If you love a good rock scramble, you’ll love this trail!
The Top Rock Trail at Haycock Mountain is a short but challenging trail near Nockamixon State Park. It’s a popular spot for boulderers to practice but also great for hikers looking for a fun scramble.
As short as the trail is, it’s not for younger kids. The large boulders and crevasses make it difficult and unsafe for little ones. But if you have older kids (ages 8 and up), they should be able to handle this trail but may require some assistance.
If you’re interested in trying one of the hidden gem hikes in Bucks County, the guide below has everything you need to know. So, let’s start planning your next adventure!
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Top Rock Trail at Haycock Mountain: A Popular Bouldering Trail Near Nockamixon
The Top Rock Trail at Haycock Mountain is one of those trails that feels like a secret you’re not supposed to know about. It’s a fun and short trail (about 3/4 mile to the top) but is considered difficult due to the amount of rock scrambling required to get to the top.
As you walk along the trail, you might encounter other visitors with mats on their backs. This is a popular spot to practice bouldering, a form of free climbing.
This trail is for hikers who like challenges. There is no view at the top, no waterfall, and really nothing of visual interest. But climbing up those rocks is a lot of fun! It’s one of our favorite trails in Bucks County.
Prepare For Your Hike at Haycock Mountain
Parking
A small parking lot is available at 165 Top Rock Trail in Quakertown. It holds about a dozen cars. Visitors have also parked along Top Rock Trail, but please note there are private residences along the road, so do not block driveways.
Amenities
There are no amenities at the Top Rock trailhead. The closest bathrooms are at Nockamixon State Park at the Haycock Boat Launch.
Safety
Haycock Mountain and the Top Rock Trail are part of State Game Lands. For your safety, you’ll want to wear bright orange during hunting season (October through April).
Four-Point Scrambling
At some points along the trail, you might be required to use four points of contact to scramble on the boulders. It’s not as nerve-wracking as the climb at Lehigh Gap, but small children might require assistance. There are also large gaps between the rocks.
Pets
Dogs are permitted on the trail. However, due to the large boulders and steep grades, we’ve seen some dogs have difficulty climbing to the top. Larger dogs typically have better success.
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.
Haycock Mountain’s Top Rock Trail
- Trail Location: 165 Top Rock Trail in Quakertown
- Trail Length: about 1.5 miles, out and back
- Trail Difficulty: Hard due to the four-point rock scrambling
- Elevation Gain: 460 feet
- Dog Friendly: Dogs are permitted but some may have difficulty on the rocks
Trailhead
You can access the trail at the northwest corner of the parking lot. There is a large bulletin board/sign next to the trail entrance.
There are no blazes or trail markers for the first third to half-mile of the trail. But it is pretty obvious. We could easily follow it in the dead of winter. Of course, an app like Strava or All Trails can help keep you on the right track.
Following the Trail Markers
After about a half-mile, you’ll notice many more boulders and erratics around. This is where the trail markers start. They are white reflective squares nailed onto the trees. Follow them to the top!
Some sections can be a little confusing, but (for better or worse) previous visitors have spray-painted arrows in those areas.
Climbing the Rocks
After a short while, you’ll come to what feels like a wall of rocks. It’s about 100 feet of elevation gain in 1/10 mile. Many visitors find their own way up the rocks. However, it’s easiest (not easy, though) to follow the white square trail markers.
At the Top of Haycock Mountain
You’ll know when you’ve reached the top of the mountain. There is a large open area and big, flat rocks you can walk on.
In between the rocks is a small crevasse. You can climb down and enjoy the “art” left by previous visitors. Once you’re done enjoying your rest break, head back the way you came!
Other Hikes Near Haycock Mountain
This area of Bucks County has so many beautiful trails! Of course, you have Nockamixon State Park right across the street. There are several trails ranging from easy to moderate to choose from.
We also love Ringing Rocks County Park, which is about 15 minutes away. It’s a one-mile loop that is on the easy side of moderate. Another popular trail is the High Rocks Vista Trail at Ralph Stover State Park. That is about 20 minutes from Haycock Mountain.
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