Ridley Creek State Park

Ridley Creek State Park is a protected woodland and meadow landscape in Delaware County featuring a creek that flows through the terrain. The grounds encompass numerous trails, open spaces, and buildings dating from different centuries.

The property began as the Jeffords family estate with Hunting Hill Mansion erected in 1789, then transitioned to state park status in 1972. This shift transformed private land into public grounds while protecting its historic structures.

The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation brings farm life into view with people demonstrating historical tasks like bread baking and wool carding throughout the year. Watching these daily activities unfold helps visitors grasp how families once worked on the land.

The grounds offer hiking trails, fishing areas, horseback riding paths, and picnic spots distributed throughout the property. Visitors should wear comfortable footwear and plan time to explore the various outdoor activities available.

Within the park stands Sycamore Mills, a preserved 18th-century mill village listed as a National Historic Landmark. This rare example of a mill town shows how water-powered industry once shaped settlement patterns in the region.

Location: Delaware County

Inception: 1972

Operator: Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks

Website: https://dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/RidleyCreekStatePark

GPS coordinates: 39.95580,-75.44970

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:44