State Park Near Philadelphia Offers Fishing, Trails
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, you don’t have to travel far beyond the city to find an oasis of tranquility. Ridley Creek State Park,…
When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Philadelphia, you don't have to travel far beyond the city to find an oasis of tranquility. Ridley Creek State Park, a 2,600-acre state park near Philadelphia in Delaware County, offers hiking, biking, and fishing along a trout-stocked creek.
The park lies within the Ridley Creek State Park Historic District. This district preserves an 18th-century Quaker settlement, a functioning farm, and a historic mill complex. Today, you can visit the working farm (admission is $12 for adults and $8 for children) on weekends from April through November.
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Ridley Creek State Park features about 12 miles of trails, including the family-friendly 4.5-mile Yellow Trail, which is suitable for strollers and dogs. The 4.2-mile White Trail Loop offers autumn foliage and bird-watching opportunities.
Fishing is also a major draw. Anglers can find rainbow and brown trout stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. A catch-and-release fly fishing section, available from Sycamore Mills Dam to Dismal Run, requires a valid state fishing license.
Ridley Creek State Park's trails and fishing spots, in addition to public restrooms and picnic areas, are open daily from sunrise to sunset. It's a 40-minute drive from Center City and about 25 minutes from Philadelphia International Airport. Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, America's largest botanical garden, is only half an hour away by car.
