ridley creek state park

There is plenty of parking, picnic tables, and walking trails. Restrooms are available at the park office (and throughout the park--seasonal). Trail #15 is a nice walk if you want to avoid hills.

We have been going to Ridley Creek State Park for many years. Well-maintained park with paved and unpaved walking trails. Ridley Creek itself is quite picturesque. Part of the trails are wheelchair-accessible.

If you are looking for a great place where you can walk, jog, bike, fish, horse-ride or simply take a break in nature this is the place for you. It's great for children and adults of all ages, it's free and it's the place where great memories can be forged. There is so much to do at Ridley. My family has been going there for many years - from the time when the children were young and we walked our dog 'Hanna' to the present, when they are all older but love to go back for long walks, lots of talking and constant appreciation of the beauty, history and nature that characterizes Ridley Creek State Park. One of the greatest appeals of Ridley Creek is the fact that you can go at different times of the year, and the look and feel of the place is quite different. In the summer there are lots of people picknicking, jogging, walking, playing games and generally haveing fun and relaxing. In the coldest of winter, the park is quieter and looks very different, yet is just as wondrous. There are lots of different places within the park that people might go and you can find your own place to make as you favorite. It might be the Colonial Plantation, the formal gardens, the pathways through the forest or alongside the creek, or grassy openings where you can sit and relax or play games. There are lots of historic housing - including occupied and derelict homes, mills and even a mansion. For our family the favorite place is to go for a walk or bike ride starting at the east entrance where Sycamore Mills Road meets Barren Road (there is limited parking at the entrance but additional places to park on nearby roads). Starting at the entrance there is a 5 mile loop that is mostly flat but has some medium gradients that will make the journey healthy and worthwhile. The route takes you past buildings that were part of the 1812 mill complex comprising workers cottages, a weir and some outbuildings used when Bishop's Mills was operational - it closed in 1901.Walk, jog or bike the route for a couple of miles and head towards Route 352. The park exit on this road is across the road from a fantastic Italian bar and restuarant called La Porta. It is a greta half way stopping point - you can have a drink, relax nside or out, and the menu is superb. When you are ready, head back into the park and take the first right fork in the road to return a different route, passing right next to the perimeter of Tyler Arboretum (another great place to visit!). The path takes you down a fairly steep hill back to the entrance. Total journey about 5 miles - not counting any departures from the main road to sit by the creek, relax in some of the resting places etc.It is hard to believe that all of this is just over 15 miles from center city Philadelphia! It is quiet, relaxing, invigorating and healthy. If you have not visited you must go - and keep going. Find you favorite place and start building those memories.

4 mile park loop is a beautiful walk, run, jog, bike ride - whatever you fancy. Wildlife and bird watchers may spot a fox or two or belted kingfishers and hawks. Highly recommend.

Great place to take a walk with friends and pets. Always take the steep hill first and then the 4.7 miles gets easier once you get to the top. Lots of bikers runners and walkers.

If you enjoy hiking, biking, running,history, or simply enjoy nature, this is the place for you. Miles of clearly marked hiking trails, a great 4.3 mile loop for running or biking, several lovely resting/picnic places, and Colonial Plantation present multiple opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. We love this place! It's also a dog-friendly park.

I had hiked here years ago and loved all the MANY trails but this time wentback with my daughter and she took me in another entrance I did not knowabout and saw the absolutely amazing HUGE MANOR HOUSE on theproperty.........who knew?? It was unfortunately Veterans Day andwas closed so will want to go back and get inside........so we hiked newtrails from that side of the park and it was early November and leaves wereeverywhere and SOME of the trees simply GOLDEN and LOVELY...I shall return to this wonderful part of God's creation.....some really reallyOLD Sycamores........amazing!

Ridley Creek State Park was once home to the famous horse who was Man o War when the parklands were the estate of Sam Riddle a local textile magnate who bred thoroughbred horses for his hobby. The park is still home to Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation a living history site dedicated to preserving an 18th century farm and the farming practices of that era. Riddle's mansion - his renovation of a Pennsylvania farmhouse into a Norman manor house complete either ballroom - is preserved as well as some of his gardens and is a popular wedding venue. Also within the park are other farmhouses and cottages remaining from the properties purchased by Riddle as he enlarged his estate. Most notable are the remains of an 18th mill village on the park's south end. The mill's dam still stands as does the miller's home with traces of the mill race are still visible. The park is as rich with well maintained hiking trails as it is with history. There's a paved 4-5 mile loop frequented by walkers and bike riders both as well as trails. On several trails history and hiking meet as you walk by abandoned farmhouses and rusting farm tools. Ridley Creek itself wends through the park on its way to the Delaware River. The creek is stocked every spring and popular with serious fly fishermen as well as with families toting fishing rods. This park is popular with many - joggers, walkers, hikers, fishermen and families alike. There is something for everybody here - pavilions and places to grill, a place to get married, a standing mansion house and stately boarding stable, tidy well- kept cottages next to crumbling ruins and even a hidden hilltop cemetery.

Gorgeous land, interesting exhibits in the building. But just too overrun. OK for people-watching, but for nature observation, not so much.

This is a great family park. We enjoyed the fall air, watching folks fly fish, and the blacktop path makes for easy walking.

I routinely hike the trails for fun & exercise; every season has it's beauty. The trails are fairly well maintained & are very well marked.

This was my first time at Ridley Creek State Park and certainly won't be the last. This is a peaceful park that feels like its far away . Everything from the trails to the creeks and animals would make a trip here worthwhile.

We love this place. Great trails, great scenery and lot's of nice people. It's well maintained and a total oasis.

I have been going to Ridley Creek since I was really small. The trails are always kept clean, and you're bound to run into some neighbors somewhere within the park. It is large and if you are interested on getting on one of the horse trails at least know the map well enough so you don't get lost. It is also great because it is so close to Philadelphia.

Nice place with clean restrooms and a lot of green. Activities available are picnic, hiking and horse riding. A lot of wildlife around and the majestic Hunting Hill Mansion are really nice.We spend a lot of weekend BBQs there enjoying the quiet environment.Pavilions are available but you need reservation and there are a lot of picnic tables. Some areas have playgrounds as well.