Ridley Creek State Park Walking Trail

Ridley Creek State Park is a Pennsylvania state park located in Delaware County. The park is over 2,500 acres in size, comprised of fields, woods, playgrounds, picnic areas, a commercial horse-stable and of course, Ridley Creek. Some of the trails are narrow dirt paths through fields and woodlands, perfect for those intrepid explorers and orienteering events. But one particular trail is geared for those desiring a paved surface within a naturalistic setting - the five-mile multi-purpose loop.

The multi-purpose trail has two entry points with nearby parking areas. From each parking area, there is a short trail, about one-quarter of a mile in length, that connects to the actual loop. The paved loop is generally about 12 feet wide, allowing for plenty of room for two-way foot traffic. While there are some sections of the trail that are fairly level, some sections do have an incline that can be challenging for less-active users.

The trail lends itself well to use by bicyclists, joggers and walkers. In good weather, it is not unusual to see parents with children in strollers or on bicycles with with training wheels. Die-hard exercisers use the trail even in less-than-perfect weather.

The trail offers varied views, so that users are hard-pressed to be bored. At times, the trail borders Ridley Creek. It is not unusual to see dog owners giving dogs a chance to cool off in hot weather with a quick dip into the edge of the creek. In my experience, most dog owners are good at keeping their dogs on a leash on the trail. The trail loops through shady woodland areas, giving walkers a respite from the hot sun as well as from brief rainshowers. Another section offers views of meadows on one side while keeping trees on the other side of the trail. It is not unusual to see deer and other animals on quiet days.

Scattered along the length of the trail are several benches for seeking a place to relax as well as one water fountain. Chained to the fountain is a water bowl for dogs, so on particularly hot days, walkers can refill both their own water bottles as well as their dog's water bottle. The trail is generally well-maintained and attracts many regular users. Users are cautioned to check for the usual hitchhiking critters (such as ticks).