Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

November 21, 2025hikesandhopsblog Leave a comment

Our public lands are utilized for a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. One of the most popular fall activities here in Pennsylvania is hunting. Because many public lands are shared-use areas, it’s important to know how to respectfully share the woods and be safe during this time of year. These tips are not intended to be comprehensive of all hunting regulations, so please visit the PA Game Commission’s website for details on hunting seasons.

Disclaimer: The dates and regulations shared here are specific to Pennsylvania. Be sure to check your local hunting regulations for specifics. Regulations may change year to year, so please do your research!

I am not a hunter, but I do support everyone’s right to recreate on our public lands! I enjoy hiking all year round, and that often means getting outside when hunters are also out in the woods. Here are some ways you can still get out on the trails while being respectful of other park-users and staying safe. Remember that hunters are strong advocates for public lands and are our allies in conservation!

Hunting supports wildlife conservation

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s mission is to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats. The revenue generated from hunting and fishing licenses goes right back into land and habitat conservation. Sometimes people think that hunters and hikers are at odds, but I see us as partners in our love of the great outdoors!

Hunters Wear Orange and So Should You!

One of the best ways to stay safe on the trails is to wear fluorescent orange, also called blaze orange. This is a highly visible color and alerts others to your presence. In fact, in Pennsylvania, from November 16 to December 16, everyone recreating on State Gamelands must wear 250 square inches of blaze orange that can be seen on all sides. However, it’s a good idea to wear orange throughout the entire hunting season, wherever you are hiking. I like to wear an orange hoodie or a high-visibility vest! Make sure that you have orange for your pets too, and keep them leashed at all times.

Another good idea is to wear a bell or something that will make noise to alert nearby hunters to your presence. I also like to hike with friends, so the chatter keeps us from accidentally sneaking up on someone!

Tip: leave an orange vest in your car so that it’s always ready if you need it!

Consider Hiking in Other Locations

I never hike in State Gamelands during hiking season. There are so many other options for hikers, while hunters are restricted to those specific areas. So, it’s a good idea to leave the game lands to them.

Of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, 100 allow hunting in specific areas. I usually try to stick to the non-hunting areas when possible! Typically, hunting is not allowed in state parks on Sundays except on November 16, 23, and 30 for 2025. There are also lots of county and local parks that don’t allow hunting at all. These are great options for hiking during hunting season. Please note that some local parks have active deer management programs that may include archery. Always check the current regulations before heading out.

Looking for parks in Western PA that don’t allow hunting? Check out the Nine Allegheny County Parks, Dead Man’s Hollow, Boyce Mayview Park, Montour Woods Conservation Area, Riverview Park, and Duff Park

Don’t Hike at Dawn or Dusk

Wildlife is most active first thing in the morning and in the evening. So that’s when the hunters are out! Try to avoid hiking at this time when visibility is low.

Hunting Seasons Vary…

…but it’s your responsibility to stay informed! The most dangerous period is during firearm season. Regular firearm season for deer runs from November 30-December 16, 2025, in Pennsylvania. These dates may vary year to year! There are also special seasons for archery, small game, trapping, and more.

Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

In Pennsylvania, it’s crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to respect shared public lands during hunting season. Wearing blaze orange, hiking in non-hunting areas, and staying informed on regulations enhance safety for all users.

by hikesandhopsblog November 21, 2025

The Nine Allegheny County Parks

Allegheny County features nine regional parks encompassing over 12,000 acres of recreational land, offering various activities such as hiking, wave pools, and sporting fields. The parks are maintained by the county and supported by the Allegheny County Parks Foundation.

by hikesandhopsblog October 6, 2025November 21, 2025

Top 10 Activities at Hartwood Acres Park

Hartwood Acres, a 630-acre county park near Pittsburgh, features a historic Tudor-revival mansion, multi-purpose trails, and various attractions like gardens and a dog park. Visitors can enjoy free concerts, hiking, biking, tours, and special events year-round.

by hikesandhopsblog August 17, 2025November 21, 2025

The Nine Allegheny County Parks

October 6, 2025November 21, 2025hikesandhopsblog Leave a comment

Did you know that here in Allegheny County, PA there are nine amazing regional parks? These parks are completely free and offer over 12,000 acres of recreational land managed by the county. From wave pools to amphitheaters, hiking trails to working farms, there’s so much to explore in your Allegheny County Parks.

