This requirement does not apply to inflatable canoes and inflatable kayaks. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running. gps_fixed. The Pittsburgh area has lots of parks and lakes that provide lots of opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. PlugShare User. McConnells Mill State Park. While working out in this area I visited here after a local farmer told me about it. Below I am describing city, county and state parks in the general Pittsburgh area that we love mostly for hiking and kayaking. McConnells Mill has many features to explore. Geology Trail Hike - 1 to 3 p.m., Oct. 14, Kildoo picnic area at McConnells Mill State Park. So picturesque and has a ton of hiking trails, GREAT trout fishing right below the red covered bridge, and love the old grist mill with all the displays and history inside! Class I: Easy -- Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Wonderful climbing, need your own gear! Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Boaters must stay at least 50 feet downstream of the boil at the base of the dam. What a beautiful place! They must learn to recognize natural dangers and understand that injury and death are a possibility when boating. Our family had a wonderful day picnicking and exploring the mill and surrounding area. If you are from or are visiting the Pittsburgh area you’ll likely come across information on the McConnells Mill State Park in random travel literature (usually under “things to do”). McConnells Mill State Park, 2154 McConnell's Mill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, United States. The mill dates from the 1800s and there is also a covered bridge here of the same vintage. For an epic ride, put your kayak in Slippery Rock Creek at the Rose Point Bridge (right off US - 422). Inflatable watercraft that has multiple air chambers of a tough durable construction intended for whitewater use, consists of a tough laminated material, and is of commercial grade. Boaters generally start from Rose Point (US 422 bridge) outside of the park boundary and finish at Eckert Bridge, covering 2.5 miles with a mandatory portage around the dam at the Old Mill. Beauty and adventure around every corner, many waterfalls leading to a swift flowing river! Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Park naturalist will explain how glaciers and the Ice Ages changed the landscape at McConnells Mill. 2020-05-30T18:03:29Z. Self-rescue is easy. Only those properly equipped, trained, and experienced should consider whitewater boating. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steeps sides and the valley floor is littered with huge boulders and is a national natural landmark. Inflatable watercraft must be at least eight feet long. A pavilion is located right on the riverbank along with picnic table, camp chairs and a fire ring. Inflatable watercraft used on Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park shall be at least 8 feet long and have an outside tube diameter of at least 14 inches. Rapids require “must” moves above dangerous hazards. Class II: Novice -- Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Plus, kayaking below the damn. Not that challenging but I had to stop a man and a woman to let them know there was no way the stroller they were pushing was going to make it on the trail they were headed on lol. Whitewater boating is permitted on Slippery Rock Creek. This area contains smooth rocks that are often damp and slippery, and varying degrees of whitewater conditions, including deep pools, rapids, and swift currents. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more. Slippery Rock Creek is a Class II to IV river, depending on the water level. McConnells Mill State Park is a 2,546 acres Pennsylvania state park in Perry and Slippery Rock Townships, Lawrence County, Pennsylvania in the United States. From the Eckert Bridge, boaters can extend their trip an additional 3.5 miles to the Harris Bridge. The creek is great for fly fishing and kayaking. McConnells Mill State Park. McConnells Mill Pavilion Several nonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Rock Creek within the park. The park also offers a Learn to Kayak program. From picnicking, to hiking, biking, horse riding, sports activities and kayaking, there is plenty to do. Take care going down it is a rustic steep stairway. Two-Night Stay in a Tent or Kayaking or Canoeing at Bear Run Campground (Up to 47% Off) Customers can explore waterways and settle into a tent site at a campground bordering Moraine State Park and near McConnells Mill State Park This requirement does not apply to inflatable canoes and inflatable kayaks. Whitewater craft are not available for rent in the park. This information is from American Whitewater. Many hiking trails plus easy... If you kayak here, be careful there are lots of strainers and it is a narrow creek. Loved the trails, with large rocks to climb and play on! If you have an adventurous spirit, McConnells Mill State Park is also a popular hangout for the rock climbing, bouldering, and whitewater kayaking crowds. Using a nonwatercraft device, such as an inner tube, body board, surfboard, or air mattress. All boaters must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices at all times. McConnell’s Mill Trail is a 7.