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Ridley Creek State Park
Categories: Active Life Hiking Active Life Parks Hiking, Parks [Edit]
351 Gradyville RdNewtown Square, PA 19073
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
20 reviews for Ridley Creek State Park
20 reviews in English
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Review from rebecca s.
Philadelphia, PA
8/22/2011
Someone recently called me a hippie for planting a tree on Arbor Day last year. Well hey, I'm ok with the coined term because I'm kind of on board with some of the teachings of Buddha and the writings of Thoreau. I also love trees, I love fresh air, I love bodies of water, horses, hiking, picnics, and I love when they're all at your fingertips...for free.
I have spent many a Sunday morning training for the breast cancer 3-day walk here thanks to the lovely training leaders of the Philadelphia suburbs. Without them, I would never have known that this was here just a little over 15 miles from the city. With hiking trails, a horse farm, close to 20 picnic pavilions, a fish filled river, and a perfect 5 mile loop that offers a scenic tour of just a small fraction of the park, there really is something for everyone. I love that there is very little traffic on these pathways with the exception of the once-in-awhile park ranger making their rounds; it makes for a much safer environment than the river drives in the city and a much happier place to be as the other park goers tend to be friendly folk that don't get all up in arms over their lack of space on the trails.
If you are in the city and have access to a car, make it a point to get here before the cold weather rolls in. If you're out in the suburbs and haven't been here yet, you don't know what you're missing right in your own backyard.Listed in: Parks and Recreation
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Review from John S.
Philadelphia, PA
5/22/2011
Topping a building was a bird of some size. I know not what kind; it is not given to city folk to know the names of birds. I regarded the creature. It stared back dumbly. In taking the measure of each other we accomplished nothing and learned even less. A finer example of a profitless enounter between two sentient beings cannot be imagined.
Other structures hunker by the paved path's sides. Linger before them and bore yourself with some vague and pedestrian reflections on the theme of Time's blind ravages. One spent house features a "funeral door" which, as a nearby plaque explains, is wider than others to allow a coffin to pass. In weather foul and fair I'd have forced my family to make practice runs while I barked suggestions and improving insults at them from my prone position in the casket, pausing now and again to ensure they looked properly destroyed with grief.
The looping main trail offers few challenges. Seasoned hikers will want to up the difficulty by placing a few heavy rocks in their backpacks and some smaller, sharper stones in their boots.
Continue on and you're back to The Beginning, a place bound to give rise to shallow musings about the futility of trying to escape yourself by hiking.
Ridley Creek: A good a place as any to walk in a circle. -
Review from Reem C.
7/15/2011
This park is one of the gems of Delaware County. On a nice sunny day, it is very scenic and offers runners, bikers, and walkers alike the chance to enjoy outdoors. I like the fact that the pathway is paved, as I have been to many parks in the Greater Philadelphia/Delaware area that don't have enough paved roads.
The maps that are located throughout the park need to be redone, as it can be hard to determine where you are and where you wish to go. -
Review from Colleen B.
Orlando, FL
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Gorgeous!!
Other than non-existent Parking and some unclear marked paths, this park is so pretty.
The huge trails, tons of greenery and lovely water, you seriously take in all of nature on this 4 mile walk. I had my puppy with me and she sure had an amazing time.
I really wish they had better parking though, it was very frustrating and not safe walking the pup from my parking spot to the entrance of the park, people FLY around the corners. -
Review from Sarah K.
5/16/2011
Had a first birthday party here this weekend- but only by the grace of God.
We tried to call/reserve online three months back for BBs 1st party. They told us they didn't recommend reserving it. Although confused, we agreed- why would they lie to us, after all?
Boy, did we get lucky.
We wanted to be at pavilion site 11 but that jawn was taken over by the Taylor family party- scads of peeps- fortunately Hunter's 4th bday at site #17 was just wrapping up. They reserved the place all day but were leaving at 2pm when we wanted to start setting up.
There are three or four sites that have playground stuffs for kids as well as indoor plumbing for each site. So that ruled for both our 92 year old granny and the 4 toddlers we had on hand.
If we try again, I'll probably try and call 4-5 months in advance to reserve. -
Review from Tom S.
4/25/2011 15 photos
I've been a nearly lifelong utilizer of Rte. 3 between 476 and West Chester, never taking the time to explore Ridley Creek State Park. That changed recently for me, and what a great decision on my part. I've managed to discover one of the best nature areas in the region.
I've visited a couple of times now, spending extended periods of time walking along the long, multi-use paved trail and even more time darting along the twelve miles of unpaved trails through the woods. The pavement is great for bicycles, people-watching and folks who need an easier walk, while the trails are extensive enough to provide that much-needed furlough from humanity that I so craved.