I’ve visited each of the parks and will be updating this page with information about my favorite trails and recreation areas at each of them. While the parks are maintained by the County, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation does the heavy lifting, behind-the-scenes work to support these vital green spaces. To learn more about them and to support your parks, visit their website.

Settler’s Cabin

Location: 608 Ridge Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Highlights: Hiking trails, waterfall, wave pool, pavilions, dog park, dek hockey field, playgrounds, connector trail to the Panhandle rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at Tomahawk shelter to access the Waterfall Trail! You’ll start on the Blue Trail, leading through a dense pine grove. Stay on Blue until it connects with the Green trail heading down a hillside. At the bottom of the hill is the roughly 5-ft tall waterfall. You can continue on the Green trail away from the waterfall along the stream and it will eventually meet up with the Red Trail. This loop back to connect with the Blue Trail, making a pleasant 2.5ish mile loop.

Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside

Round Hill

Location: 651 Round Hill Rd, Elizabeth, PA 15037

Highlights: Exhibition farm with tours, spray park, playgrounds, hiking trails,

Featured Trail: The Red Trail leads through open meadows and alongside a wooded creek. You can begin the trail at the Harmony House shelter or take the Yellow Trail from the main parking lot by the duck pond to connect to the Red Trail. At times the trail can be difficult to follow so it’s best to have a map handy! Make sure to add on a walk through the farm to see the animals at the end!

South Park

Location: 3730 Buffalo Dr, South Park Township, PA 15129

Highlights: Game preserve, wave pool, ice rink, hiking trails, sports fields, dog park, Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park Theatre (free concerts!), playgrounds, golf course, connector trail to Montour rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at the Oliver Miller Homestead and Cascades lot to hike the Vale of Cashmere Trail. To begin, cross over East Park Drive towards Grant Grove shelter. To your right, the trail begins in a small meadow. This narrow trail eventually heads into the woods along a small stream. Eventually you’ll find the Vale of Cashmere, a 100-year-old water feature from when the park was first created. Past the feature, you can pick up the Buffalo Ridge Trail and keep making right turns along it to make your way back to the Oliver Miller Homestead. Make sure to stop at the Cascades to see a modern-day version of a water feature!

Check out South Park & Spoonwood Brewing

White Oak Park

Location: 3 Muse Ln, White Oak, PA 15131

Highlights: Ballfields, hiking trails, wildflowers, dog park, playgrounds

Featured Trail: Park at the Wedding Garden off Sylvan Drive to get on the Green Trail. Some maps call this the Pet Haven Trail or Rainbow Trail. You’ll follow the Green blazes for a roughly 2.5 mile loop of the west section of the park. The trail is sometimes difficult to see, so follow your route on the Allegheny County Parks app or AllTrails. This is a great trail for solitude and has an abundance of both spring and fall wildflowers!

Check out White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

North Park

Location: 303 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

Highlights: Huge pool, lake with boating, kayak rentals, and fishing, hiking trails, ballfields, nature center, golf course, ice rink

Featured Trail: The Rachel Carson Trail runs through North Park and is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest sections of the long-distance trail. Start at the Harmar Pavilion and head to the right on the yellow-blazed trail for some steep hills, fun rock scrambles, and several creek crossings.

Check out North Park & Cinderlands Taproom

Deer Lakes Park

Location: 1090 Baileys Run Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084

Highlights: Hiking Trails, spray park, Wagman Observatory, disc golf, ballfields, fishing

Featured Trail: Check out the featured trails on the Allegheny County Park Foundation’s webpage! I visited this park as part of a trail running day where we did sections of all the trails in the park for a large 10 mile loop. The trails were wooded and we hardly saw another person! In the summer, be sure to end your hike at the spray park to cool off!

