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Hiking at Nockamixon State Park

The hiking trails of the park explore forests, fields, and the edge of the lake. For the safety of all park users, dogs must be leashed and under physical control while in the park. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Nockamixon State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Bike Trail

2.0 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches

This popular paved trail winds through the Day Use Area and is ideal for walking, bicycling, and strollers. The eastern end of the trail begins at the marina, which offers parking and great views of the lake. The western end of the trail features a waterfall and an old mill pond. An additional 0.5-mile spur off the main trail passes by the swimming pool and playground. Please exercise caution and be considerate of other trail users.

Church Trail

5.1 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

On the south shore of Lake Nockamixon, this hiking and horseback riding trail connects Elephant and Mink trails through fairly flat woodlands. Hiking and horseback riding are prohibited in the cabin area.

Elephant Trail

4.6 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

Following the shoreline and looping inland, this trail network is great for hikers and horseback riders. For a longer adventure, continue on Church Trail.

High Bridge Trail

1.2 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

This wooded hiking trail runs along both sides of Tohickon Creek and near an old barn. Be careful when fording the creek. This trail connects the Sterner Mill Hiking Area with the Quarry Trail.

Mink Trail

3.8 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

Accessed from either the parking lot off Old Ridge Road or from the parking lot on Mink Road, this hiking and equestrian trail loops along the south shore east of Church Trail through forested areas and warm season grass fields.

Mountain Bike Trail

10 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking
Trailhead amenities: none

A 10-mile trail system for mountain bikes and hikers is on the east side of Haycock Cove. Trailheads are located off Tower and South Park roads, and PA 563. Parking is available at the Tower Road and the Haycock Boat Launch parking lots.

Old Haycock Road Trail

1.3 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restroom

Following an old road, this trail extends from behind the gate at the Haycock Boat Launch and passes through wooded areas, warm season grass fields, and open brushy habitat, ending at the lake.

Old Mill Trail

5.6 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail crosses a stream at the old mill pond and passes across the top of the stone dam breast. Hikers pass through a mature woodlot, pine plantations, and walk a loop that follows the lake shore. Access the trail from the western terminus of the Bike Trail, the gravel lot at the top of Deerwood Lane, or Old Bethlehem Road. Bicycles are prohibited. 

Prison Camp Trail

0.5 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Stretching from Old Haycock Road Trail to the Lake Nockamixon, this trail passes by warm season grass fields. An osprey nesting platform is at the end of Old Haycock Road Trail.

Quarry Trail

2.65 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none

This trail winds through old foundations–the remnants of a summer camp, provides a scenic view of the lake, and offers an overlook of the old quarry that provided building material for area structures. The trail can be accessed from the Kahagon Road Parking Lot off PA 563 or Old Bethlehem Road.

Sterner Mill Trail

1.8 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

On the southwest corner of the park, this loop trail passes near the lake. Hikers can see a small pond, lake views, and pass through hardwood forests and pine plantations.

Tohickon Lane Trail

0.5 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Perpendicular to Old Haycock Road Trail, this trail passes Johns Pond and warm season grass fields.