Ralph Stover State Park

Tohickon Creek flows through the 45-acre Ralph Stover State Park, making a scenic picnic area. The nearby High Rocks section of the park is a lovely overlook of the Tohickon Creek.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Whitewater  - Accessibility  - History  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

Ralph Stover State Park is two miles north of Point Pleasant on State Park Road and Stump Road, in eastern Bucks County. If you are using GPS, use the following address: 5998 State Park Road, Pipersville PA 18947.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Picnicking  - Whitewater Boating  - Fishing  - Scenic Vista 

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.

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

Swimming: Although there is no swimming at Ralph Stover, a swimming pool is open during the summer at Nockamixon State Park, about 20 miles away.

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

Scenic Vista: Pictured on the cover, 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.

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

Trash Disposal and Recycling: 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.

Whitewater: 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.

Access for People with Disabilities

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

History

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.

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions and accommodations, contact; Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau, 800-836-BUCKS, www.buckscountycvb.org.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital
Doylestown Hospital
595 West State Street
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-2200

For More Information Contact

Ralph Stover State Park
c/o Delaware Canal State Park
Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
610-982-5560
Manager: Rick Dalton

E-mail: delawarecanalsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.