Boyce Park

Location: 675 Old Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239

Highlights: Wave pool, winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, tubing), hiking trails, sports fields, hiking trails, pavilions, dog park

Features Trail: Yellow Trail (also called Log House Trail). Park at the Carpenter Log House off of Pierson Run Road. Follow the Yellow blazes into the woods for a 1.2-mile trek that leads through open fields and wooded trail. Excellent for fall colors!

Harrison Hills Park

Location: 5200 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Highlights: Hiking trails (including river vistas), nature center, dog park, ballfields, playgrounds,

Featured Trail: The 5-mile Red Trail leads you through a loop of the highlights of this park. You’ll pass through a rocky gorge, wetlands with a bird blind for wildlife viewing, and the stunning overlook above the Allegheny River. The trail is challenging but well worth it! There are several places to park to start the trail but I parked at the lot near Cottontail and Chipmunk Drives.

Hartwood Acres Park

Location: 200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Highlights: Sculpture garden, Mansion tours and special programs, hiking trails, amphitheatre (free concerts!), dog park

Featured Trail: The Paved Trail is an accessible path that winds through the heart of the park. It passes by the Mansion area, allowing hikers to add on a stroll through the Sculpture Garden to their excursion. Following the path leads towards the Amphitheatre, where one can also see the wildflower meadow (note the mown paths here are not wheelchair-friendly).

Check out 10 Things to do at Hartwood Acres Park

Top 10 Activities at Hartwood Acres Park

August 17, 2025November 21, 2025hikesandhopsblog Leave a comment

Hartwood Acres is one of nine county parks managed by Allegheny County. Located north of Pittsburgh, the 630-acre estate spans Hampton and Indiana counties. Best known for its Tudor-revival 1929 mansion, the park also boasts miles of multi-purpose trails, an amphitheater, formal gardens, and a dog park.

Keep reading for some ideas on how to spend a day at this beautiful park!

Quick Tips about Visiting

Location: From Pittsburgh, head North on Route 28, then take Exit 5B for PA 8N. Make a right onto Saxonburg Road and continue for 4.5 miles. The entrance road to the park will be on your left.

Parking: 4100 Middle Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101 (Amphitheatre)
200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (Mansion)

Free to visit!

History of Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres was formerly the estate of the philanthropic Lawrence family. Mary Lawrence, the daughter of a U.S. Senator, purchased the land for her home. She and her husband were inspired by the Tudor homes of Oxfordshire and built Hartwood Manor in 1929. The estate also included horse stables, an equestrian showcase area, and wooded riding trails. Mary sold 400 acres of her estate to Allegheny County in 1969 with the understanding that Mary could remain living in the manor until her death. The park opened to the public in 1976.

10 Things to Do at Hartwood Acres

Tour the Sculpture Garden

In the grounds surrounding the mansion are 14 large-scale abstract sculptures. This public art collection was recently revitalized and connected by a paved path. There’s also new signage about the pieces and the artists, as well as a QR code to listen to an audio tour. This is a totally free activity and is completely self-paced. Great for hikers and art-lovers alike!

Free summer concerts at the Amphitheater

Every summer from June to August, there are free concerts at the Amphitheatre on Sundays. Bring a blanket, chair and a picnic and enjoy the sounds of a variety of music from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to internationally known artists. Hozier even played a show here! There are also food trucks, beer, and wine tents to enjoy. The shows start at 7:30pm and you can find the full schedule here. Please remember to dispose of all trash after the show!

