Hiking at Ridley Creek State Park

13 miles of trails

The trails pass through a variety of habitats throughout the central portion of the park.

Ridley Creek State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Blue Trail

3.7 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables

Beginning near Picnic Area 9, this trail offers woodland scenery as it travels through the park and has a small loop near Picnic Area 14.

Bridle Trail

4.7 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: benches

Beginning at the horse stables near the center of the park, the Bridle Trail follows two distinct loops through the northern section of the park.

Fishermans Trail

0.34 mile  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables

Beginning near Picnic Area 4, this trail provides access to great fishing areas.

Mansion Gardens Trail

1.0 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, benches

This paved loop is accessed near the parking lot at the mansion and travels around the historic gardens and mansion area.

Sycamore Mills Road Trail

4.3 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, picnic tables, benches

This paved, multiuse trail travels through the woods, by the agricultural fields, and next to Ridley Creek. It offers great views, easy exercising, and great fishing opportunities.

Orange Trail

2.0 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  Orange blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none

Traveling south from Gradyville Road, this trail is on the east side of Ridley Creek.

White Trail

4.3 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  White blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, picnic tables, benches

This meandering trail loops through the park and can be used to link to other trails.

Yellow Trail

3.7 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, picnic tables, benches

Accessed from Picnic Area 16 or the park office/mansion area, this trail meanders throughout a majority of the park and intersects many other trails.