The park's gently rolling terrain, bisected by Ridley Creek, is only 16 miles from center city Philadelphia. One park entrance is located on PA Route 3, 2.5 miles west of Newtown Square. The park may also be entered from Gradyville Road - east from PA Route 352 or west from PA Route 252. Each area is equipped with a comfort station and charcoal grills. Several of the areas have large fields suited to sports activities.
Ridley Creek is stocked with trout and provides excellent angling.
The portion of the creek from Sycamore Mills Dam to the mouth of Dismal Run is a delayed harvest, fly fishing only area. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Several hiking trails totaling 12 miles in length are available throughout the park. Trails pass through a variety of habitats, and those in the southern end of the park connect with trails on the Tyler Arboretum property. Bikes are not permitted on unpaved hiking trails.