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Summary: Before the last ice age, Slippery Rock Creek, and most other waterways in the area, flowed North. The conitnental glaciers changed 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. This trail explores all the terrain of the gorge, from the rockystreambed bottom up old growth wooded hillsides. The map indicates it's 5.5 miles from Eckert Bridge to Lawrence Furnace but the trail signs say 6.2 miles. That extra 3/4 of a mile is from several switchbacks and steep hill climbs. Be sure to add half a mile to visit Hell's Hollow Falls. McConnell's Mill is part of the blue-blazed North Country Trail which, when completed will stretch 4,000 miles. Trailhead: The more difficult part of the trail is over the rocks, hill climbs and switchbacks of the eastern end of the trail. To get this part out of the way early you can park at Eckert Bridge. From US Rt.79, take the Rt.488 exit west and then Rt.19 north or the Rt.422 exit west then Rt.19 south to Portersville. Turn west on Cheeseman Rd to park at the Eckert Bridge. (40.94042, -80.1759) The western terminus of the trail is Shaffer Road. From Rt.79 take the Rt.422 exit west to turn left on Mill Bridge Rd. Mill Bridge turns left then turn right on Shaffer Rd. Shaffer twists and turns. The Hell's Hollow parking area is clearly marked on the left. (40.93149, -80.24008) (Lat:40.94042 Lon:-80.1759) Trail Guides for Slippery Rock Gorge Trail: 50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania by Tom Thwaites (Backcountry Guides) 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh by Donna L. Ruff (Menasha Ridge Press) 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 96 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by RUBANI on 4/12/2009 We hiked from Hells Hollow to Walnut Flats yesterday. 11 April. Very nice hike! I was surprised at the gorge and scenery so close to home! Most of the wild flowers were just beginning to bloom. The trail is well marked and easy to find even in the washed out areas. It does go up and down quite abit, lots of exposed roots. There was a few muddy areas too, take extra socks! We will be going back in different seasons. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||