Tohickon Creek
About
Scheduled releases from Lake Nockamixon have turned Tohickon Creek into Pennsylvania's premier release-day whitewater since 1973, transforming a 220 CFS average flow into 300–1500 CFS surges that activate the Ralph Stover gorge. The four-mile gorge section runs Class II–IV through Bucks County, with the Philadelphia Canoe Club coordinating group runs on release days. Above the gorge, the Upper Tohickon from Tohickon Lake flows Class I–II through more forgiving gradient. High Rocks provides a dramatic 200-foot cliff backdrop near the takeout, part of the broader Ralph Stover State Park and Tinicum Park corridor. At natural flows, Tohickon Creek runs small and technical; during scheduled releases, it becomes one of the few dependable whitewater runs in southeastern Pennsylvania. The creek's 30-mile total length includes the quieter headwaters, but the gorge section captures most paddling attention when USGS gauge 01459500 shows release-day levels.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.