiopyle State Park is 6.3 miles of very strenuous and rocky hiking. Hikers are rewarded for their effort as they pass beautiful overlooks and creeks on this section.
Reservations for backpack camping are required. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling 888-PA-PARKS or online. Same day reservation can be made by contacting the Laurel Hill State Park office at 724-455-3744.
Picnicking at Ohiopyle State Park
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
Both picnic areas in the park provide:
Picnic tables
Grills
Vault restrooms
Charcoal disposal areas
The secluded Cucumber Run Picnic Area is adjacent to Cucumber Run, a beautiful creek lined with rhododendron bushes and large trees. The scenic Great Gorge Trail begins in this picnic area. Two pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tharp Knob Picnic Area is adjacent to the Tharp Knob Overlook that provides a panoramic view of the Youghiogheny River Gorge and the town of Ohiopyle. The picnic area has a large ball field, volleyball court, playground, and two pavilions available for reservation up to 11 months in advance for a fee.
Tharp Knob Picnic Area has access to the Kentuck Trail.
Stay the Night at Ohiopyle State Park
Camping
flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
Kentuck Campground has about 200 campsites and is open from April to mid-December.
The campground has 27 walk-in sites that require a short hike from the vehicle to the campsite.
Kentuck Campground also has three sites with walled tents and three multi-sites.
All campsites have:
Picnic table
Fire ring
Parking space
Many campsites have electric hookups.
The campground has a sanitary dumping station and shower houses.
Advance reservations are required to ensure campsite availability.
Wildlife Watching at Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park is a designated Important Mammal Area as well as an Important Bird Area. Visitors to Ohiopyle may be lucky enough to see:
White-tailed deer
Black bear
Bobcats
Fishers
River otters
Ohiopyle is excellent for bird watching, with a variety of habitats. Visitors can hear the eastern towhee call “drink your tea” in the summer or spot the brilliant red flash of a northern cardinal. The Youghiogheny River provides habitat perfect for water-loving birds such as:
Osprey
Mergansers
Kingfishers
Occasional bald eagle
Visitors should also be on the lookout for a variety of snakes including copperheads and timber rattlesnakes.
Whitewater Boating at Ohiopyle State Park
The Youghiogheny River has exciting whitewater boating for all experience levels. Only sturdily constructed rafts, kayaks, and closed-deck canoes intended for whitewater use may be used in the river. River levels can change the difficulty of rapids. Check at the launch area or contact the park office for current water levels.
The famous Lower Yough begins after the Ohiopyle Falls and flows seven miles downstream to the Bruner Run Take-out. This is the busiest section of whitewater east of the Mississippi River.
The numerous class III and IV rapids make for exciting rafting that should only be attempted by experienced whitewater boaters.
Inexperienced whitewater boaters should run this section of the river on a guided raft trip with an authorized concessionaire.
The natural river environment contains undercut rocks, ledges, and swift currents.
All whitewater boaters on the Youghiogheny must learn to recognize natural dangers and understand that injury and death are a possibility when boating the Lower Youghiogheny.
The Middle Yough begins at the Ramcat Put-in near Confluence and ends near the town of Ohiopyle. This section contains class I and II rapids and is ideal for beginning whitewater kayakers or experienced canoeists. Families often raft this section because it provides thrilling rapids at normal river levels.
Fishing at Ohiopyle State Park
The Youghiogheny River provides good wilderness trout fishing.
In cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, fingerling trout are stocked throughout the entire section of river within the park.
An all-tackle trophy trout program exists on a nine-mile section of the river from Ramcat downstream to the PA 381 bridge in Ohiopyle.
Meadow Run also provides fine trout fishing for anglers who prefer smaller stream fishing.
A 2.2-mile section of Meadow Run, from Dinnerbell Road downstream to the mouth of the river, is designated for delayed harvest, artificial lures only.
Hunting at Ohiopyle State Park
During established seasons, more than 18,000 acres are open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Loaded firearms are prohibited within 50 feet of the Great Allegheny Passage.
Common game species are:
Deer
Turkey
Grouse
Rabbit
Squirrel
Small game
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Complete information about hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.
Adjacent state game lands 51 and 111 provide additional hunting and recreational opportunities.