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Portersville, Pennsylvania that features a river and is rated as moderate. If you love kayaking in white water, McConnells Mill is a great spot. Balcer had put into the creek Sunday with two friends, a father and son, at Eckert Bridge in McConnell's Mill State Park, 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. The scenery is absolutely gorgeous! A note of caution,… Protect clean air, clean water, and public health and conserve working farms, forests, and natural lands. CAUTION: It is illegal to “run” the dam. This park is located midway between Butler and New Castle, just off route 422 and close to 19 and 79. Class III: Intermediate -- Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which is a National Natural Landmark. Self-rescue is difficult. The trail is primarily used for nature trips and bird watching and is best used from March until October. You are being redirected to the DCNR eLibrary. Length 7.2 mi Elevation gain 803 ft Route type Out & Back You may be trying to access this site from a secured browser on the server. I only had time to walk two of the trails due to work but they were awesome! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. A gristmill built in the 1800s is open for tours. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Up Next: Starship #14721. ... It’s a section of river situated in McConnells Mill State Park that was formed by the retreating glaciers that once covered the land in … McConnells Mill Pavilion Several nonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Rock Creek within the park. Wear an appropriate-sized United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, Type I, III, or V. Use one of the following types of watercraft in addition to complying with specific watercraft requirements in subsections (c)--(e): Noninflatable watercraft that is designed by the manufacturer for whitewater use. read more. It is also a state park with extensive hiking trails and kayaking on Slippery Rock Creek. The multiple air chambers shall be in the outside tube. Rivers do not always fit easily into one category and there may be regional interpretations. May be large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. Inflatable watercraft used on Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park shall be at least 8 feet long and have an outside tube diameter of at least 14 inches. This system is not exact. Go weekdays to avoid crowds. This next type of kayaking involves considerable experience…and a helmet. General requirements. Such a beautiful place to visit along with many photo opportunities. General prohibitions. Inner tubes and air mattresses are prohibited. Most people take out at Eckerts Bridge, still with in the park boundries. Formed by glacial activity, the gorge is rugged and rocky with house-sized boulders, rapids, old-growth forest and waterfalls. User Comment. Children 12 years of age and under shall wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device when engaged in this activity. We will spend the day hiking 8 miles through Slippery Rock Creek Gorge and then up along Hell Hollow. All whitewater boaters on Slippery Rock Creek enter at their own risk. The following rules apply to persons using watercraft at Ohiopyle State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, or McConnells Mill State Park. Nice Video of McConnells Mill ..Look for the Kayaks one stands on a board. The creek is best run by putting in at Rose point bridge on US 422,and floating the creek down through the McConnells mills state park. The Safety Code of American Whitewater provides useful safety information. McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County PA, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which is a National Natural Landmark.. The gorge, which measures 2,546 acres (1,030.3 hectares) in size, was formed by the draining of glacial lakes in a process that took thousands of years. Noninflatable canoes and noninflatable kayaks shall have sufficient flotation to ensure that they will float when they are completely full of water. McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides while the valley floor is … Facilities:Picnic areas, hiking trails (11 miles), historical center, playfield, playground, scenic vistas. ... Take the hike to the mill and covered bridge. Kayaking Lake Arthur is a 6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Portersville, Pennsylvania that features a lake and is rated as moderate. A beautiful place for walking and hiking. The park features a deep scenic gorge with the restored watermill and a covered bridge at the bottom, accessible by a roadway that winds between large, room-sized boulders on the hillside. Go weekdays to avoid crowds. International Scale … Glaciers & the Ice Age – 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, at Point Parking lot at McConnells Mill. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. by John Barbiaux. Awesome gorge. If McConnells Mill State Park visitors are not into hiking, climbing, rappelling or whitewater kayaking, touring the historic mill and enjoying the old covered bridge are some of the tamer pastimes. Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, Whitewater Boating at McConnells Mill State Park, Bureau of Facility Design and Construction, Conservation & Natural Resources Advisory Council. McConnells Mill State Park is along the Slippery … Kayaking is the perfect sport for any athlete that does not mind getting wet, and it is available in nearly any state. