Beginner Hike - Ringing Rocks

Hello hikers! A few of you have approached me and expressed an interest in hiking, but are concerned about some of the distances that are posted in other hikes. This hike may be a good fit for you!

We will begin at the Ringing Rocks Trailhead at the D&L Trail Parking Lot (on River Rd./ PA 32). This will be an out and back hike with a lollipop. Total distance is 2.7 miles with a total elevation gain of 488 ft, and total time of about 2 hours. This is a very popular hike so we will want to start early to avoid the crowds.

We will get the elevation out of the way with a mild climb up into the park. After that, it is mostly level and we will enjoy a nice walk in the woods. We will circle around the infamous boulder field where you can make the rocks sing if you bring a hammer. Then will stop briefly at High Falls on High Falls Creek (the largest waterfall in Bucks County). We wrap up with a slow descent back down to the parking lot.

History and other cool stuff: Ringing Rocks County Park in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania, is a 128-acre county park famous for its unique 7-to-8-acre boulder field of primordial diabase rocks that produce a clear, bell-like metallic tone when struck with a hammer. If you wish to experience this, you will need to bring your own hammer.

Formed from Jurassic-era diabase sills, only about a third of the dense, iron-rich boulders ring when hit. The acoustic quality only occurs while the rocks remain within the field and is believed to result from internal stress and how the boulders rest against one another.

The land has a rich history tied to the Lenape and the 1737 Walking Purchase acquired by the Penn family. In 1890, a local doctor even collected stones of different pitches to play alongside a brass band in what is dubbed the "first rock concert".

Boring but important stuff:
Some sections of the trail are steep and rocky- I suggest well broken in hiking boots with good ankle support.

A fully charged cell phone is a good idea but service may be spotty.

I love dogs, but not on this hike.

Rain cancels. I’ll post here at least 2 hours before hike starts if cancelled.

Parking could be tricky, hence the early start (40.5704, -75.1314)

Fine print: By/If attending this hike, you acknowledge and agree that you are responsible for your own safety at all times and that no one but you can be held responsible for any damages, accidents, injuries or liabilities incurred while participating in this event. You release, hold harmless, and indemnify the leader(s) and all members of this group from any and all claims for property damage, injury, illness, disability and/or death, including those caused by negligence and/or other reasons