Wissahickon Gorge , five miles long and conveniently located in north-central Philadelphia, offers more rugged options. The surrounding trails are a mixture of old carriage roads both blazed and unblazed. Except for an occasional jet or helicopter, the roar of traffic is absent and the silence is broken only by birdcalls. Ridley Creek is one of our newer state parks, purchased in the 1960s with Project 70 funds. The park is gently rolling and occupies both banks of Ridley Creek.
Some parts consist of fields reverting to woods, and others are mature timber.
The principal trail is a paved multi-use trail forming an 5 mile loop, which is used by walkers, joggers, and bicyclists. Horses are permitted in the northwest portion of the park. This hike is a circuit on the white trail. Walking shoes are adequate, except at the wettest times of the year. Or you can take PA 3 to either PA 352 or PA 252.