Go for a hike

There are miles of trails that weave throughout the wooded park. The trail markers aren’t always the most intuitive, so download a trail map or get the Allegheny County Park app to plan your route. Most trails start at either the Amphitheater or the Mansion. If you’re looking for a stroller or wheelchair accessible trail, both the Middle Road Trail (1.5 miles, Amphitheatre parking lot) and the Sculpture Garden Paths (0.5 miles, Mansion parking) are ADA-Accessible. There are also miles of natural trails that are shared usage (mountain bikes, hiking, horseback riding) so make sure to be aware and know when to yield to other trail users.

The Purple Trail (beginning across the street from the Mansion) is a great 2.25-mile hike through the peaceful woods of Hartwood Acres. You’ll stroll along a hillside of tall trees, getting some elevation and enjoying shade throughout. The hike takes about an hour and it offers plenty of chances to connect with other trails in the park. For a large loop of the entire park, follow this route from AllTrails.

Tour the historic mansion ($)

The Tudor-revival mansion is the heart of the park. Built in 1929, the mansion is open daily for tours of the building. You can learn more about the architecture and the family that once lived there. There is a fee for the tour and it’s best to call to make reservations. The grounds and gardens surrounding the mansion are free to walk around. The mansion hosts special tours during the holidays, including an evening candlelight tour.

Explore the wildflower meadow

Planted in 2019, the wildflower meadow used to be a mown lawn near the concert grounds. Now the 5-acre field is a pollinator’s dream, full of native flowers and grasses. The colorful array is not only beautiful to see but also provides ecological benefits like stormwater management and animal habitat. Find the meadow off Middle Road near the Amphitheatre.

Bike along the paths

Biking is welcome along the many trails at the park! Whether you want to stick to paved ways like the various park roads or the Middle Road Trail, or want to get adventurous by mountain biking on the natural trails, there are miles for you to explore. The natural trails range from easy to intermediate and offer some elevation changes and technical challenges. Just remember that the trails are multi-use so know when to yield to hikers and horses. Check out Trail Pittsburgh for more info about mountain biking in Hartwood Acres.

Enjoy a picnic

There’s nothing like dining al fresco! Especially when it’s as simple as throwing a blanket in a shady spot and unpacking a quick bite. Whether its just a quick snack or a full meal spread, there’s plenty of spots around the park to spread out and relax. Just be sure to always Leave No Trace and dispose of your trash properly! If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, consider grabbing a snack at one of the local coffee shops or cafes for your picnic!

Run wild at the dog park

Dogs are welcome on all the trails at the park but must remain leashed. The dog park is the one place where your beloved mutt can run free! The off-leash area is fenced in and has separate sections for large and small dogs. It’s a popular spot to end a walk in the woods with your pup and let them burn off some energy.

Winter fun

The fun doesn’t stop when the weather cools off! The trails at Hartwood Acres are also open for cross-country skiing in the winter. Lace up your boots, wax your skis, and enjoy the snow-covered views! Please note that there are no ski rentals available at the park.

Special Events ($)

Throughout the year, you can attend special events at the Hartwood Acres Mansion, including holiday candlelit tours and high tea. Keep an eye out on the Allegheny Parks social media for updates about special events. Make sure to book your tickets early, as these events are very popular! Keep up to date on daily programming and special events here.

Explore the other county parks! Check out some Hikes & Hops Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co, and South Park & Spoonwood.

Schenley Park & Monday’s Brewing (Greenfield)

June 5, 2025hikesandhopsblog 1 Comment

Pittsburgh, PA

We’re lucky to have a number of beautiful parks here in Pittsburgh! Schenley Park is one of my favorites because it has miles of wooded trails and stunning century-old stone bridges. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, running, relaxing, and a bunch of other outdoor activities. Plus, after soaking up nature, you can head right across the Greenfield Bridge to grab a pint and a bite to eat at Monday’s Brewing (yup, it’s open every Monday!)

THE HIKE: Schenley Park Loop

Length: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail use: Hiking, biking, running

Where to Park: There’s plenty of street parking around Schenley Park. If you want to follow these trail directions, park along the road on Overlook Drive, which is free. Other places to park where you can pick up the trail are free parking at the Anderson Playground (the Dino Playground), or paid street parking by the Schenley Visitors Center. All of these locations have either a porta-potty or a full bathroom (Schenley Park Visitors Center).

