|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: Before the last ice age, Slippery Rock Creek, and most other waterways in the area, flowed North. The conitnental glaciers change all that and this area developed a huge lake. When the glaciers retreated, an ice dam broke and a huge torrent of water flowed south, cutting the 400ft deep Slippery Rock Gorge. The trail still shows the signs of that deluge, dropping down into the gorge to weave around sandstone boulders through one of the few unspoiled hemlock ravines in Western Pennsylvania. The gorge has many popular bouldering opportunities (The most popular in Western PA) as well as kayaking. The first and last part of the loop is very steep but the Park Service has thoughtfully built stairs which can be slippery when wet. The rest of the trail is rocky, sandy and occasionally muddy with a short section just south of the mill itself that is paved. McConnell's Mill is part of the blue-blazed North Country Trail which, when completed will stretch 4,000 miles. Trailhead: The park is 40 miles North of Pittsburgh not far off of I-79. Take Exit 99 west onto Route 422. After 1.7 miles, turn South at the sign onto McConnells Mill Road. The parking area is another .7 miles South on the right. (N40 57.495 W80 10.133) There is a spacious rest room but no running water. There is additional parking further down McConnell's Mill Road, at the Mill itself and on the Eckert Bridge (which is closed to through traffic). The start for this loop is a short distance back up McConnells Mill Road at the Alpha Pass trailhead. (Lat:40.95837 Lon:-80.16889) Trail Guides for McConnells Mill S.P.: 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania by Tom Thwaites (Backcountry Guides) Falcon Classic Rock Climbs No. 26 McConnells Mill State Park by Bob Value (Falcon) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Moraine State Park Office 724-368-8811 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kevin Geiselman, who has posted 95 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by TRT on 7/2/2007 Backpacked Slippery Rock Gorge Trail with a 60-pound pack. Went to Hell's Hollow and retraced. It was a very good hike. Terrain was up and down. Combinations of rock, roots, mud and even sand at one point. One part of the trail passes at the top of a waterfall. Very nice. Toward the end you begin a steep ascention of about 400 ft in elevation gain over a distance of about 1/2" mile. GREAT TRAIL! 
Reviewed by Nicole on 6/19/2006 Nice, shady hike. Lots of water and boulders to keep things interesting. The driving directions to the trail are a little unclear, so here are some clarifications: from Pittsburgh, take 279 to 79. Take exit 99, then Route 422 West. Less than two miles down is a left turn into the park. You will see a sign for the Mill on the right, a few dozen meters before the turn.
Reviewed by SD on 4/23/2006 This is by far the best hike I've been on in Western PA. We hiked the Alpha Pass Trail & Kildoo Loop (approx 3.5 mi total) in mid-April. The Alpha Pass immediately takes you to a pretty waterfall, and then down a very steep hillside to the creek. The trail then follows the creek accross rocky terain past the mill, to the covered bridge. The Kildoo loop is much of the same rocky trail, with great views of Slippery Rock Creek. This a good moderate hike that will be challenging for novices, and yet hold the interest of even very experienced hikers. I recommend good boots, and a walking stick, as the terrain is very uneven and, at times, slippery.
Reviewed by Bonnie on 2/17/2006 With young children (under 10), it is better to park on the lower level near the Mill, to avoid the steepest parts. Many people have drowned in the creek over the years. Use common sense, and you will have no problem. The trail is a safe distance from the creek. It is only if you go off trail and climb out onto the rocks near the creek that you could fall in. There are many interesting things to explore at any time of year. Kids will be fascinated with the huge boulders, mossy trees, mysterious crevices, enormous icicles in winter, the covered bridge and so much more. A great place for hikers of all ages. There are different parts of the trail and you can modify your hike to make it shorter or longer. 
Reviewed by Rege on 2/18/2005 Nice trails, maintained, clean exc. Close to campus(YSU) Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Pennsylvania Hiking, Pennsylvania Trails, Pennsylvania Hikes, Butler County Hiking, Butler County Trails, Butler County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||