Ridley Creek State Park —
Your Complete Guide
A free 2,606-acre park of woods, meadows and trout water in Delaware County, 16 miles from Center City Philadelphia.
What is Ridley Creek State Park?
Ridley Creek State Park is a free, 2,606-acre Pennsylvania state park of woods and meadows in Delaware County, about 16 miles from Center City Philadelphia. Ridley Creek runs through the middle of it. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, with 13 miles of trails (DCNR's count), a paved multi-use trail for bikes and strollers, trout fishing, 14 picnic areas and the 1915 Hunting Hill Mansion. Leashed dogs are welcome; swimming and alcohol are not allowed.
Three good ways to spend a visit: a woodland hike on the White or Yellow Trail, a family picnic with a playground and an easy ride on the paved trail, or a walk around the mansion's formal gardens. Ridley Creek itself is stocked with trout, and the stretch from Sycamore Mills Dam to the mouth of Dismal Run is reserved for catch-and-release fly fishing.
Two things to plan for. Cell service in the park is unpredictable, so download DCNR's park map before you go. And in deer season, about 1,200 acres are open to archery hunting; in 2026 the whole park closes on December 3 and December 10 for controlled hunts.
Ridley Creek State Park at a Glance
Things to Do at Ridley Creek
Pick a trail, a picnic area or the mansion gardens. Everything here is free to use.
Paved Multi-Use Trail
A paved loop along Sycamore Mills Road and Ridley Creek for bikes, strollers, runners and wheelchairs.
Bike & Walk →
Hunting Hill Mansion
The 1915 manor and park office, its formal gardens, the rare Franklin tree and weddings for up to 150 guests.
Mansion & Gardens →
Picnic Areas
14 picnic areas with grills and restrooms. Playgrounds and pavilions at Areas 3, 8, 11 and 17.
Pavilions →
Fishing
A stocked trout creek with a catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only stretch and an ADA fishing platform.
Trout Water →
Dogs
Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails and in picnic areas. Pavilion 11B is pet friendly.
Leash Rules →Trails at Ridley Creek
DCNR's hiking page lists 13 miles of trails, from woodland loops to a paved multi-use trail and a bridle trail.
A woodland loop that can be used to link to other trails.
From Picnic Area 16 or the park office; crosses many other trails.
The paved multi-use trail beside the creek, woods and fields.
From near Picnic Area 9, with a small loop near Picnic Area 14.
How to Get to Ridley Creek State Park
Parking is at the picnic areas and the mansion lot.
Main Entrance
Sandy Flash Drive South at Gradyville Road. GPS 39.95065, -75.45175. Directions and lots.
Park Office
1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, PA 19063, in Hunting Hill Mansion. Phone 610-892-3900.
Closure Days
Closed December 3 and 10, 2026 for controlled deer hunts. Hunting season.
History and Neighbors
Inside the park are the 18th-century mill village of Sycamore Mills and the Colonial Pennsylvania Farmstead, a working farm with costumed interpreters on weekends from April to November. Tyler Arboretum, a separate nonprofit garden with its own admission, shares most of the park's southern boundary. Read the park's history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ridley Creek State Park free?
Yes. Pennsylvania state parks charge no entrance or day-use fees. You pay only for optional reservations such as picnic pavilions.
What are the hours at Ridley Creek State Park?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year; day-use areas close at dusk. In 2026 the park closes on December 3 and December 10 for controlled deer hunts.
Are dogs allowed at Ridley Creek?
Yes. Dogs must be on a leash (or caged or crated) and physically controlled at all times. They are not allowed inside buildings.
Can you swim at Ridley Creek?
No. Pennsylvania state park rules prohibit swimming outside designated swimming areas, and DCNR lists none at Ridley Creek.
Can you camp at Ridley Creek State Park?
Only organized groups, in a 120-person group tenting area from April to October. There is no public campground.
What is the address of Ridley Creek State Park?
The park office is at 1023 Sycamore Mills Road, Media, PA 19063. The main entrance is on Sandy Flash Drive South at Gradyville Road (GPS 39.95065, -75.45175).
How big is Ridley Creek State Park?
More than 2,606 acres of Delaware County woodlands and meadows, according to Pennsylvania DCNR.