Ridley Creek State Park
A few weeks ago, I visited Ridley Creek State Park. Ridley Creek State Park is located in Delaware County only 16 miles from center city Philadelphia, and would provide a nice respite for people looking to get away from the city.
It was a beautiful fall day, and there were several people at the park, especially in the gardens around mansion area. The Hunting Hill Mansion is a historic building, originally a farmhouse built in 1789 with additional rooms being built in 1914. The mansion and surrounding grounds can be used for events. In fact, I saw remnants from a wedding - a path of flower petals. There were several people having portraits taken in the gardens around the mansion – I saw engagement photos, family photos, and more being taken. There is a paved trail around this area, with benches along the way. This made for an easy, relaxing walk.
I always love to see people using the state parks, but I also enjoy going off the beaten path and exploring the surrounding woods (this being Pennsylvania, there’s always surrounding woods!). Driving to another parking lot, I ended up near the Colonial Plantation, a working farm that gives visitors a chance to see what life was like in the 18th century.
I took a trail that led along the creek. It was a bit overgrown, but very beautiful. There is also a trail on the other side of the creek, where I saw a few hikers and even some horseback riders.
This park has it all – a place for events, a nice, paved walking path, and opportunities to be more secluded for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Some helpful links:
Ridley Creek State Park: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ridleycreek/index.htm
Hunting Hill Mansion: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/ridleycreek/ridleycreek-weddings/index.htm
Colonial Plantation: www.colonialplantation.org
Published: 12/06/2012
