April 19 - History Hike on MUT

Did you ever wonder about the houses and building ruins on or just off the multi-use trail (MUT)? Who lives or lived in them? What is the history of these dwellings and how old are they? Here’s an event that will give you some answers to these questions.

The Friends of Ridley Creek State Park is offering a “history hike” on Saturday April 19 starting at 10 am from Area 15, which is a picnic site toward the end of Sandy Flash Drive, past the turnoff for Areas 16 and 17 – follow signs. We will begin the MUT from that point and traverse the entire loop, stopping along the way to explore the buildings and fields we encounter.

Tim Higgins, Treasurer and long-time Board member of the Friends, will be our guide. Learn the legend of the cow bridge, imagine the Jeffords’ prize horses drinking from a horse trough that’s still on the trail, hear about the grist mill from the 18th and 19th centuries, see the oldone-room schoolhouse, now a private residence, and other sights. Some of the buildings date back to the 1700s!

The full MUT walk, a paved trail, is about 4.5 miles and should take 2-2.5 hours, so dressappropriately and bring water and snacks. Please arrive on time so we can start promptly!

For those not able to do the entire walk, there will be a “drop off” point where you can turn around and make your way back to your vehicle.

If you have questions or want more information, call Tim at 610-608-4388. The guided walk is free and no reservations are required. However, calling Tim or emailing him at timhiggins2@msn.com saying you are planning to come would be helpful and appreciated.