Ridley Creek State Park
Ridley Creek State Park encompasses over 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows. The gently rolling terrain of the park, bisected by Ridley Creek, is only 16 miles from center city Philadelphia. |
Explore
Directions - Weather - Recreation - Winter Report - Environmental Education - Calendar of Events - Colonial Plantation - Resources Council - Accessibility - History - Nearby Attractions - Volunteers - Rules and Regs - In an Emergency - Contact Us - Downloadables and Maps
Park Advisories
| 8/5/2008 9:16:00 AM | Firewood Advisory: Invasive Beetles found in Firewood Threaten Forests! Before bringing firewood to a Pennsylvania State Park, please read the information in the linked page about a very real threat to forests in Pennsylvania and all of North America. Firewood Advisory |
Directions
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The main entrance to Ridley Creek State Park is Sandy Flash Drive South at Gradyville Road. If you are using GPS, use the following address: 351 Gradyville Road, Newtown Square, PA 19073. |
Recreational Opportunities
Hiking - Biking - Horseback Riding - Picnicking - Fishing - Formal Gardens - Cross-country Skiing - Sledding - Organized Group Tenting
Park visitors enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities throughout the year. Public use areas are open daily from sunrise to sunset. The restrooms in picnic areas #7 and #17 are open year-round.
Picnicking: There are hundreds of picnic tables in 14 picnic areas. Each area is equipped with restrooms and charcoal grills. Several of the areas have large fields suited to sports activities. Areas #3, #8, #11 and #17 have playground equipment and picnic pavilions. The pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Make a reservation
 Fishing: Ridley Creek is stocked with trout and provides excellent angling. The portion of the creek from Sycamore Mills Dam to the mouth of Dismal Run is a catch and release, fly fishing only area. A wheelchair accessible fishing platform is on the paved, Multi-use Trail along Sycamore Mills Road. Vehicle permits must be acquired at the park office. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site. |
Hiking: 12 miles of trails
The trails pass through a variety of habitats throughout the central portion of the park.
Biking/Jogging: The five-mile, paved Multi-use Trail along Sycamore Mills and Forge roads is designated for bicycles, joggers, walkers and cross-country skiers. Park in lots #7, #11, #15 and # 17.
Bikes are not permitted on unpaved hiking trails.
Horseback Riding: A 4.7-mile trail begins in Picnic Area #8. A parking lot for trailers is at the trailhead.
Hidden Valley Farms operates a stable within the park that provides trail rides, horse boarding, riding lessons, pony rides, and an assortment of horse related services. 610-892-7260, www.hiddenvalleyhorsefarm.com
Organized Group Tent Camping: This rustic area is open from April to October and can accommodate up to 120 individuals.
Explore organized group tenting for more information.
Formal Gardens and Landscaping: The gardens by the park office are a popular attraction and wedding site. The mansion ballroom is available for weddings and events. Call the park office for information. |
Cross-country Skiing: Cross-country skiers may use the hiking and multi-use trails when snow cover permits.
Sledding and Tobogganing: A large grassy slope by the park office is popular for sledding.
Environmental Education and Interpretation
The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programming. Hands-on learning experiences provide participants with the opportunity to gain awareness, appreciation and knowledge of our natural and cultural resources. Programming is available from March to October.
The environmental education specialist provides environmental education and interpretive services to private and public schools, home schooling associations, community organizations, scouting groups and park visitors. For information or to schedule a group program, call 610-892-3908.
Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.
Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.
Access for People with Disabilities
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.
History
Within the park boundaries was a small 18th century village, which grew up around the site of a mill. Now known as Sycamore Mills, the area had been previously named Bishop’s Mill and Providence Mill. The miller’s house, the office and library, and several small mill workers’ dwellings are currently used as private residences. The park area has been designated as the “Ridley Creek State Park Historic District” on the National Register of Historic Places.
Park property was purchased in the 1960s with Project 70 funds, and developed with Land and Water Conservation Fund moneys. Park facilities were dedicated to public use in August of 1972.
The park office is in the “Hunting Hill” mansion, built by the Jeffords family in 1914. The mansion was built around a 1789 Pennsylvania stone farmhouse that forms the core of the building and serves as the reception center.
Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation
The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation provides visitors with an accurate picture of life on a Delaware County farm prior to the American Revolution.
The Plantation has been a working farm for over 300 years. It is restored to a late 18th century appearance complete with animals typical of the period and authentically clothed historical interpreters. On weekends from April to November, visitors can observe the farm family cooking over the open hearth, preserving foods, processing textiles, tending field crops and performing other chores necessary to survival in the 18th century world.
A fee is charged and group tours are available by reservation. The plantation is closed to public visitation during the winter months. 610-566-1725 www.colonialplantation.org
Pennsylvania Resources Council
This nonprofit organization provides information and educational programs on a wide variety of environmental issues. The PRC’s Environmental Living Center is in the park. For more information, call 610-353-1555. www.prc.org.
Weddings at Ridley Creek
Weddings are popular. Visit the Web site for more information: www.mansionatridleycreek.com.
Friends of Ridley Creek State Park
The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and enhancing Ridley Creek State Park. It as an affiliate chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forestry Foundation, and is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization, which means that your contribution is tax deductible. Any money that you donate to the Friends will benefit Ridley Creek State Park directly. The Friends coordinate a wide variety of volunteer activities that benefit the park. www.friendsofrcsp.org/
Nearby Attractions
For information on other local attractions and accommodations please contact the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau, 800-343-3983, www.brandywinecvb.org.In an Emergency
Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.
Nearest Hospital:
Riddle Memorial Hospital
1068 West Baltimore Pike
Media PA 19063
610-566-9400
For More Information Contact
Ridley Creek State Park
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd.
Media, PA 19063-4398
610-892-3900
Manager: Roger McChesney
E-mail: ridleycreeksp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer
Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.
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