Nockamixon Lake in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Nockamixon is a fine place to spend a day or more paddling. The lake is large, but with motors only <10hp so it stays pretty quiet.

I had a breakfast picnic (tables under pines at water's edge)and put in at Haycock with any easy park-and-drag (few yards over grass). Paddled down a short way under the bridge (563)pleasant, but for road noise)then back past the Haycock input and on south and east, watching hawks and jumping fish; took out at 'Tohicken' to eat lunch and fly a kite (perfect spot).

On return, found a nice little point (just west of the dam) to dally at, with two trees just right for slinging a hammock.

The entire lake is paddleable, though at times the wind is a challenge in the wider, central part where you will also have the company of sailboats. As the land is flat, it's possible to put in just about anywhere.

If this lake has a downside, for me, it's that swimming is not allowed - they say, due to phosphates which cause hyperentrophic conditions (algae, seaweed, cloudy water).

A fine, simple paddle!

Accommodations:

I stayed at Wiesel Hostel very nearby (just off of 563) for a very reasonable $15.

Fees:

Usual DCNR boat permit.

Directions:

From Philadelphia, PA take 76W to 476N (exit 32); take 476N out towards Allentown to 313E; take 313E across 309 and through Quakertown, and take a Left on 563.

Contact:

1-888-PA-PARKS

Resources:

DCNR mini-brochure at Nockamixon Park offices.