Connect Edgmont History Walk: Ridley Creek State Park

A history walk with Jack Miller, President of The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park

Sunday, October 15th at 9 AM

The Walk

All are welcome to join Connect Edgmont on October 15th for a guided history walk in the southwestern section of Ridley Creek State Park. We’ll leave from the parking lot at Picnic Area 11 at 9 AM and learn about the area’s history from special guest Jack Miller, President of The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park.

From Picnic Area 11, we’ll cut across a grassy field, then access the paved multi-use trail from a service road. With the exception of the grassy field and a few short detours on old gravel roads, this walk will take place entirely on the paved multi-use trail. Strollers and leashed dogs are welcome.

The round-trip walk is approximately 3.5 miles. IF YOU PREFER A SHORTER WALK, you can choose to end at the mansion parking lot (halfway point) and someone can drive you back to your car at Picnic Area 11. If you are interested in getting a ride back to the starting point, please email connect.edgmont@gmail.com in advance so we can ensure we have enough cars at the mansion lot to accommodate everyone.

Please note: all participants must sign an Activity Waiver. Printed copies will be available at the start of the hike. Thank you!

Time and Place:

Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 9 AM
Ridley Creek State Park Picnic Area #11
Follow signs after the mansion on Sandy Flash Drive South (Google Map Link)

The History

On this walk, we’ll be joined by special guest Jack Miller, President of The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park. We’ll learn about the history of several homes in the park, including the John Worrall house (c.1683, 1703), Isaac Worrall house (pictured above), Yellow House ruins, and the Morningside house.

These historic homesteads became part of the Jeffords estate in the early 20th century. In 1966-67, the state purchased the homes and land we now know as Ridley Creek State Park. When the park opened to the public in 1972, nearly 30 of the historic buildings were occupied by tenants. Today, several of the structures, including the Isaac Worrall house, are unoccupied and deteriorating.

A detailed survey of the park structures was conducted by the Bishop’s Mills Historic Institute in the early 1970s and the entirety of Ridley Creek State Park was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in October 1976.