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.