Tohickon whitewater release set for March. What to know about viewing, boating the rapids

Michele Haddon, Bucks County Courier Times
·3 min read

It’s that time of year again, when millions of gallons of water are released from the Nockamixon State Park dam, turning the Tohickon Creek into a paddling destination.

The semi-annual event draws hundreds of boaters and thousands of spectators to this scenic and peaceful section of Upper Bucks County for what’s become a much-loved tradition for whitewater enthusiasts.

A kayaker battles the waves along Bucks County’s Tohickon Creek during a previous release Saturday, March 20, 2021. Whitewater boating enthusiasts converge near Ralph Stover Park twice a year when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released more than a million gallons of water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek.
A kayaker battles the waves along Bucks County’s Tohickon Creek during a previous release Saturday, March 20, 2021. Whitewater boating enthusiasts converge near Ralph Stover Park twice a year when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released more than a million gallons of water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek.

The next water release is set for March 18 and 19.

Here is what to know before heading out, whether you’re hoping to hit the rapids or prefer watching from dry land:

What is the Tohickon whitewater release?

Twice a year, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases water from the Nockamixon State Park Dam into Tohickon Creek, creating whitewater conditions that attract skilled kayakers, canoeists and rafters from all over the Northeast region of the U.S.

Under normal conditions, the dam continuously releases about 11 cubic feet per second of water into the Tohickon through a 10-inch cone valve, said Corey Shannon, assistant park manager at Nockamixon State Park. During releases, a larger 60-inch bunger valve is opened to about 60%, increasing the flow to more than 900 cubic feet per second.

It's done purely for recreational purposes.

What is the best way to watch the water release in Upper Bucks?

Water releases are scheduled to begin at 4 a.m. each day. However, it takes about four hours for the water to reach Ralph Stover Park, so the DCNR recommends the best viewing times are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Parking lots can be found at Ralph Stover State Park on State Park Road, High Rocks Vista parking area on Tory Road, and Tohickon Valley Park on Cafferty Road.

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If you’re interested in a guided hike to view the water release, Delaware Canal State Park is hosting a 4-mile loop hike along the Tohickon Creek gorge on March 18 to watch the whitewater paddlers. More information can be found online and pre-registration is required.

When is the best time for boaters to enjoy the rapids?

Water releases from the Nockamixon State Park dam provides suitable whitewater boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Where do boaters launch from?

Most launch their craft at Ralph Stover State Park, near Pipersville, and travel along the Tohickon Creek to its junction with the Delaware River in Point Pleasant.

How much skill is needed to kayak, canoe or raft during the release?

A water release from the Lake Nockamixon Dam March 18 and 19 will create whitewater conditions on the Tohickon Creek.
A water release from the Lake Nockamixon Dam March 18 and 19 will create whitewater conditions on the Tohickon Creek.

The water release creates technical whitewater with Class 3 and 4 rapids that require advanced boating skills.

There are at least six challenging rapids along this 3.75-mile stretch of the Tohickon Creek, according to American Whitewater, a nonprofit representing whitewater enthusiasts across the nation.

Boaters must wear appropriate personal floatation devices, take appropriate precautions to prevent hypothermia and only use crafts designed for this type of water.

For more information:

Contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300 or Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560.

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This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: Tohickon whitewater release set for March in Upper Bucks County