Nockamixon State Park is a popular destination for boaters, fishers, and day hikers. Mainly because there are over 39 miles of hiking trails at Nockmixon!
The hikes in Nockamixon State Park range from easy to moderate. Most of them offer a view of the lake. Some are more exciting than others. But it’s always nice to visit the largest state park in Bucks County!
We’ve spent plenty of time hiking around Nockamixon, and these are some of our favorite trails in the park.
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Brief History of Nockamixon State Park
Nockamixon State Park is one of the largest state parks near Philadelphia and offers some of the best hiking trails in Bucks County. Though it is a popular park, it only opened in 1974.
In the 1960s, Pennsylvania decided every resident needed state parks within a short drive. So, they decided the area around Tohickon Creek in Quakertown would make a great park and man-made lake. The problem? Many people lived in this area!
By eminent domain, the state took almost 300 private properties, including farms and businesses. They dammed up Tohickon Creek, flooded the region, and created the 5,289-acre Lake Nockamixon that you see today. Unfortunately, a lot of history was lost, including an old mill, a village, and a cave that held Native American artifacts.
Things to Know Before You Hike at Nockamixon State Park
Entry Fee
The is no fee to visit Nockamixon State Park. Every Pennsylvania state park is FREE to visit.
Amenities
There are bathrooms at Nockamixon State Park, but none of them are close to any of the hiking trails below. The bathrooms are located next to the pool and park office off Mountain View Drive and near the regional office on Three Mile Run Road.
Pets
Nockamixon State Park is dog-friendly, but they must be leashed.
Horses
Most of the trails below (except the High Bridge Trail) are mixed-use trails and allow horses.
Map
Download a map of the park before your visit, as the trails aren’t always clearly marked.
Hunting
Nockamixon State Park allows hunting. Wearing bright orange is one of the best things you can do to stay safe while hiking during hunting season
Bring The Essentials
Water, snacks, and more! Find the full list of day-hike essentials here.
Be a Responsible Visitor
Remember, as you visit this park, to respect nature. Stay on established paths, pack out your trash (including food waste), and leave what you find behind.
The more popular these destinations become, the more we need to be diligent about keeping our parks and lands clean and safe for all. You can learn more here.
4 Fun Hiking Trails Near Lake Nockamixon
Mink Trail
📍Location: Access the trail from the Mink Road parking area (Nockamixon Horse Trailer Parking on Google Maps)
📏Trail Length: 2.8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
The Mink Trail is an easy, almost 3-mile loop on the southeastern side of Nockamixon State Park. The trail is relatively flat with an elevation gain of 175 feet, but you will still encounter some rocks and roots along the trail.
One of the best parts of the Mink Trail is the easy access to Lake Nockamixon. You can enjoy some beautiful views of the lake on your hike.
Mink Trail is essentially two loops, allowing you to shorten the hike to about 1.5 miles.
Old Mill Trail
📍Location: Access the trail from the parking area on Deerwood Lane.
📏Trail Length: 5.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Old Mill Trail is one of the longest hiking trails at Nockamixon State Park. I recommend parking at the lot on Deerwood Lane to directly access the trail. However, you can also connect to the trail using the Quarry Trail.
It’s not the most exciting trail, making it better suited for someone who prefers a quiet walk in the woods without needing crazy views. Although you can see the Nockamixon “waterfall” along the trail!
The trail isn’t always well-marked, so consider using an app like AllTrails or Strava for navigation.
Quarry Trail
📍Location: Access the trail from the Kahagon Road parking area or the Bethlehem Road parking area.
📏Trail Length: 2.5 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
The Quarry Trail is a nice, 2.5-mile loop on the northwestern side of the park. It leads you past some old ruins (foundations from a summer camp) near where the Tohickon Creek becomes Lake Nockamixon.
Similar to the other trails, you can enjoy lovely views of the lake, but this one is a little more exciting than the Mink Trail and better marked than the Old Mill Trail.
You can shorten the trail to about 2 miles by cutting out the southern loop on the trail.
High Bridge Trail
📍Location: Access the trail from the parking area on Richlandtown Road (Weisel Farm House on Google Maps).
📏Trail Length: 2 miles, out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
The High Bridge Trail is my favorite hike at Nockamixon State Park. It starts to the right of the farmhouse and barn (which used to be a youth hostel but was closed in 2018). Take the short wooden bridge to officially begin the trail.
The High Bridge Trail wanders near Tohickon Creek and under Mountain View Dr (the “high bridge”) and eventually connects to the Sterner Mill Trail. You can lengthen your hike by looping the Sterner Mill Trail or just backtracking on High Bridge.
Other Hikes Nearby
Although we enjoy hiking at Nockamixon State Park, we prefer to hike on other trails nearby. One of our favorites is the Top Rock Trail, pretty much across the street from Nockamixon State Park. This is a great option if you enjoy rock scrambles! It’s even a fun winter hike.
Other good options nearby include High Rocks at Ralph Stover and Ringing Rocks County Park, both about 20 minutes from Nockamixon.
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