Ringing Rocks

The main attraction within the 128 acre park is a 7 to 8 acre stretch of boulders where no foliage grows and where the rocks have an unusual characteristic. When struck with a hammer or other hard object, they make a sound similar to a metal pipe being struck.

But that's not the only attraction. The park also has Bucks County's largest waterfall, where (when it freezes up in the winter) you can see icicles nearly 3 stories high; ok at least over 2 stories! But, come on, that's still huge!

Why do the Rocks Ring?

The boulders are made of a substance called diabase, basically volcanic basalt. Ring Rocks Park is one of the largest diabase boulder fields in the Eastern United States.

Ringing rocks are also known as sonorous rocks or lithophonic rocks, as used in musical instruments such as the lithophone. When struck by an object, and here a hammer seems like the instrument of the day, the stones resonate like a bell.

Visiting Ringing Rocks Park

We found out the hard way that most dogs can’t really navigate the boulder field, so you might want to leave Fido at home. Then again, the walk down the river bed was enjoyed by all, especially Niko the GettingOutside Wonder Dog.

• Picnicking
• Hiking
• Nature Areas
• Geological Formation

Location