Beautiful park! I was only here for a few hours but hiking by the water was so peaceful. Im from northwest ohio and I didn't get as much hiking in as I would have liked due to it getting dark at 5pm so I will return. Trails seemed well marked for the 4 miles in was able to do before sunset.
We have loved McConnell's Mill State Park since we first went there as kids. I believe that the park is as good now as it ever was. I always seem to find some personal connection with whichever ranger is on duty, in this case we had both recently been to Scotland ?
I highly recommend a visit and don't be afraid to explore a little bit, you will be rewarded for your effort.
I’ve visited McConnells Mill State Park twice — once in summer and once in fall — and it’s a stunning place in both seasons. The historic mill wasn’t open when I went, but the waterfall beside it is beautiful and worth seeing. There’s also a charming covered bridge that you can actually drive your car through. Parking near the mill is limited, but there’s decent parking near the entrance and a large lot by the picnic area. The trails, especially the Kildoo Trail, are scenic and run along Slippery Rock Creek, offering great views of the mill and the rushing water. The fall colors in October are absolutely gorgeous. Definitely a must-visit spot if you live near Pittsburgh!
We did one short hike from Point Parking lot down to the mill and back up again and then hit the playground for a picnic lunch and the kids being free to run around!
We identified Hemlock trees Oak trees and found some acorns at the playground. And we captured a red headed woodpecker in a log most likely eating lunch! We saw engagement photos being done, families exploring the trails and a free tour of the mill being given. It was a great day and we will be back again soon to explore another trail!
What a gem! Loved visiting this park. Very interesting history,so well preserved. Park staff were super friendly. Lots of people but not overcrowded. Old and young alike, families and couples,all enjoying the great hiking trails along the creek. I highly recommend this park for a day trip.
Beautiful state park. Was able to have a tour of the mill. Lots of people in the mill and outside. Limited parking at the mill. Lots of people walking around and crossing the roads at the rocks. so, be careful driving around the area. Lots of picnic area with a playground for kids.
Went hiking there . Trails were great . The old mill is very well preserved along with the covered bridge . Very picturesque and Lots of people there on Saturday .
I Loved the Trails Surrounding McConnells Mill.
The Historic Mill itself was vastly interesting. It was Rich with its own History and I am Thankful this place is still here for others to enjoy like myself.
We should continue to preserve places like this for Future Generations.
Amazing park, became one of my favorite with just one hike!
Hiking is moderate and not at all easy with narrow paths, endless up and down along the trail, we picked yellow trail(don't know the name), there's a bridge which has direct vehicle access and over the bridge parking if you just want to enjoy the view of flowing water.
They had community festival when we visited, so we enjoyed the local stalls of food, antiques, pottery, handmade tools and petting animals as well.
Falls is wheelchair and stroller accessible, they've paintings for purchase as well. They kept wheat storage and grinding facilities used in 1900 or so, and water turbine used in earlier days as well!
We had a lovely time at McConnells State Park. The historic mill itself is fascinating to walk through, with great informational signs that made it a fun and educational stop for everyone. It's a perfect self-guided tour, allowing you to explore at your own pace. The machinery inside is surprisingly well-preserved and really gives you a sense of what life was like here in the past.
The hiking trails are quite beautiful and were full of interesting little sights to see along the way. We followed the creek for a while and the kids loved spotting fish and skipping stones. The paths are well-maintained and suitable for all skill levels. A quick heads-up: parking close to the mill is very limited, but it's still absolutely worth the trip.
We ended up parking in the overflow lot which added a pleasant five-minute walk through the woods. We highly recommend it for a relaxing and low-key family outing.
So beautiful check out the boulders on the way in explore around them. Geology trail is spectacular. Really good mixed difficulty trails, lots of hilly river bank trails and ginormous glacial boulders with trees growing out of them.
A great place to spend the day. Beautiful scenery, and old mill that's been restored, a covered bridge, and miles of hiking trails from east to challenging. Plenty of parking available too. Glad we took the time to visit the park as it is very beautiful. I would recommend hiking sticks as there are a lot of rocks on the trail. Will definitely return to see the fall colors.
Love this park! Great hiking trails and beautiful views. Not great for strollers, as there are many rocks and roots throughout, along with a large set of stairs to enter/exit one of the main trails.
The tour of the mill is interesting.
Loved hiking here with my daughter and husband ❤️ We also went with family and we enjoyed every minute here ❤️ it’s was amazing seeing things here and here are the pics I took but I do have more but I recommend coming here if you enjoy hiking❤️
McConnell’s Mill hikes are one of my favorite ways to get out in the woods with my kids and soak in the beauty of western Pennsylvania. The trails are fairly tame but full of variety, offering an abundance of unique scenes as you make your way up and down along Slippery Rock Creek.
My boys love finding special rocks and bugs along the way, and they light up with excitement every time they spot a kayaker paddling down the creek, something we’d love to try ourselves someday.
Personally, I enjoy parking at the lot near the intersection of Johnson Road and McConnells Mill Road. From there, the walk down to the old mill and covered bridge is more gradual than from the main lot, and you get to follow the creek for a good stretch. You’re also much closer to Alpha Falls if you head upstream instead of going downstream toward the mill.
One tip: use the restroom before you arrive. The facilities on site tend to be pretty gross and foul-smelling, definitely something you only forget once.
Just love going here. It is so peaceful. When the leaves are changing, it's so beautiful. The colors are so vibrant, and it's worth experiencing. Most were down and waiting to go down the river when we made it there this year, but it was still an amazing place. Great for pictures, and there is more than one waterfall. If you get a chance, go when the mill is open. It's just a great opportunity to see how everything ran on water and how they produced the grain. A ton of history in one little building. We love the yearly event they have every fall the heritage days. We get to see the leaves and learn the history.
This was a very beautiful historic stop I took my family to!
The tour of the Mill was informational and fun, and the guides were top notch in friendliness and full of fun facts, they seem to love their job! I highly recommend taking the family.
The hiking trails are quite beautiful and full of interesting little sights to see along the way.
*** Caution: very limited parking close to the mill itself, but still worth the stop.
We have hiked all over the Midwest, and this was one of the most beautiful 4 mile hikes we have had. The trails go along the Slippery Rock Creek, up and down the hillside on step-like rocks, and be careful- the rocks are slippery indeed, but the tree roots are slipperier. The trails include section of the famous North Country Trail. Also, keep an eye out for moths, caterpillars, salamanders, and other interesting wildlife.
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