Horses grazing in a fenced pasture with farm buildings beyond in Ridley Creek State Park

Horseback Riding

Ridley Creek State Park has a 4.7-mile Bridle Trail shared by riders and hikers, made of two loops through the northern part of the park. Riders start at Picnic Area 8, where there is a parking lot for horse trailers. A full-service stable, Hidden Valley Farms, operates inside the park and offers boarding, riding lessons and pony rides (610-892-7260). Horses are allowed on the Bridle Trail only, and the trail is free to use.

At a Glance

Riding at a Glance

TrailBridle Trail, 4.7 miles, two loops (DCNR)

TrailheadPicnic Area 8

Trailer parkingAt the trailhead

Stable in the parkHidden Valley Farms

Stable phone610-892-7260

ServicesBoarding, lessons, pony rides

Shared withHikers

The Bridle Trail

DCNR lists the Bridle Trail at 4.7 miles, rated "more difficult," with no blazes. Its two loops run through the northern section of the park. DCNR's hiking page places the start at the horse stables near the center of the park; its riding page sends riders to the trailhead and trailer lot in Picnic Area 8. The printed 2023 park map shows the system as Bridle Trail 1 (2.1 miles), Bridle Trail 2 (2.8 miles) and a 1-mile Horse-Stable Trail.

Trailer Parking

Bring your trailer to Picnic Area 8, which has a dedicated lot at the trailhead. From the main entrance on Sandy Flash Drive South at Gradyville Road, follow South Sandy Flash Drive; Area 8 is on the left (Parking & Directions).

Hidden Valley Farms

Hidden Valley Farms runs the stable inside the park. DCNR lists its services as horse boarding, riding lessons, pony rides and other horse services. Call 610-892-7260 for availability, prices and age limits; they are set by the stable, not by DCNR.

Snowy hillside woods above Ridley Creek lit by low winter sun in Ridley Creek State Park

Sharing the Trail

Hikers use the Bridle Trail too, and DCNR's guide asks everyone to be cautious of other trail users. If you are on foot, step aside and speak to the rider so the horse knows you are there. Dogs must be leashed.

Hunting Season

The bridle loops are in the northern part of the park, and DCNR opens the area north of Gradyville Road to archery deer hunting during deer seasons, outside safety zones. Wear blaze orange in the fall, and note that the whole park closes for the controlled shotgun hunts on two December days (Hunting).

In Winter

DCNR's guide recommends the Bridle Trail for cross-country skiing when there is snow (Winter).

The stone stables office with a wide arched wooden door in Ridley Creek State Park

The Green Farm barn and outbuildings with a fenced paddock in Ridley Creek State Park

FAQ

Horseback Riding FAQ

Can you ride horses at Ridley Creek State Park?

Yes, on the 4.7-mile Bridle Trail. Riders park trailers at the trailhead in Picnic Area 8.

Are there stables at Ridley Creek State Park?

Yes. Hidden Valley Farms operates a full-service stable inside the park offering boarding, lessons and pony rides. Call 610-892-7260.

Can you take a trail ride at Ridley Creek?

DCNR lists lessons and pony rides at Hidden Valley Farms but does not mention guided trail rides. Call the stable at 610-892-7260 to ask.