White-water boating enthusiasts are once again likely to converge on Bucks County’s Tohickon Creek on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 7-8, when the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources releases water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek.
Releases are historically scheduled on a semi-annual basis, usually occurring on the third weekend in March and the first weekend in November. The white-water releases from the Nockamixon State Park dam provide suitable white-water boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Water releases begin at 4 .m. Several hours later, the release consisting of millions of gallons of water moving down the waterway will create white-water conditions at Ralph Stover State Park, according to park officials.
Suggested hours for viewing the release and boating activity are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Ralph Stover. Most boaters launch their craft at Ralph Stover State Park, near Pipersville, and travel some four miles along the Tohickon Creek to its junction with the Delaware River at Point Pleasant.
DCNR officials remind boaters that this is technical white-water with Class 3 and 4 rapids that require boating skills. Boaters should be aware of and abide by the safety code of the American Whitewater Affiliation. Boaters must wear appropriate personal flotation devices, take appropriate precautions to prevent hypothermia, and use only craft designed for this type of water.
Visitors are urged to take precautions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 by doing the following: wear a mask; wash your hands or use hand sanitizer regularly; avoid touching your face, eyes and nose; and cover your nose and mouth while coughing or sneezing with a tissue or flexed elbow. If you are sick, stay home. The best advice to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home; however, if you do choose to visit state parks, avoid recreating in large groups and practice social distancing.
For more details, contact Nockamixon State Park at 215-529-7300 or Delaware Canal State Park at 610-982-5560.