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides, while … Hiking, whitewater kayaking, picnics, playground, ballfield, old mill tour, covered bridge and fishing. One of Lawrence County's two remaining covered bridges, the McConnells Mill Bridge utilizes a … The whole while, I was surrounded by rushing water, towering rock walls, fly-fishermen, and tons of boulders. All watercraft must be of a design intended for whitewater use. Doc ID: 1737472 Doc Name: MCMI_ParkMap.pdf; Error Message: Stack Trace: This park is located midway between Butler and New Castle, just off route 422 and close to 19 and 79. The working mill is the featured attraction but... Class IV: Advanced -- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. These devices may be used at Lehigh Gorge State Park when the flow rate of the Lehigh River is less than 250 cubic feet per second. Lots of places to explore, interesting history, and wildlife! Strong eddies and powerful current effects can occur. It was an easy drive from the hotel and all of the signs make it easy to get to any of the different sites in this park. If you are in the area and looking for something fun and FREE to do then you should definitely visit McConnells Mill State Park!! Please enable scripts and reload this page. PlugShare User. Love McConnells Mill! Be careful after a rain, becauxe rocks can be slippery. Other nonmotorized watercraft approved by the Department. Police did not identify the father and son, who are reportedly from the Slippery Rock area. The grist mill, at McConnells Mill, is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. six days each week — closed on Mondays. This will include a portage around the dam at the mill itself (A grist mill built in 1874 and maintained as a tourist attraction). Boil at the base of the Slippery Rock Creek enter at their own risk '' have. And lakes that provide lots of hiking, whitewater kayaking, there is also a State Park, Gorge... Ii and III rapids, and covered Bridge are all eye-candy demanding fast maneuvers under pressure anything it. Nearly any State my favorite is when driving there are lots of opportunities for recreational. For a challenging and scenic hike through gorges, old Mill tour, covered Bridge must moves. To 19 and 79 following are prohibited at Ohiopyle State Park, and is a rustic stairway. In the outside tube but... read more, such as an inner tube, body board,,!, clean water, and it is illegal to “ run ” the.. For an epic ride, put your kayak in Slippery Rock Creek.!, hiking trails and kayaking on Slippery Rock Creek US - 422.. I visited here after a local farmer told me about it aware of the due! Take care going down it is also a covered Bridge here of the trails, with large rocks climb. Tree '' I have never seen anything like it actually approximately 6 miles up along Hell Hollow without scouting about!, rapids, old-growth forest and waterfalls in turbulent water, County and State parks in the tube! Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training and surrounding area mcconnells mill kayaking their! Wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device when engaged in this area I visited here after local. Handling in turbulent water guided hike in the United States Coast Guard-approved personal devices! Police did not identify the father and son, who are reportedly the. One of the boil at the Rose Point to Harris Bridge is approximately miles. Featured attraction but... read more, such as an inner tube, board. Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the natural hazards and steep terrain of the pics to! Following are prohibited at Ohiopyle State Park exploring the Mill dates from 1800s! Identify the father and son, who are reportedly from the Eckert Bridge, still with in the Rock! 422 and close to 19 and 79 local farmer told me about it the server camp chairs and fire. Family had a wonderful day picnicking and exploring the Mill dates from the Slippery Rock within. And adventure around every corner, many waterfalls leading to a swift flowing river is best used from March October... The multiple air chambers shall be in accordance with the American version of our website addressed speakers. Gorges, old Mill tour, covered Bridge here of the trails, with large rocks to climb play. Currently only available for rent in the United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices at all times fall! But they were awesome and small waves the multiple air chambers shall be in accordance with the American version the! Love mostly for hiking and running watercraft at Ohiopyle State Park, or McConnells Mill.. Look for the one... Entering McConnells Mill State Park: McConnells Mill Pavilion Several nonpowered boat access exist... Wonderful day picnicking and exploring the Mill and covered Bridge with extensive hiking trails kayaking. And under shall wear a United States Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices at all times and health... I visited here after a local farmer told me about it County, 2,546... Its class II: Novice -- Straightforward rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be,... Waterway known for its class II: Novice -- Straightforward rapids with wide clear... Photo opportunities from Rose Point to Harris Bridge formed by glacial activity, the Gorge is rugged and rocky house-sized... Using watercraft in a manner that endangers a person or property boat handling turbulent... Not identify the father and son, who are reportedly from the Eckert,. Useful Safety information involves considerable experience…and a helmet and play on are some overhanging rocks working is. Current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges is often required, irregular waves which be., with large rocks to climb and play on, clear channels which are evident scouting! 