🏆🏆🏆🏆 Bucks County Gorge — Park along Tohickon Creek in Bucks County — featuring dramatic rock gorges, waterfalls, and some of the best whitewater paddling in southeastern Pennsylvania
Tohickon State Park is a forested park along Tohickon Creek in Bucks County — featuring dramatic rock gorges carved through ancient Precambrian rock (some of the oldest exposed rock in Pennsylvania at over 500 million years!). The creek offers Class II–III whitewater during controlled dam releases — making it one of the few whitewater paddling destinations near Philadelphia. The park sits in the Delaware River watershed — the Delaware is one of the few remaining undammed major rivers in the eastern US (no main-stem dams on its entire 330-mile length!).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bucks County, PA |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Rock | 500M years old Precambrian! |
| Delaware | 330mi — NO main-stem dams! |
About Tohickon
Tohickon State Park in Bucks County encompasses the rugged Tohickon Valley near Nockamixon State Park. The Tohickon Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, features Class II-III whitewater during scheduled dam releases — some of the best whitewater kayaking in southeastern Pennsylvania. The name “Tohickon” comes from a Lenape word meaning “drift-wood creek.” Ralph Stover State Park’s dramatic 200-foot High Rocks cliff overlooks the gorge.
Things to Do
Whitewater kayaking and canoeing during dam releases (spring and fall scheduled releases), rock climbing at High Rocks, swimming, hiking the gorge trails, fishing, and camping.
Insider Tips
Bucks County gorge: Tohickon Creek has carved a dramatic gorge through Bucks County — 200-foot cliffs, challenging whitewater, and swimming holes. Pro tip: Tohickon Creek whitewater releases (spring and fall) create Class III rapids — one of the best whitewater runs in southeastern Pennsylvania. Ralph Stover SP: Adjacent Ralph Stover State Park’s High Rocks overlook provides dizzying views into the gorge from 200 feet above.
Best Time to Visit
Spring/fall: Whitewater releases for kayaking. Summer: Swimming holes in the gorge. Fall: Gorge foliage from High Rocks. Winter: Ice climbing on the cliffs.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the whitewater releases?
Lake Nockamixon dam releases water into Tohickon Creek twice annually — typically one weekend in spring (March) and one in fall (November). The releases create 5+ miles of continuous Class II-III whitewater through the gorge. Check the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission schedule for exact dates. The fall release combines whitewater with peak foliage — spectacular.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Ralph Stover State Park (a short drive away) or Ringing Rocks County Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Pennsylvania state parks online at pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Tohickon SP — in Bucks County — provides recreation along Tohickon Creek. The park’s forest, creek, and rock outcrops support white-tailed deer, great blue herons, and wood ducks. Smallmouth bass inhabit the creek. Barred owls call at dusk.
Nearby Attractions
Nockamixon SP — adjacent. Doylestown — 15 miles south. New Hope — 15 miles east. Ringing Rocks Park — nearby.
