Alerts

Drinking water will not be available at the Kildoo Day Use Area until further notice.  Due to changes in drinking water regulations, the existing system needs upgraded.  A project is being developed to fix the problem, but a timeframe is not currently available.

SPOT THE PROBLEM. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. To date, our park does NOT have these pests. Help us stay lanternfly free and stop the spread. Visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website to learn how to identify it, report it, and inspect your vehicle or gear when traveling to and from the quarantine zone.

McConnells Mill State Park

McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, which is a National Natural Landmark.

Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides while the valley floor is littered with huge boulders. Scenic overlooks and waterfalls are popular natural attractions.

Visitors can tour a historic gristmill and covered bridge built in the 1800s.

Seasons and Hours

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The historic gristmill is open on a limited schedule.

Contact the Moraine State Park office for facility seasons and hours.

Reservations

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.

Directions

The park is about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, via I-79, near the intersection of PA 19 and US 422.

From US 422 west, the park entrance is on the left less than one half mile from the intersection of PA 19.

For GPS devices, search for Kildoo Parking Lot at McConnells Mill State Park.

GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 40.951710, Long. -80.168474

No Swimming!

Slippery Rock Creek is a very swift and dangerous whitewater creek. Many people have drowned. Nearby, Moraine State Park has two swimming beaches.

Danger -- Whitewater -- Slippery Rocks

Visitors entering McConnells Mill State Park should be aware of the natural hazards and steep terrain of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge.

This area contains smooth rocks that are often damp and slippery, and varying degrees of whitewater conditions, including deep pools, rapids, and swift currents.

Adults should be aware of these features and exercise caution to protect themselves and children from accidents.

Numerous accidents here have resulted in injury and death.

Please exercise extreme caution and stay on trails.

Pets

Pets are permitted in the park, but must be controlled and attended at all times and on a leash. Please pick up pet wastes and dispose of them properly.

Learn, Experience, Connect

A park naturalist is available several days a week on a seasonal basis to conduct:

• Guided hikes
• Night programs
• School group activities

Please contact Moraine State Park for more information or to schedule a program.

The Historic Gristmill

The 19th century gristmill is the centerpiece of McConnells Mill State Park. The historic gristmill is open:

Memorial Day through late September
Wednesdays through Sundays
10:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Park at the Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down the stone stairs to the historic gristmill.

Limited parking for people with disabilities is be available beside the gristmill.

Interpretive tours of the historic mill, given by staff or volunteer docents, are available at 1:00 P.M. and 2:00 P.M.

Group tours may be scheduled by calling the Moraine Park office at 724-368-8811.

Trail of Geology

The natural character of McConnells Mill State Park, the scenic gorge, waterfalls, rugged hiking trails, and whitewater creek, are all directly caused by the geology of the area.

The bedrock formed more than 300 million years ago as layers of sand, mud, and peat built up in what was a coastal area.

After becoming rock, these different layers were lifted to the surface in several mountain-building events.

The different strengths of these rocks cause them to erode differently, helping to make the varied landscape of the park.

The gorge and the dramatic topography of the park were created by glaciers during the past two million years.

To learn more about the geology of the park, download or pick up a copy of the Trail of Geology - Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks Guide (PDF) at the park office.

This driving tour brochure corresponds to numbered posts throughout the park and surrounding area.

Heritage Festival

McConnells Mill Heritage Festival is held on the last full weekend in September. The festival celebrates the operational era of the Old Mill (1852-1928).

Visitors can witness artisans and crafts people making art and try old-time games and crafts. Other activities include:

• Civil war encampment
• Corn grinding demonstrations
• Food vendors
• Mill tours
• Musical entertainment

Weddings

Kildoo Pavilion is a popular venue for weddings at McConnells Mill State Park. Reservations are required in advance and include the pavilion with parking.​

Weddings are not permitted in other park areas.​

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the Kildoo Picnic Area parking lot.

Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911 and contact a park employee.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards.

Nearest Hospital

UPMC Jameson
1211 Wilmington Avenue
New Castle, PA 16105
724-658-9001​​