To find your way around, park near the mansion and grap a map from the bulletin board in the parking lot. Or just start walking, like I prefer to do, and you'll find your way back sooner or later... but not before a winding journey through the woods. I will be back many more times to continue my exploration.Listed in: The Great Outdoors
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Review from Adam L.
3/13/2011
The top of the pops in terms of parks in the Greater Philadelphia Area.
Though it is a bit of a hike from Metro Philly, the 40 minute drive is well worth every bit of the fight down 95, up the Blue Route, and around a few winding country roads. Once you see the "Ridley Creek State Park" sign, you have made it. The dramatic entrance is unlike any other spot around here- driving in, it is as if you have been whisked away to rural Virginia, with the tall trees, vast wilderness and thick vegetation.
The park itself is spread across hundreds of acres. There are literally dozens of picnic spots, each with its own grill and picnic table. Most spots have a play area for kids too. Then there are the awesome trails. Some are challenging, some are paved. Some also run along the scenic, tranquil Ridley Creek itself.
And that's not all. The Mansion at Ridley Creek is a true hidden gem. I GOT MARRIED THERE!!! I cannot recommend just walking around outside- checking out the wonderful wilderness. The mansion itself is beautiful outside and in.
Just go- enjoy yourself.Listed in: Let's Get Married
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Review from Dave H.
6/2/2010 4 photos
I had no idea this park existed until I was directed here. It's pretty easy to get to, and there's ample parking.
The grounds are peaceful, and there's a horse farm practically connected to it. There's plenty of paved trails for bicyclists and walkers, and the grass is cut low enough in many places if you decide to go "off-road". Hungry? Bring a picnic lunch and take advantage of one of the many tables here and there.
Those planning fancy events (banquets, weddings) should call to see if the mansion there - and gardens! - would be a fit. -
Review from Christina L.
Arnold, MO
5/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Visiting my husband's family and it was not hard to find a place to run! Absolutely gorgeous park they have in Ridley Creek! It rained all week but I must say the peacefulness of this park made everything okay! I had not a worry running through this wonderful 5mi or so loop! I only wish we had a place this wonderful to run at home! If I lived near my in-laws, I would take advantage of this place regularly! So many different areas that are each unique! Nice hills for a challenge and the wildlife and history are a huge bonus! Facilities with toilets and at least one water fountain that I remember, maybe two...very perfect for any length run! I brought my own water bottle and had I gone longer, could have used the water supply for a refill! I will visit again and I hope to run in Ridley Creek State park again!
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Review from Jeff H.
Philadelphia, PA
6/22/2008
Ridley Creek State Park is a great relatively small park in Newtown Square but if you're not sure where that is the park is convenient to Media and surrounding suburbs. There's a lot to do here and if you live nearby it's worth getting to know.
RCSP is the home of the colonial plantation, a historical recreation of a late 18th century farm that's open from April to November. I haven't been to it in awhile but my parents used to take me there when I was a youngin' and I remember it fondly. Take your kids!
There's also a stable operating out of the park that does some sort of riding now and then but you can go appreciate the ranch anytime, there are a few friendly cats that make their home there.
There's a historic early 20th century mansion built by a family of probably ridiculously rich people that houses the park office but the grounds are beautiful and there are fountains and gardens to wander around in. Frequently the site of weddings or at least wedding photography.
What I most often go for is the paved multi-use trail, a five mile loop that runs along and near the Ridley Creek including "Cardiac Hill", about a 3/4 mile stretch of the trail that goes uphill at a pretty steep angle. The whole trail at a fair pace takes about an hour to an hour and a half to walk and the scenery is beautiful. -
Review from Marcie L.
Media, PA
10/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I make sure to go to this park at least once a week when the weather permits. It is one of the largest parks in PA, 2606 acres and only 16 miles from Philly. With so many different areas to walk, bike, hike, fish, gaze, and wonder you can literally spend the whole day here. It's the place where I saw a huge Blue Heron for the first time in my life, and it's one of the reasons this Philly girl is okay living in the burbs.
Listed in: Best weekend getaways in the…
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Review from Dustin R.
LAFAYETTE HL, PA
8/7/2011
Great spot for hiking and trail running. Took my 4 year old for a long hike this morning and we had a blast. My only suggestion would be to avoid yellow trail. It's no very well carved out and has several stretches of tall grass likely infested with ticks. We hopped off onto the white trail the first opportunity we had and it was far better (same for blue).
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Review from Jim h.
Folsom, PA
8/2/2008
I came across this while looking at other reviews and had to share. Its really a great place to go. I mentioned in an earlier state park review that they all have their plusses and Ridley creeks is hiking and biking. They have great trails throughout and there are ample places to picnic and use the facilities. that said , ill get into my story, which says nothing about the place but speaks volumes about me.
