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DestinationsOther |
Ralph Stover State ParkThere is a fantastic little oasis of a park near Pt. Pleasant, Pa known as Ralph Stover State Park. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/ralphstover.aspx Great hiking, biking, fishing, rock climbing and, when the waters are running, kayaking. Although the trail is only a couple miles long (1 mile officially), parts of it are a challenge especially if you're not a seasoned hiker. Lots of ups and downs, roots, rocks, beautiful forests, great views from "High Rocks," about 200' up over the Tohickon Creek. The creek is almost always within eyeshot or earshot of the trail. It's a beautiful unspoiled little park and if you go early in the a.m. before the casual dog walkers show up, you just might have the whole place to yourself for a while. You won't believe you're little more than an hour from Philadelphia! For the longest hike: From Rt. 611 in Plumstead, Pa (there's a Wawa Market on the corner there where you can stock up on rations) take Stump Rd. east, cross over Rt. 413, continue on Stump Rd., cross over Covered Bridge Road. The road thins, winds around for a mile, and when you get to the stop sign take a right and an immediate left. Park next to the picnic grove to begin your hike. Cross the red wooden bridge over the Tohickon and follow the road up the hill past the few houses you'll see. As you continue up the hill (the creek's on your left now) you'll see a street sign indicating a side street's up ahead. Right at that sign you'll see the beginning of a path into the woods to your right. Following that path you'll wind up first at High Rocks where there are several fenced lookouts. There is where the official park path begins. Continue for about an hour until you find yourself at a camping area. This is where the path effectively ends. There is a water pump nearby and some (seen better days) lavatories. There is also a Port-O-Potty and a payphone at the parking area near High Rocks. Wear sturdy shoes and leave your cell in the car; there are no signals anywhere and who wants to hear them ringing anyway? Bikers will also discover some alternate biking paths which are less grueling than the hiking paths. Enjoy Bucks County's best kept hiking secret (don't tell anyone!)and please take your litter out with you. 
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