The Route: There are miles of interweaving trails through Schenley, so you can easily do a short loop or extend for a much longer outing. This is one of my go-to loops that incorporates both the narrow wooded trails and the wider bridle trails and passes some of Schenley Park’s iconic features.

Start off on the Bridle Trail just off of Greenfield Road. Follow this wide trail as it curves around the cliffside overlooking the Parkway. This is a popular trail and you’ll likely be sharing the way with runners, cyclists, and other groups. After following downhill for about 0.8 miles, you’ll encounter the first historic bridge of your hike. This bridge, along with several others in the park, was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. At one mile into your trek, you’ll reach a trail junction. To the right is the swimming pool. Stay to the left, getting onto the Upper Panther Hollow Trail and passing under a bridge. After popping up on the other side of the bridge underpass, the Anderson playground will be to your right, along with a water fountain and a porta-potty.

Continue along the Upper Panther Hollow Trail, another very wide path, as it passes under another bridge and follows along the curve of a hillside. At 1.8 miles, take a narrow path to the left as it leads down into the hollow. To the right is one of the stunning 1908 historic bridges that are iconic to the park. Continue straight, up the hillside and over another wide path. To the left is a large rock, whimsically painted like a sitting bird. Continue straight ahead onto a cobblestone slope, now getting on the Steve Falconi Trail. Continue along this single-track trail. This natural path is less busy than previous trails but is also more rustic. At 2.7 miles, the trail lets out beside a pavilion and West Circuit Road. Straight ahead is the historic Westinghouse Memorial Fountain. Continue along the road briefly, rounding the bend to the left to walk along the sidewalk along Schenley Drive. After 0.1 mile, the quaint building to your left is the Schenley Park Visitor’s Center. This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, learn more about the park, or just use the restroom.

To continue your route, follow the cobblestone path behind the building back down into the park. Take the stone stairs that descend into the woods. In the early spring, these stairs are surrounded by bluebells. Cross over the Lower Panther Hollow Trail and keep heading down the stairs. To your right is the other of the stunning 1908 bridges. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right onto the unnamed trail and follow through some wetlands and a small pond. In several hundred feet, the trail opens up onto the Panther Hollow Lake, a popular spot for fishing and relaxing. Follow the trail as it circumnavigates the lake. Now on the Hollow Run Trail, bear slightly right to continue away from the lake and along a small stream. At 3.6 miles, the trail curves up and reaches a junction. Turn right to get on the narrow path that leads along the stream. On maps, this is also called the Hollow Run Trail, but in person, it has a sign for the Ponticulus Trail. This is an incredibly beautiful trail that meanders along the stream deep in the hollow and is less busy than the rest of the park. It’s a great place for seeing wildflowers and amphibians. Finally, the trail ends in stairs that lead up to Barlett Street. Turn right and follow along Bartlett Street for 0.2 miles to complete your loop.

This is just one of the many route options in the park!

Other Attractions: Schenley Park has a lot to offer! Some other spots that may interest you outside of hiking are the very cool and newly renovated Anderson Playground, the ever-popular disc golf course, numerous picnic pavilions, sporting fields, a swimming pool, and more! Just outside of the park are the stunning Phipps Conservatory, which has a free outdoor garden to walk through, and the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, an affordable 9-hole course open to all.

THE BEER: Mondays Brewing Taproom (Greenfield)

Address: 563 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Distance from Trail Head: 0.6 miles, 2 mins
Website: https://mondays.beer/
Food?: Full Menu, operated by Smashed & Fried
Details: Street parking, wine and cocktails, NA options, indoor seating only, no pets

A guarantee at Mondays Brewing? You can always get a good beer on Monday! Monday’s Brewing originally opened in Peters Township in October 2020. They managed to find their footing during a difficult time in the service industry and have grown enough to open a second location. They found the perfect spot in Greenfield in the former Hough’s Taproom, a long-standing staple of the neighborhood. The huge taproom allows Mondays to grow in ways that their cozy Peters Township bar can’t. They have a full kitchen operated by Smashed & Fried, offering a menu of burgers, BBQ, and seafood.