Firearms Safety
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons.
Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons.
In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.
Biking at Ohiopyle State Park
27 miles of trails
The Yougiogheny River Trail is a portion of the Great Allegheny Passage which connects Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cumberland, Maryland. The flat, crushed limestone trail was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. This trail is suitable for all ages and is ADA accessible.
Rental bicycles are available.
The trail is excellent for hiking, jogging, and cross-country skiing, and can be used to combine a bike ride or hike with some excellent wilderness trout fishing or hunting.
All motorized vehicles and equestrians are prohibited.
From the Ramcat Launch Area and Trailhead Parking Area on the east side of the park, the trail descends at a one percent downhill grade to the Train Station/Visitor Center parking lot in the town of Ohiopyle.
From the Train Station/Visitor Center in the town of Ohiopyle, the 17 miles of trail crosses the river twice and descends at a three percent grade to Connellsville. Parking is available in Connellsville in lots on Third Street and in the Yough River Park.
For bike riders who wish to camp, the trail connecting the Great Allegheny Passage to the Ohiopyle State Park Kentuck Campground is 0.43 miles in length (2249 ft) and has a change in elevation of roughly 300 feet.
Trail users should walk their bikes while on the connector trail. Bikers should avoid using the roadways to get to the campground. Take the marked side trail just north of Ohiopyle High Bridge near mile post 73 at GPS DD Lat. 39.875 Long. -79.4926.
Bikers should continue through the campground to the contact station for registration.
Mountain Biking at Ohiopyle State Park
25.2 miles of trails
Trails currently open to mountain biking are:
Sugarloaf Trail System
Pressley Ridge Trail
McCune Trail
Baughman Trail
Jonathan Run Trail
Sugar Run Trail
These trails are shared with other users. Bikers are urged to use proper trail etiquette.
Horseback Riding at Ohiopyle State Park
11.6 miles of trails
Sections of the Sugarloaf Trail System, as well as the Pressley Ridge Trail, are open to horseback riding. There is a designated horse trailer parking area located on Grover Road that has a fenced paddock and nearby water.
These are shared-use trails. Please use caution when riding.
Rock Climbing at Ohiopyle State Park
Numerous climbing opportunities exist in Ohiopyle State Park. Meadow Run Climbing Area, Bruner Run Climbing Area, and a series of four walls along the Lower Youghiogheny section of the Great Allegheny Passage have a combination of top-roping and sport routes for climbers of all abilities.
The short entrance trails leading to the rock faces are blazed in blue.
Inexperienced climbers should consider a guided trip with one of the outfitters in Ohiopyle.
Sledding at Ohiopyle State Park
A hill is maintained for sledding in the Sugarloaf Snowmobile and Mountain Bike Area, adjacent to the parking area.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cross-country Skiing at Ohiopyle State Park
There are 33.9 miles of trails recommended for cross-country skiing.
The Sproul Trails and a section of Kentuck Trail were created for cross-country skiing.
With deep snowfall, the Great Allegheny Passage also is good for cross-country skiing.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Snowmobiling at Ohiopyle State Park
The 15.9 miles of the Sugarloaf Trail System and Pressley Ridge Trail are open to snowmobiles.
The Sugarloaf snowmobile area has a parking area with an unloading ramp.
Ohiopyle State Park is exceptionally beautiful during the winter, and offers many winter activities. Be sure to dress appropriately for the weather and to follow all trail signs and markings to have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cook Forest State Park
100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA
The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park lies in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Once called the "Black Forest," the area is famous for its stands of old growth forest. Cook Forest's "Forest Cathedral" of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. The Clarion River connects Clear Creek State Park to Cook Forest State Park along a scenic 10-mile stretch of river which is popular for canoeing and rafting.
Prince Gallitzin State Park
966 Marina Road, Patton, PA
At Prince Gallitzin State Park, the forested hills of the Allegheny Plateau cradle sprawling Glendale Lake. Vistas offer scenic views of the 1,635-acre lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, which is a favorite of anglers and boaters. Campers flock to the large campground and also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. The varied habitats of the park make it a home for many types of wildlife, and a rest stop in the spring and fall migrations.
Nockamixon State Park
1542 Mountain View Dr., Quakertown, PA
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.