The dramatic 300-foot cliffs rise above the Delaware River along upper Bucks County’s scenic River Road. Habitat for an arctic-alpine plant community, rare in both Pennsylvania and in the continental United States, Nockamixon Cliffs also provides scenic beauty as ice flows from its deep ravines, creating an ice palace spectacle in winter. More than 90 species of birds inhabit the cliffs, which historically have been used by the peregrine falcon and osprey, creating an excellent location for bird watching from either the top or bottom of this sheer ledge. Nockamixon Cliffs originated geologically from reddish sands and mud carried by torrential streams from the northwest. Massive amounts of these sediments were deposited into temporary shallow lakes. The resulting red sandstone and shale can still be found throughout the region. They are bright red and break easily into flakes and fragments. Toward the end of the Triassic Period, molten magma from deep within the earth’s crust flowed into these beds of sedimentary rock. The “igneous intrusions” heated the surrounding sandstone and shale, changing them into tough, weather-resistant rock called hornfel. During the Jurassic Period, the region was subjected to continuous erosion. While some other rock, such as the sandstone and shale were worn away, the hornfel resisted weathering, allowing the Nockamixon Cliffs to “rise” above the surround landscape.
Additional Information
- Hours of Operation:
Visitors are welcome but are asked to “take only pictures, leave only footprints.” Camping within natural area, including the river islands, is prohibited.
- Cost/Fees:
No
