Ridley Creek State Park

Open daily until dusk. Volunteer monthly on the first Saturdays of the month, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., with Friends of Ridley Creek State Park.

I didn’t think that taking a hike was all too interesting. Not until I met Gary Stolz, DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) education guide, parting through trails and identifying bird calls by ear.

A friendly sign is posted near all main locations of this 2,606-acre park, listing free upcoming nature hikes and educational programs. You might’ve been here before, but the park reveals itself in a new light when you’re in a program led by Gary Stolz. The naturalist-led bird walks, wild plant identification programs, (and more!) are also all listed on the park website. Each program starts with the obligatory mention of the amazingly vocal birds in the Hunting Hill mansion parking lot and a description of which migratory birds you’ll most likely see in the current season. If you’re part of a walk or hike program, you’ll be taken through a trail, and the most common invasive plants will be identified to you, with a brief history of the downfalls in park ranger programs in the 1960s that encouraged said invasive plants in public parks.

I cannot recommend spending your time in this park enough. There is so much to see in this enormous park, (almost) too many birds, and historical landmarks scattered throughout. Trails are open from dawn till dusk.

Upcoming events include but are not limited to: 

• Saturday, June 3 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) Guided Nature Hike with DCNR Naturalist
• Sunday, June 18 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) National Pollinators Week Exhibit
• Tuesday, July 4 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Pennsylvania Fish for Free Day with Local Fishing Experts