Aquetong Spring Park

Located along Route 202 and Lower Mountain Road in Solebury township, just outside of downtown New Hope is this 48 acre park, with rough and paved trails. The park was acquired by Solebury Township in 2009 and is named after the former Aquetong Lake. Aquetong is also the name of a scenic road running from Mechanicsville to the Delaware River, crossing Route 202, near the park.

Like many historical sites, Aquetong Creek was once a natural source of energy for colonial industries along the Aquetong Creek, with the first grist mill having been built downstream in 1707, according to the information board in the park. This has only been a public park since 2021.

This particular morning I started my walk from the parking area towards the creek. Nothing out of the ordinary. When I arrived at the creek, everything had been coated in frost, like a scene from Dr. Zhivago. It was breathtaking.

In spite of the fact that Route 202 supports 17,000-105,000 vehicles daily, I saw only two other people at the park on a Tuesday morning before 10am, and although I could hear the din of traffic (especially trucks), by the time I reached the stream it was amazingly serene. This area serves commuters to Philly, Princeton and New York, with weekends being filled with tourists and this is a welcome piece of protected space in an otherwise busy area. What a benefit to nearby residents.

The Aquetong Watershed Association is a voice for the Aquetong Creek, devoted to preserving, conserving and protecting the areas along the watershed. You can read more about the association on one of the placards withing the park, and you can make a difference in protecting the watershed by eliminating or reducing chemicals on your lawn, picking up litter (especially dog waste), as well as planting native trees and plants. More here: https://www.aquetongwatershed.org/environmental-living

The limestone spring is an incredible site, with its lime green algae and clear water. Even in the middle of winter it appears to be alive. According to Solebury township’s website, it is known to be the largest of its kind in the 5-county Philadelphia region, and one of the largest in the state of Pennsylvania.

Continued planning will ensure that this natural wonder is protected and that generations can enjoy educational and recreational opportunities. It’s a wonderful local treasure.