Anchoring the space is a huge U-shaped bar where the Mondays team serves up 20 taps of their own brews along with some sampling of other local breweries. They are also fully stocked with locally made ciders, wine, seltzers, mead, and spirits. There are even some locally made soda and ginger beer options for the non-boozy.

Mondays is a great addition to the Greenfield neighborhood and we can’t wait to see where they go from here!

Our Beer:

Plaza Beer – Dark Mexi Lager – 5%
Lawnmower Beer – Pilsner – 5%

Looking for more Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh? Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, Dead Man’s Hollow & Firewhistle Brewing, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

A Day in McConnells Mill State Park

May 31, 2025May 30, 2025hikesandhopsblog Leave a comment

McConnells Mills State Park spans over 2,500 acres of the Slippery Rock Gorge, a National Natural Landmark. With stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and a picturesque gristmill and covered bridge, this park is worth the drive to Lawrence County, PA. Whether you’re looking to hike the day away or for an outdoorsy spot to bring the whole family, a trip to McConnells Mill is beautiful at any time of year.

Know Before You Go

Free Entry – PA State Parks and Forests are free for all visitors!
40 miles North of Pittsburgh – but not reachable by public transportation.
Navigation – cell service can be spotty, so download trail and driving maps before leaving home
Pet Friendly – leashed dogs are welcome on all trails. Check below for trail difficulty
No Swimming – Swimming is prohibited at the park due to rocks and rapids
Hunting – Some areas are open to hunting, so always wear orange during hunting season! Check the PA Game Commission for more information about hunting seasons.
Accessibility – Handicap parking is available at the historic gristmill. Please note that there are no ADA-accessible trails or facilities available. Call the park office to confirm accessibility for tours of the mill.
Weather – The park area is often colder than the surrounding areas and is prone to icy conditions. Check conditions before heading out and wear proper gear.

How to get to McConnells Mill

There are a few different parking areas for accessing trailheads at the park. The main parking area is the Kildoo Picnic Area. The park is approximately 40 miles north of Pittsburgh on I-79. Take the exit for PA-488, then get onto US-19N. Then follow Kildoo Road (T316) to the parking lot.

Hiking in McConnells Mill

There are over 11 miles of trail in McConnells Mill, including 7.5 miles of the North County Trail. You can combine trails to make a loop or stick to out-and-back trails. This park has plenty to see without a long hike, so it’s a great spot for families or new hikers. The hardest trail is the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, which only experienced hikers should tackle. See below for a breakdown of the park’s trails!

Easy Hikes

Alpha Pass Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the gristmill and head to the right on the blue-blazed Alpha Pass. The trail is fairly flat and even, but can be icy in the winter. Be aware that the creek is fast-running and not open for swimming. Leads to Alpha Falls, the tallest waterfall in the park, although best visited after a rainy spell.
Hells Hollow Trail (1.0 miles, out-and-back) – Start at the Schaffer Run Road parking lot. It’s an easy 0.5 miles out and back. The most difficult part is the final staircase down to the falls. The stairs end in the creek, and you’ll have to step over stones for the best view of the falls. Be aware that this can be difficult in the Spring when the water is high.

