Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike
| In This Guide |
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| 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 |
| Stay In Touch | Newsletter - Instagram - YouTube - Facebook |
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.
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.
Reviews & Lowest Prices: Women – Men
I test a lot of gear, and for short to medium day hikes, travel, and everyday use, the Osprey Stratos (men) and Osprey Sirrus (women) are consistently the best. They’re lightweight, hold a hydration bladder to make drinking water easy, have lots of pockets to organize gear, and most importantly, are incredibly comfortable. Check out the reviews; they are impressive.
Reviews & Colors Here: Osprey Stratos (men) and Osprey Sirrus (women)
If you’re hiking, I’m guessing you’re a fitness conscious person. That’s where a GPS tracking watch like the Garmin Instinct comes in. You can load the GPX file from this hike onto the watch and make sure that you’re on the trail at all times. You can also track your pace and calories for the hike, runs, bike rides, workouts, and almost everything. If you’re not ready to spend the money on a watch like the Fenix 6, the Garmin Instinct is a great way to get a lot of the same features without the cost. Latest Low Prices Here
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend.See All of My Best Gear Picks Here
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps offset website expenses. There is no cost to you.
Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Trail Maps
Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike Map Downloads
Ralph Stover State Park High Rocks Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Hike Directions
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.
Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.
