Upper Bucks trades historic sites for open land, and this is where the county's odder natural landmarks show up.
Ring the Boulders at Ringing Rocks Park
Start at Ringing Rocks Park near Upper Black Eddy. It's a 123-acre park, with a seven-acre boulder field, one of the largest of its type anywhere, where rocks piled up to 10 feet high genuinely ring like a bell when struck. Bring a hammer. A short trail from the boulder field also leads to High Falls, the county's largest waterfall.
Take In the Gorge from High Rocks Vista
From Ringing Rocks, drive to Ralph Stover State Park for High Rocks Vista, a cliffside overlook above the horseshoe bend in the Tohickon Creek gorge. It's a short, easy walk from the parking area for one of the better payoffs in the county relative to the effort it takes.
Walk or Bike the Delaware Canal Towpath at Nockamixon
Round out the morning at Nockamixon State Park, with miles of trail circling Lake Nockamixon and plenty of room for a picnic if you've packed one. For something flatter, the Delaware Canal towpath runs the length of the county and makes for an easy walk or bike ride near the water.
Drive River Road Past the Covered Bridges
On the way back down River Road, you'll pass several of the county's 12 remaining covered bridges. The self-guided driving tour actually starts and ends at Washington Crossing Historic Park from day one, and for the most photogenic stops, head toward Perkasie and the Schofield Ford bridge in Tyler State Park. You'll also pass lodging like Bridgeton House on the Delaware in Upper Black Eddy, a solid option if you'd rather stay the night than drive home.
Planning This Trip
Bucks County sits close enough to both Philadelphia and New York City that either works as a jumping-off point for a weekend, though drive times will shift with traffic and where exactly you're headed within the county. New Hope draws crowds on weekends, especially once fall color arrives, so a weekday visit buys you more breathing room, particularly around Peddler's Village and Main Street.
A couple of stops here require planning ahead. Fonthill Castle and The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works only run guided tours, so check schedules and reserve before you drive out. Everything else on this itinerary, including the covered bridges, Ringing Rocks Park, and the canal towpath, works fine as a self-guided stop with no reservation needed.
Fall draws the crowds for a reason. The River Road drive and the covered bridge tour are known for strong foliage, and the bridges near Perkasie and Tyler State Park photograph especially well against changing leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need for a Bucks County trip?
Three days covers the highlights across New Hope, Doylestown, and Upper Bucks without rushing between stops. Two days works well if you drop one corridor and focus on the other two instead. A single day is enough if you stick to just New Hope or just The Mercer Mile in Doylestown.
Is Bucks County a good weekend getaway from Philadelphia or New York City?
Yes. Bucks County sits close enough to both cities to work as a weekend trip, and many visitors turn it into a multi-day getaway by combining river towns, museums, and outdoor recreation across different parts of the county rather than sticking to just one town.
What's the best way to see the covered bridges?
Visit Bucks County publishes a self-guided covered bridge driving tour that loops through the county's 12 remaining bridges, starting and ending at Washington Crossing Historic Park. The route splits into two halves, so you can tackle it in one long day or spread it across two shorter ones.
Do you need a car for this itinerary?
Yes. New Hope's downtown is walkable on its own once you've parked, but getting between New Hope, Doylestown, and Upper Bucks requires a car, since the three corridors in this itinerary aren't connected by public transit. Budget extra time for River Road's narrow, winding stretches between stops.
What is The Mercer Mile in Doylestown?
The Mercer Mile refers to three sites built by archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer: Fonthill Castle, The Mercer Museum, and The Moravian Pottery & Tile Works. All three sit close together in Doylestown and showcase his handcrafted tile alongside his collection of pre-industrial tools.
Is Ringing Rocks Park good for kids?
Most families find it works well. The trail out to the boulder field is short and mostly flat, and striking the rocks with a hammer is usually a hit with kids. The rocks are uneven and can be slippery, though, so bring sturdy, closed-toe shoes and watch younger children closely as they explore.
When should I visit for fall foliage?
Fall foliage in Bucks County typically peaks in mid-to-late October, which makes it a strong window for the River Road drive and the covered bridge tour. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends once peak color hits, especially around New Hope, and the bridges near Perkasie photograph particularly well against changing leaves.
Start Planning Your Trip
This itinerary covers three of Bucks County's strongest corridors, but there's more to see once you've worked through the basics, from the Bucks County Ale Trail to the county's wineries and farm markets. Browse the full list of things to do in Bucks County to round out the rest of your trip.
