Ridley Creek State Park Trail Hike (9/13/2024)

Friday, September 13, 2024

Today's hike in Ridley Creek State Park was for 5 miles and 50 flights of stairs.

A gap in the bushes led us to the Blue & White Trail
from the farthest south parking lot at Picnic Area 9

It was downhill until we reached Ridley Creek

Ridley Creek

A fallen beech tree with carved initials

Kent on the high-step bridge to cross a tributary to Ridley Creek

The "rapids" of Ridley Creek

We continued following the White Trail
past large boulders (KSS)

From the White Trail, we turned left
on the Yellow Trail

Beyond the crossing with the multi-purpose
trail, the path appeared not to be used as much

Trametes elegans/White Maze Polypore, a bracket mushroom

Branches arch over the Yellow Trail at the multi-purpose trail

We made a wrong turn and ended up at Area 17!

Crossed a couple dry streambeds

Grylloprociphilus imbricator/Beech Blight Aphids, aka
Boogie Woogie Aphids because they appear
to be in constant motion (KSS)

The aphids produce a honeydew, which is then covered
in black by the Scorias spongiosa/Sooty Mold Fungus,
produces a spongy, golden-yellow heap that may rise
1-2" or more above the leaf or twig surface (KSS)

Back on the Blue Trail where this fallen tree
had two large branches to cut through steps

Boardwalks and bridge

Plenty of roots on which to trip

Back along Ridley Creek, a nice long bench

Once again over the high-step bridge