Ralph Stover State Park

Picnicking: The park has a beautiful shaded picnic area with drinking water, picnic tables, picnic pavilions, fireplaces and restrooms. Picnicking facilities are along the beautiful Tohickon Creek.

Make a reservation.

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Fishing: Warm-water species found in Tohickon Creek include smallmouth bass, sunfish, carp and catfish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks trout, a cold-water fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws and regulations apply to licensing, seasons and limits.

Complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

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Whitewater Boating: When high water conditions exist, Tohickon Creek offers a challenging course for closed-deck canoes and kayaks. Whitewater craft may be launched in the park. Please do not block parking areas and roadways.

At the end of March and the beginning of November, there are planned whitewater releases from Lake Nockamixon. For information, call Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560.

The creek contains several drop-offs, especially downstream of the High Rocks cliffs. Paddlers should never boat alone. The Tohickon Creek, with its drop-offs, obstructions and strainers can be very dangerous.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Visit the Safety Code of American Whitewater for useful safety information.

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Hiking: 1 mile of trails
The easy walking trails pass through many habitats and pass near the millrace.

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Rock Climbing: The "High Rocks" section of the park features an outstanding view of a horseshoe bend in Tohickon Creek and the surrounding forest.

 

Experienced rock climbers use the 200-foot sheer rock face, but the cliffs are sheer and dangerous.

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Trash Disposal: Ralph Stover State Park participates in a carry-in/carry-out trash disposal program for small parks. There are no trash collection or recycling facilities. Visitors are asked to limit the amount of disposable items brought to the park and to take all trash, garbage, and recyclables home with them.

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Access for People with Disabilities

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If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

 

The "High Rocks" section of the park features an outstanding view of a horseshoe bend in Tohickon Creek and the surrounding forest.

Experienced rock climbers use the 200-foot sheer rock face, but the cliffs are sheer and dangerous. Stay behind the safety rail for your own protection.

Early inhabitants of the area, the Lenni Lenape, named the creek "To-Hick-Hanne" meaning "Deer-Bone-Creek," leading to the modern name Tohickon Creek.

Early industry depended on Tohickon Creek. Ralph Stover State Park marks the site of a late 18th century water-powered grist mill. The park takes its name from Ralph Stover who owned and operated the mill. Remnants of the mill, and the millrace, which diverted the water from above the dam to power the mill, are still visible.

In 1931, the Stover heirs gave this property to the Commonwealth for use as a state park. Recreational facilities were first opened in 1935 after development by the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA).

The property known as the "High Rocks" was added through the donation of the late James A. Michener, a noted author. This area is popular for its spectacular views and geological features and is used extensively as a rock-climbing site. The 200-foot sheer rock face of this cliff offers a unique challenge to the experienced climber.

Keep in Touch

Add yourself to the DCNR's online community to receive info on this park, or parks in general.

Volunteering

Like to spend time in the outdoors, meet friendly people and help make Pennsylvania State Parks great? Volunteering at a park might be for you.

Becoming a Conservation Volunteer is easy.

• Sign up to be a Conservation Volunteer
  OR
• Contact your local state park directly and ask for the Conservation Volunteer coordinator - you'll be hooked up with an interesting and appropriate project in Pennsylvania's natural resources.
   

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Believing that each generation is responsible for leaving behind a better legacy of good conservation, the Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) was created in 1999 to give supporters and users of Pennsylvania's parks and forests a positive way to contribute to the conservation of our publicly-owned properties. The Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation welcomes the support of individuals and businesses who share a commitment to conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural, scenic, and recreational areas of this commonwealth. www.paparksandforests.org

Make a Donation

To a park - find this park's address below

To a park or the Bureau of State Parks - Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation www.paparksandforests.org

Through a purchase at a park gift shop

Thank you for your support!

Education Programs

We love when young people ask us how to get involved!

DiscoverE has programs for young people ages 4 to 17, provided by Pennsylvania State Park educators. By combining recreation and education, we hope to motivate children to learn more and return often, leading to a lifetime of outdoor enjoyment and conservation leadership. 

In Watershed Education, teachers and students assess water quality of a local stream on a quarterly basis and develop strategies to solve local water quality problems. 

ECO Camp - Exploring Careers Outdoors - is a week-long residential camp for a cross-section of high school youth from across Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Participate in action-packed, hands on activities and recreational adventures in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests that expose youth to conservation, recreation and careers in natural resources. Learn how people make a living working in the outdoors.

Explore education for more information on these and other programs.

Explore the Calendar of Events to find a program near you.

iConservePA

Do you take conservation personally? iConservePA is a Web site managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources whose vision is to inspire citizens to value their natural resources, engage in conservation practices and experience the outdoors. Take conservation personally.

Come Work with Us

Pennsylvania State Parks and the Department of Conservation and Natrual Resources offer a wide range of civil service and non-civil service jobs, from foresters, to rangers, to engineers, to educators, to botanists and so much more. Learn what is currently available.

Tell us What You Think

Contact this park with compliments, concerns and issues about the park.

Ralph Stover State Park

Nearby Attractions

Information on nearby attractions is available from the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau. www.buckscountycvb.org

Maps and Downloadables

Below are many of the maps and publications for this park. You can read them or download them and might need special software (all free) to view the publications.

You must have the free Adobe Reader to view the maps and brochures that are in pdf format (.pdf).

Alternate versions of the text of the brochures are in rich text and text formats. Click on the files to view them. To download (.rtf) files:
For Windows users, right click on the link then left click on "Save target as" to download the file to your computer. For Mac users, hold down the "Options" button and click on the link, then select "Save" to download the file to your computer.

Recreational Guide

Ralph Stover State Park Map (.pdf) (391 kb, 3/11) 
Ralph Stover State Park Recreational Guide (.pdf) (72 kb, 3/11)
    large print version of the guide text (.rtf)

Interactive GIS Map

The Interactive GIS Map uses Geographic Information Systems to create a map that does not need to be downloaded and features driving directions, searchable park amenities and customizable maps. Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road.