Moderate Hikes

Kildoo Trail (2.0 miles, loop) – This is my favorite loop in the park. It also starts at the Mill and begins by following along the marked Kildoo Trail to the left of the Mill. This trail hugs the creek and is rocky and full of little waterfalls and runoff streams. It’s very beautiful, but new hikers might find the rocky terrain difficult. After about a mile, reach Eckert Bridge and cross over towards the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. Bear to the right to hike alongside the opposite side of the creek. This side is higher up and slightly more rocky, but it makes for an exciting challenge. Finally, you’ll close the loop by crossing through the covered bridge.
Breckneck Falls (0.5 miles, out-and-back) – Another short hike to see a lesser-known waterfall in the park. Turn to the left from Eckert Bridge to start on the Breakneck Falls trail. It’s an easy hike with a very shallow stream crossing. The only difficult section is right at the mid-point to access the falls

Difficult Hikes

Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (6.2 miles, one-way) – This one-way (also called point-to-point) trail spans the length of the park, following along Hell Run until it meets up with Slippery Rock Creek. It is a rugged, difficult hike leading through the natural beauty of the Slippery Rock Gorge National Natural Landmark. If only going one way, you’ll need two cars, leaving one at the Schaffer Run parking lot and the other at the Kildoo Picnic Area lot. Starting at the Schaffer Run Lot, follow the signs for the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail (blue blaze). Along the trail, you’ll encounter old-growth forests, a natural landbridge, hidden waterfalls, and stream crossings. The trail leads all the way to the covered bridge and gristmill. For a real challenge, try this as an out-and-back, adding in the Kildoo Trail for a loop at the halfway point before heading back along the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. If tackling the whole trail, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, and give yourself ample time to complete. When a friend and I tackled the full out-and-back, it took the better part of 5 hours.

Other Things to Do

Gristmill Tour

A 19th-century gristmill is a key feature of the park. For decades, this mill served as a hub of the community where farmers brought their grains to be milled into flour. The mill eventually closed in the 1920s and was eventually transferred to the state for long-term preservation. Today, you can tour the mill and learn more about how it used the creek waters to grind grains.

The historic gristmill is open for tours on select days during the summer season. It’s usually open from 10:30-3:30 Wednesday thru Sunday, starting on Memorial Day. But make sure to call the park office for more details and to confirm opening times.

Geology Trail (Driving & Hiking)

The region that encompasses McConnells Mill State Park has a fascinating geological history. Follow along the Trail of Geology in McConnells Mill and nearby Moraine State Parks for a fascinating explanation of the rock and water features in the area. Stops 1-6 are located in McConnells Mill and can also be accessed by hiking!

White Water Boating

There are no rentals at McConnells Mill, but there are several points to launch personal crafts. Depending on the water level and season, the creek is rated as a Class II to IV river. The rapids can be quite dangerous and should only be attempted by experienced boaters. Also, boats are not allowed over the dam, so all boaters must exit the creek and return no less than 50 feet downstream. For more information about whitewater boating and safety, visit the State Park’s website.

*Stairs from Kildoo Picnic Area to the Mill and trailheads*

Picnicking

There’s no overnight accommodations at McConnells Mill State Park, but there is a large picnic area at the Kildoo parking area with picnic tables, charcoal grills, bathroom facilities, and a field for playing. There’s also an ADA-accessible pavilion that can be reserved. This is a great spot to have lunch after exploring!

Rock Climbing

McConnells Mill is one of only four state parks in PA that allow rock climbing! There are two designated climbing areas: Rim Road and Breakneck Bridge. If going climbing, please exercise extreme caution. The routes should only be tackled by experienced climbers.

Nearby Attractions

Want to know what else to do near McConnells Mills State Park? If you’re craving more outdoor time, check out nearby Moraine State Park for swimming, boating, biking, and more, and Jennings Environmental Center for hiking, birding, and environmental education.

If you’re looking to revive with a brew and bite, head into the nearby towns of Zelienople and Harmony for a plethora of food options. For brewpubs, you can check out Union Brothers Brewing, ShuBrew, or The Harmony Inn (operated by North Country Brewing). If a treat or a coffee is more your speed, stop by Lagerhaus Bakery, Wunderbar Coffee and Crepes, or Neff Haus Ice Cream to satisfy your sweet tooth!

For more hiking adventures in Western PA, check out my guide to Waterfalls within an Hour of Pittsburgh and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh. For all of my adventures in Pennsylvania, head here!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey