Whitewater Rapids Return to Bucks County Creek

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will release water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek on March 21 and 22, creating whitewater conditions for experienced paddlers in Bucks County.

Releases begin at 4 a.m. each day, sending millions of gallons downstream to form Class 3 and Class 4 rapids through Ralph Stover State Park. Suitable boating conditions are expected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, according to lehighvalleylive.com, with suggested spectator viewing hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. near Ralph Stover State Park.

The semi-annual event draws skilled kayakers, canoeists, and occasional rafters from across the Northeast. Most paddlers launch at Ralph Stover State Park near Pipersville and travel approximately four miles along Tohickon Creek to its junction with the Delaware River at Point Pleasant. Releases are historically scheduled on the third weekend in March and the first weekend in November.

Because the rapids are technical Class 3 and Class 4 whitewater, DCNR officials stress that the conditions are appropriate only for experienced paddlers. Boaters must wear personal flotation devices, take precautions against hypothermia, use craft designed for whitewater conditions, and follow the safety guidelines of the American Whitewater Affiliation.

Officials expect increased crowds at Ralph Stover State Park during both days. Trail users on the High Rocks Vista Trail System should anticipate heavy foot traffic and are encouraged to stay on blazed trails, keep to the right when passing others, split into smaller groups, and keep dogs on a 6-foot leash.

For more information, contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300 or Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560.