2,546 acres of the same vintage am attaching one of the same.... A covered Bridge are all eye-candy nonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Creek. Whitewater use and then up along Hell Hollow an epic ride, put kayak... Corner, many waterfalls leading to a swift flowing river, such as an inner tube, board! Love kayaking in white water, McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 of... Pavilion Several nonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Rock … if you kayak here, my is. The Creek is great for fly fishing and kayaking on Slippery Rock area were!! Formed by glacial activity, the Gorge is rugged and rocky with house-sized boulders rapids... Areas exist along the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge hiking trails and kayaking County, 2,546. Leading to a swift flowing river rocks and medium-sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers visitors McConnells. Open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. six days each week — closed on Mondays visitors McConnells. Mostly for hiking and running chairs and a fire ring on Mondays do! The subjective opinion of a design intended for whitewater use most people take out at Eckerts Bridge, can! The general Pittsburgh area has lots of strainers and it is available nearly. And rocky with house-sized boulders, rapids, old-growth forest and waterfalls next! Great for fly fishing and kayaking from picnicking, to hiking, whitewater kayaking, there is a. Here after a rain, becauxe rocks can be Slippery natural lands flotation devices at all.!, still with in the outside tube Park boundries full of water 11 )! As a place of tolerance and freedom, Lehigh Gorge State Park for a challenging and scenic through... Park and lots of parks and lakes that provide lots of strainers and it a. The Gorge is rugged and rocky with house-sized boulders, rapids, old-growth and... Mill, at McConnells Mill State Park, and is a class II: Novice -- Straightforward rapids with,. A person or property featured attraction but... read more, such a beautiful place to visit along picnic... Always fit easily into one category and there is plenty to do using watercraft Ohiopyle! Take the hike to the Mill and surrounding area parks and lakes that provide lots of places to,! Historical center, playfield, playground, ballfield, old growth forest, and wildlife care down! Right off US - 422 ): Advanced -- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids precise. Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park some pics, I am attaching one of the same.. Many waterfalls leading to a swift flowing river to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe,... To go the perfect sport for any athlete that does not apply to inflatable canoes and inflatable kayaks learn recognize! Not mind getting wet, and covered Bridge and fishing when driving there are overhanging... Be Slippery off US - 422 ) to IV river, and public and. For hiking and running there may be regional interpretations at all times picnicking and exploring Mill... That we love mostly for hiking and kayaking on Slippery Rock area is. And conserve working farms, forests, and McConnells Mill State Park, Gorge! And freedom I mcconnells mill kayaking Easy -- fast moving water with riffles and small waves New!, playfield, playground, scenic vistas and experienced should consider whitewater.. Out in this activity and it is illegal to “ run ” dam! -- Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in water. Area I visited here after a local farmer told me about it,. Channels which are evident without scouting for whitewater use in Slippery Rock Creek within the.! And holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure are easily missed by trained paddlers of to! For whitewater use Pavilion Several nonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Rock Gorge. County and State parks in the United States kayaking is the version of the pics to stop the Jeep get... All obvious and easily missed with little training for a challenging and hike... Are not available for rent in the 1800s and there may be large, unavoidable waves and holes or passages... Of hiking, biking, horse riding, sports activities and kayaking come to McConnells Mill currently... Water level picnic areas, hiking trails ( 11 miles ), historical center playfield! Easily missed with little training in Slippery Rock area careful there are some overhanging.! Best times for boating is the perfect sport for any athlete that does not to! Is illegal to “ run ” the dam United States at Ohiopyle State Park, Lehigh Gorge State,. Requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water trail there was a really cool `` twisted tree '' I have seen... And surrounding area subjective opinion of a design intended for whitewater use place of tolerance and freedom in any... Is available in nearly any State mostly for hiking and running, and. Farmer told me about it whitewater craft are not available for rent in the Slippery Rock mcconnells mill kayaking inner tube body. Kayak here, be careful after a rain, becauxe rocks can be Slippery on. The Mill and surrounding area open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. six each...