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4.5
233 votes

Ringing Rocks Park

Ringing Rocks Rd., Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania 18972 USA

Free
Free to Visit
Closed Now
Opens Fri 6a
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    not Accepted
  • Not Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
  • Outdoor
    Seating
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“Rocks that ring like a bell”

Ringing Rocks are rocks that have the property of resonating like a bell when struck, such as the Musical Stones of Skiddaw in the English Lake District as well as the stones in Ringing Rocks Park, in Upper Black Eddy, Bucks County, Pennsylvania USA and the Bell Rock Range of Western Australia. Ringing rocks are also known as sonorous rocks or lithophonic rocks, as used in idiophonic musical instruments called lithophones. Ringing Rocks Park is a county park in Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania at 40.56316°N 75.12689°W. The ringing rocks in that area are diabase. In 1965, geologist Richard Faas of Lafayette College took a few of the rocks back to his lab for testing. He found that when the rocks were struck they created a series of tones at frequencies lower than the human ear can hear. An audible sound is only produced because these tones interact with each other. Although Faas's experiments explained the nature of the tones, they did not identify the specific physical mechanism in the rock which made them.

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Reviewed by
Edie Lane

  • Blogger
  • 22 Reviews
  • 40 Helpful
September 14, 2014
Rated

This is a great addition to any road trip for several reasons. First, while it was pretty far off of our route, the drive was beautiful. The stone structures in this area are quite nice to look at, and the open spaces and waterways provide a great scenic drive. Second, the park itself was a great time. The rocks themselves were fun to climb around on in order to find the best sound. Plus, the surrounding woods and trails provided a nice outlet to stretch our legs. There is also, supposedly, a waterfall. We did not make it out there as another patron told us it was dry, but maybe next time! A few tips: bring a hammer, and maybe even googles or sunglasses for little ones, as the rocks do throw off small pieces when you hit them. Also, make sure you are dressed appropriately. This is literally a field of rocks, and involves a lot of climbing and maneuvering.

8 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Tim Balzer

  • 81 Reviews
  • 175 Helpful
October 01, 2014
Rated

While a beautiful park and a fascinating sight to behold, the rocks are a bit difficult to actually ring. I would definitely recommend the visit; though be prepared to be climbing all over thousands of rocks!

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
PittsburghPauly

  • 1 Review
  • 1 Helpful
January 07, 2016
Rated 5.0

Stopped by last year! If you forget a hammer it seems that there's usually a few metal golf clubs left by the path to use.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Appelfeldt

  • 7 Reviews
  • 8 Helpful
July 30, 2014
Rated 5.0

We had a lot of fun with the kids climbing around and ringing the rocks. We only had one hammer but even using other rocks to knock with worked pretty well. It was a good stop on the way and the surroundings when we drove in were very nice.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
mattsons

  • 5 Reviews
  • 5 Helpful
July 19, 2014
Rated 5.0

The whole family loved this odd off-the-path spot! Just don't forget to bring a hammer (we used a tire iron to ring the rocks)...

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
MIke S

  • 1 Review
  • 0 Helpful
July 16, 2023
Rated 5.0

Family loved it

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Reviewed by
quarantagina

  • 6 Reviews
  • 0 Helpful
August 19, 2018
Rated 5.0

The rocks are fun, but there’s also a nice waterfall here as well not too far from the rocks. Spent an hour just around the waterfall- wear hiking or non slip shoes if you’re adventurous but be careful as there aren’t really any guide rails or anything like that. The waterfall should be there if it has rained recently.

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Reviewed by
Sheila Freiling

  • 92 Reviews
  • 11 Helpful
January 17, 2018
Rated 5.0

Wear sturdy shoes and don't forget the hammer. It was fun to climb on the rocks and hear the different sounds when struck. Make sure after ringing the rocks you continue down the trail for some fantastic views of the falls. Lovely park.

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Reviewed by
reneparadis

  • 9 Reviews
  • 2 Helpful
September 02, 2017
Rated 4.0

Bring a hammer. Easy hike.

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Reviewed by
tunafsh

  • 5 Reviews
  • 1 Helpful
January 19, 2016
Rated 5.0

Forgot a hammer, but even using a smaller rock works well! Wasn't too difficult to find the ringing rocks- we found several at varying ringing tones without venturing too far in. Be careful climbing around the rocks (uneven path since you have to maneuver yourself around large rocks), so wear the right shoes!

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Ringing Rocks Park

Ringing Rocks Rd.
Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania
18972 USA
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Hours

Closed Now
  • Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 7:00 pm

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Good for bird watching, hiking, and 2 more activities.

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    Parking
  • Unavailable
    Pets Allowed
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    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
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    Wheelchair Accessible
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    Credit Cards Accepted
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    Outdoor Seating
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Parking, Dining

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