Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike

In This Guide	Turn by Turn Hike Directions & Video How to Get to High Rocks High Rocks Hike Trail Maps
Distance	2.7 miles (4.3 km)
Hike Time	1:30 Hours (Total)
Difficulty (?)	Easy
Total Ascent (?)	220 feet (67m)
Highest Elevation	408 feet (124m)
Fees & Permits	Free
Dog Friendly	Leashed
Park Website	Ralph Stover State Park
Park Phone	610-982-5560
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The High Rocks hike at Ralph Stover State Park is a local’s favorite. The High Rocks trail follows along a (fenced) 200 foot sheer rock face cliff overlooking Tohickon Creek, eventually reaching the creek itself. As you hike along High Rocks, you might notice ropes leading off the cliff edge, it’s a popular spot for climbers. And as you look down into Tohickon Creek (Lenape for “Deer-Bone-Creek”), keep your eyes open for whitewater kayakers. It’ss a popular whitewater kayaking spot when spring rains flood it. Occasionally they release water from Lake Nockamixon, another popular time for kayakers. It’s a fun hike on many levels, and offers that quintessential Bucks County scenery that people drive miles for.

The park has an interesting history. The High Rocks section of Ralph Stover State Park was donated in 1956 by James A. Michener, author of books such as Alaska and Texas. You can walk the trails that he once enjoyed. The original park dates to 1931.

Getting to the Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike

There are a few ways to start this hike. These hike directions start at a big lot with bathrooms. Be sure to use the address below. Map programs could take you to the other parking areas.

Use this GPS address: 5987 State Park Rd, Plumstead Township, PA, 18947, USA.

Gear for the Hike

Hiking gear helps on the primitive trails here, but you certainly don’t require it, you can get away with casual or fitness clothing too.

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The La Sportiva Spire boots feel like comfortable sneakers but offer the protection of hiking boots. They’re great on everything from short hikes to longer hikes of 10+ miles. You don’t want to skimp on your feet.
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Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Trail Maps

Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike Map Downloads

Download the Hike GPX File

View a Printable PDF Hike Map

I’m a big fan of GPS watches to follow my GPX track (which I also use as a sleep, wellness, and fitness tracker) and my current watch is the Fenix 6 Pro Solar (full review here). I load my GPX tracks onto the watch to make sure I’m in the right place, and if not, the onboard topo maps allow me to navigate on the fly. It’s pricey but it has a great battery, accurate GPS, and tons of functionality. If you want something similar without the maps and big price tag, check out the Garmin Instinct which is a great buy and does a lot of the same things.

ralph stover state park high rocks hike 3d map — The hike follows the cliffs above Tohickon Creek and then gently descends. Once you get to the creek, you go back the way you came.

ralph stover state park high rocks hike elevation — There’s a little climb in the beginning, then you gently descend along the cliff down to Tohickon creek.

Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike Directions

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Turn by Turn Hike Directions

high rocks hike parking — The parking lot is pretty big. Use my trailhead address to get to this parking area. There’s a sign at the road into the lot, but no ‘official’ Google address for it.

high rocks hike bathrooms — There are bathrooms in the parking lot, as well as a picnic area.

high rocks hike start — The High Rocks hike starts at the bridge on the far end of the parking lot. Ignore the closed sign, it’s only for cars. Unless you weigh over 10 tons.

high rocks hike bridge — The bridge is pretty cool. Head across it and make sure to look over the side at the creek.

high rocks hike paved road — Go through the gate on the other side of the bridge and walk up the paved road.

high rocks hike side trail — Right after you start up the road, there’s a trail leading to the creek on the right. Stay on the road.

high rocks hike road — The road goes through a residential area. Keep your eyes open for cars.

high rocks hike right turn — At about 0.5 miles, look for the hidden trail start on the right, after the sign.

high rocks hike trail start — The start of the trail is easy to miss. This is what it looks like. There should be a yellow blaze but it might be faint.

high rocks hike trail — After a minute or two the trail becomes much more defined.

high rocks hike trail yellow blaze — Look for a yellow blaze as you continue.

A note about the blazes. There’s a white blaze, yellow blaze, and red dot blaze. The trails here used to be marked much better, but these days they’ve been spotty. In general you want to follow the yellow blaze, but these directions are more precise. Stick to these directions or the GPX file if in doubt.