Located in a nondescript park on an isolated hillside above the Delaware River, Ringing Rocks County Park might not seem at first to be anything too special when pulling into the secluded parking lot. However, follow the single, flat trail that leads from the parking lot for just a few minutes, and you’ll end up at one of the oddest places in Pennsylvania.
Known officially as the Bridgeton Boulder Field, this seven-acre field is better known as the ringing rocks for the curious sound that many of the rocks make when struck by a hammer. People have asked for years, “Why do the Ringing Rocks ring?”
No one is quite sure why the rocks make such an interesting metallic sound when hit, but it likely has something to do with the internal stresses of the boulders and their resonance when put together. Whatever the reason though, the boulders at this county park are seriously cool.
Visiting the Ringing Rocks in Bucks County has been on my list of things to do since I started this site, but I hadn’t had the chance to visit for a few years. However, after spending the day in New Hope, I made the ridiculously beautiful drive north along the Delaware River to the park.
(Did you know that there’s an even larger ringing rocks field nearby called Stony Garden, as well as another, smaller one in Ringing Rocks Park in Pottstown?)
What makes it even better, though, is that no one really knows why the rock field is even there. The rocks in the field are igneous, or volcanic rocks, with a very high iron concentration. Of course, since Pennsylvania isn’t exactly known for its volcanoes, this struck me as a bit odd. Theories as to the field’s origin have gone from the unlikely (volcanoes, glaciers, and rockslides), to the truly bizarre (alien landing site, meteor).
However they got there though, their existence and the odd ringing sound the comes from them is definitely worth seeing and hearing.
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The park is located in northern Bucks County, just a short distance from the Delaware River below. The entrance to the park is marked only by a small sign next to a narrow entrance to the parking lot. It is quite easy to miss, and it’s worth noting that Apple Maps on my iPhone had trouble routing me to the right area (though it did at least get me to the correct road).
The park itself is very basic, with a few picnic tables and only one small sign marking the trail entrance. Ringing Rocks County Park hours of operation are sunrise to sunset. There is no trail map at the park, but the walk is relatively straightforward.
Also down the right trail, about 5 minutes from the rocks, is Bucks County’s largest waterfall, High Falls.
While this Ringing Rocks waterfall is quite impressive when running well, note that it is very seasonal and likely only runs during periods with a significant amount of water. When I first visited on an early September day, there wasn’t a drop of water to be found. However, when I later visited after a few days of rain in mid-May, I was greeted with a waterfall that was flowing quite well.
High Falls is located on High Falls Creek. The waterfall is roughly 15 feet in height. What makes it especially interesting is how to water cascades over a large, smooth slab of stone that slants towards the trail to the falls.
Even in high water, High Falls typically only flows off the far right side of the cliff face.
High Falls is a neat spot to check out while visiting Ringing Rocks, and it’s probably the largest waterfall near Philadelphia.
Ringing Rocks County park is open from dawn until dusk year-round. There is no entrance fee to visit the park.
For those interested, check out the map below for the approximate location of the parking area to use when visiting Ringing Rocks County Park in Bucks County.
Interested in more unusual natural phenomena? Consider visits to Coudersport Ice Mine, Bilger’s Rocks, and Archbald Pothole State Park.
[Click here for information on how to use the coordinates in this article to find your destination.]
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Neat
It’s not in Bucks county. It’s in Montgomery county. I live 10 minutes away from it.
Unless there is more than one?
I believe that there are a few. However, this one is definitely in Bucks County and is probably the most well-known of the fields.
Hey! So I actually just visited this place a few days ago, the river was frozen, the ice was gorgeous! But underneath, water was still flowing.
I have some pictures, do you want me to send them to you? It was awfully fun to climb on-top of everything!
Sounds like an amazing place. Weird question; are there bathroom facilities?
The park map indicates a primitive restroom, but I’ve never used them to know the quality or even if they are always unlocked.
I visited Ringing Rocks Park today. I used the coordinates mentioned in this post and it took me directly to the location. I was using Google Maps and when I arrived, it showed the address as being 1750 Ringing Road Road, Upper Eddy, PA in case somebody wants an exact address. I reached the boulder field around 10:45am as a few people were just finishing up. I had the entire 7 acre boulder field all to myself for the next 30 minutes as I walked around hitting different rocks and hearing the various tones. I got lots of nice pictures and videos. I continued on the trail to the waterfall which did have a small flow of water on the far right side, so at least it was not yet dried up for the season. I wore hiking boots and I am thankful I did because the ankle support and good traction is needed for climbing around in the boulder field.
Thanks for the trip report. Glad you had a fun visit to Ringing Rocks County Park.