Im frugal. There , I said it. Why pay money when you can try and get it for free. My daughters 7th Birthday was imminent and after looking into all of the typical birthday venues and seeing that they would all cost over $100, I was desparate for an alternative. My wife and I took the kids to Ridley Creek to use the playground and marveled at the big pavillion.
"We could have the party here , " I mused, " I could grill hotdogs and we could play some outdoor games and there is the playground"
Wy wife agreed so i looked into renting the pavillion. It wasnt too bad, this was a few years ago and i forget the exact cost but i believe it was under $50. That, however, was not good enough for me. i reasoned that her birthday is at the end of October and everytime weve been there, the pavillion has been unused.Plus there are 2 pavillions and what are the odds theyll both be used? Why rent it out? Lets just go! Plans were made, invitations were sent out, the day came.
we went about an hour early to prepare and as we turned the corner to the pavillions, i saw something that made my stomach fall to the floor. There was some kind of function going on here! Remember the odds of both pavillions being used? Apparently it was 100%. We were devastated, my daughter thought it was all for her, poor girl, she didnt know how cheap her parents were yet. We parked and surveyed the situation. Their function seemed to have been going on a long time. All our guests were arriving soon and it was too late to change the location. I had to swallow my pride and find someone in charge. I asked to use 2 benches and one of the grills. Luckily they were nice and really understanding and they actually gave us half of one of the pavillions. So it all ended up working out but ONLY because of the generosity of my fellow man.
The horror of rounding the corner and seeing the place packed has been unmatched. we learned a valuable lesson that day...my daughter never had another party again.Listed in: The Mean Streets of Delco, Alternatves to Playing in…
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Review from Angela M.
7/15/2008
Great place for a dry picnic. We had the rehearsal dinner for my best friend's wedding at picnic area 11. The caterers had plenty of room to set up so we could settle into the pavilion and enjoy the fresh air. There were lots of bugs, but the food was really good, so I couldn't blame them. There was a huge grassy field, well kept, perfect for an after dinner game of kickball. We enjoyed several hours of the sunshine, before the rangers came to kick us out at dark. We wouldn't have wanted to stay much longer because the bathrooms were only lit with skylights, and being in the woods, the light faded fast.
Listed in: My Best Friend's Wedding
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Review from Molly G.
Liberty, PA
10/28/2008
AAAAAAHH!!!! Ticks Ticks and more Ticks! I was picking ticks off my dogs for a week! I got lazy with my front line since I never ran into ticks while living in Cali and Northern PA. It looked like an interesting place to do some hiking but not with the dogs. The trail I found was a decent trail but the overwhelming tick population killed the joy. I'd like to check out the plantation sometime when I don't have the pups.
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Review from Aunt B.
Quincy, MA
4/25/2010
miss this place - always clean, always smells good. Be on the lookout for pervs, though. Everyone that is a regular runner, walker, biker, etc. are always courteous and helpful (especially when I get lost). The maintenance of the park is always great.
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Review from Todd K.
Aston, PA
1/24/2010
I love Ridley Creek State Park. I come here every once in a while for a run, and I am always finding a new trail to go on. If you aren't feeling adventurous, the main road loop is a nice 4.3 miles and has inclines and declines in either direction you go. The scenery is great, from tall trees to creeks to corn fields (maybe not corn, but something corn-looking or corny) and with the vast parking areas/numerous picnic areas you can feel like you have the place to yourself. For first-timers I recommend parking at Parking Lot 17. Keep an eye out for race events as RCSP constantly hosts trail races throughout all four seasons. Also, this place is very dog-friendly. We don't have dogs, but I see a lot while I'm here. We have cats but I wouldn't recommend bringing them unless you are real crazy.
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Review from Jing G.
Los Angeles, CA
9/14/2009
Dogs and us love hiking here. Yeah, you'll pick up fleas and ticks, but that's what happens when you're out in the wild. It has a fair share of paved trails biking, and unpaved for other hikers. We haven't been to any of the little exhibit buildings, just for the hiking, but we like it well enough. There are some small, off-the-main-road trails that are fun, too.
Listed in: our dogs probably have a…
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Review from Angela V.
Cherry Hill, NJ
10/2/2010
just went here for a wedding and WOW! the grounds are so dreamy. i could almost see the fairies peaking out from behind the tall luminous trees... food was good not great, but more importantly, atmosphere was amazing.
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Review from Ray R.
Downingtown, PA
5/8/2009
I love going here for hikes and (on the multi-use trail) bike rides. It's a beautiful place and I love walking alongside the creek.
