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Pennsylvania
219

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Southeast Region
Ridley Creek State Park
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Ridley Creek State Park Large boulder © James Weaver
Trail through large boulder
Ridley Creek State Park Various Trails © James Weaver
Trail leading past large rock. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Ridley Creek © James Weaver
Mid August picture of Ridley Creek. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Ridley Creek in Winter 2 © James Weaver
Ridley Creek on first day of Winter 12/22/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Ridley Creek in Winter 1 © James Weaver
Ridley Creek on first day of Winter 12/22/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Fungi 3 © James Weaver
Fungi growing on fallen tree. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Fungi 4 © James Weaver
Close up of mushroom growing. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park Fungi 5 © James Weaver
Close up of mushroom species. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park © Brie Humphreys
Ridley Creek State Park © Kerry Facer
Ridley Creek State Park First snowfall © James Weaver
Ridley Creek after first snowfall 01/22/2012
Ridley Creek State Park Snowfall 2012 © James Weaver
Ridley Creek after first snowfall 01/22/2012
Ridley Creek State Park © Brie Humphreys
Ridley Creek State Park © Brie Humphreys
Ridley Creek State Park Colonial Plantation © Marcia Riegle
View of the garden area at the plantation.
Ridley Creek State Park Ridley Creek © Marcia Riegle
Ridley Creek State Park © Kerry Facer
Ridley Creek State Park Tunnel © Emily Geddes
Ridley Creek State Park Running Along the Trail © Emily Geddes
Ridley Creek State Park Old fence posts © James Weaver
Old SplitRail Fence. 08/19/2011
Ridley Creek State Park © Brie Humphreys
Ridley Creek State Park Creek Reflections © Emily Geddes
Ridley Creek State Park Colonial Plantation © Marcia Riegle
One of the docents at the plantation
Ridley Creek State Park Spinning © Marcia Riegle
Colonial Plantation at Ridley Creek State Park. Spinning yarn demonstration
Ridley Creek State Park Little Hiker, Big Woods © Emily Geddes
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RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK
RIDLEY CREEK STATE PARK
1023 Sycamore Mills Rd.
Media, Pennsylvania   19063

Phone: 610-892-3900
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
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.
History of the Area
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.
Fishing
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 delayed harvest, 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.



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 #7, #8 and #11 have playground equipment. Areas #8, #11 and #17 have picnic pavilions that can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can enjoy a 5-mile paved trail, ideal for families and beginners. Helmets are recommended at all times.

The multi-use path is shared with pedestrians; please exercise caution while cycling to ensure everyone's safety.

Off-road biking isn't permitted due to the potential damage it could cause to natural habitats within this area.

Remember that cyclists must yield right of way when encountering horses on trails as sudden movements may startle them.

Cycling after dark is not allowed in order maintain park security and protect local wildlife from disturbance.

Ensure your bike has proper lighting if you plan on riding close to sunset, visibility can decrease quickly here.

Rental bikes aren't available onsite so remember bring your own or rent one before arriving at the location.

Always adhere strictly to marked paths - straying off designated routes disrupts delicate ecosystems present throughout these grounds.


Nature Programs
The park offers diversity in 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 September to May. 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.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 180 species spotted, including warblers and woodpeckers. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as forests, meadows, wetlands and along the creek itself. The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation provides a unique setting for spotting farm birds like barn swallows or red-tailed hawks. A variety of owls are also seen in wooded areas during night hikes.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 23 Great place to collect your thoughts by jamie~
park review stars; one to five For me, Ridley Creek State Park has always been a place I can go to collect my thoughts. Once I?m in these woods, all of my Life?s worries just go away.
December 7 Great Park by Lisa Robis
park review stars; one to five There is everything possible here in Ridley Creek State Park. There are great walking trails, beautiful homes and land, and lots of nature to look at on your journey.
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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sporting Gentleman The
306 E Baltimore Ave
Media, PA
(610) 565-6140
Slapp's Tire Service
301 Flower St
Chester, PA
(610) 874-7997
American Fishing Wire
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West Chester, PA
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Leonard's Sporting Goods
8508 Lansdowne Ave
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(610) 449-6409
Eyler's Inc Fly & Tackle
895 Penn St
Bryn Mawr, PA
(610) 527-3388
South East Archery & Sports
1852 Delmar Dr
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(610) 583-1614
Xa Fishing Inc
501 Abbott Dr
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Unverified listing
Area Cabins and Lodges
London Bridge Resorts
1150 1st Ave
King of Prussia, PA
(610) 680-3500
Epic Resorts
1150 1st Ave
King of Prussia, PA
(610) 992-0100
Wyndham Valley Forge Suites
888 Chesterbrook Blvd
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(610) 647-6700
Sheraton Great Valley Inn
707 Lancaster Ave
Frazer, PA
(610) 524-5500
Nearby Hotels
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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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