Mcconnells Mill State Park

Star4.75
12 reviews
225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States
Scenic ViewsGreat Hiking

Quick Facts

1,175 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens McConnells Mill State Park site

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Mcconnells Mill State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No camping fees are applicable as there are no campsites within the park.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 12 reviews

2884 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsclean

"McConnells Mill State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. Historical elements like the old gristmill and covered bridge are particularly appreciated. However, some reviews note challenges with cell service and park signage."

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Campground Map

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Mcconnells Mill State Park

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Driving directionsThe park is about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh, via I-79, near the intersection of PA 19 and US 422. For GPS devices use the following address: 2697 McConnells Mill Road Portersville, PA 16051.
Roads are generally accessible year-round. The large parking lot at the end of the road off Hwy 422 is often full on weekends. Roads are plowed in winter. 'The Red Covered Bridge road is extremely steep' (user review).
Nearby places
Pittsburgh: 40 miles (~45-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Convenience stores are located within 10 miles.

Best Time to Camp at Mcconnells Mill State Park

Experience the park's ever-changing moods through four distinct seasons. Winter transforms the gorge into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures hovering around 34°F and frequent snowfall creating magical ice formations along the creek. Summer brings warm, humid days averaging 77°F, perfect for exploring the cool shadows of the gorge. Spring and fall paint the landscape with vibrant colors, though visitors should prepare for occasional rain showers that enhance the waterfalls' dramatic flow.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Good recreation opportunities in summer though visitation increases and parking can fill.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
5.0 / 5
Top 5% in PA

Colorful fall foliage and scenic overlooks are frequently praised in reviews (Oct mentions).

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings active waterfalls and trail hiking; seasonally beautiful though fewer reviews cited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 7% in PA

Winter transforms the gorge into a snowy, crystalline landscape; park open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not applicable.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: .

About Mcconnells Mill State Park

Discover a dramatic landscape where nature and history converge at McConnells Mill State Park. This spectacular 2,546-acre preserve cradles the breathtaking Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, where a restored 1800s gristmill stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage. While the park doesn't offer camping, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through one of the state's most stunning geological formations.
McConnells Mill State Park is primarily a day-use park with no overnight camping facilities. Visitors are limited to daytime recreational activities and tours.
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Check-in
No camping facilities.
Check-out
No camping facilities.
Stay Limit
No camping allowed.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

McConnells Mill State Park emphasizes outdoor recreation, including hiking, rock climbing, fishing, and kayaking. The park also supports historical tours of the gristmill and the covered bridge, which are significant attractions.
HikingThe park offers a variety of trails of different levels of difficulty. The Gorge Trail is the most popular, stretching 6.2 kilometers and providing a stunning view of Kildoo Falls. Other paths like Hells Hollow Falls and routes near the covered bridge and lime kiln are described as 'easy hikes not crowded and great for kids.'
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing is available less than a mile from key park areas. Slippery Rock Creek provides freshwater fishing opportunities.
BoatingNonpowered boat access areas exist along the Slippery Rock Creek, but parking is limited.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsHistorical tours of the gristmill are led by knowledgeable guides. One reviewer noted, 'Our guide was amazing. She spent all the time we wanted, engaged the kids, knew her stuff, and frankly was inspiring.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSlippery Rock Creek has strong currents, which can be hazardous. User reviews mention instances of adults falling into the creek with fatal outcomes.
Active Alerts.

Weather at Mcconnells Mill State Park

Reviews

4.8
12 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Mcconnells Mill State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
McConnells Mill State Park receives overwhelmingly positive reviews for its natural beauty, well-maintained facilities, and variety of activities. Historical elements like the old gristmill and covered bridge are particularly appreciated. However, some reviews note challenges with cell service and park signage.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers frequently praise the park's cleanliness, scenic beauty, and variety of activities. The Gorge Trail and views of Kildoo Falls are particularly mentioned. Historical tours of the gristmill...
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Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors noted that cell service is spotty, and park signage is limited, making navigation challenging. Parking may also be limited in certain areas.
Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

It’s recommended to load maps ahead of time due to spotty cell service. The Gorge Trail and gristmill tour are must-dos. Visitors should also exercise caution near water due to strong currents.
Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is described as beautiful year-round, with seasonal highlights such as colorful foliage in the fall and snow-covered landscapes in winter. Summer sees more visitors but is not described as...
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Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The view from the top of the gorge is simply spectacular and well worth the effort of the hike.' 2. 'Always been a clean park with bathrooms, picnic tables and benches everywhere.' 3. 'The large...
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Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No campsite-specific reviews as the park does not offer camping.
Based on 12 reviews

Accessibility Features

The park is accessible, with ADA parking close to key facilities. However, limited information is available on trails adapted for disabilities.
Based on 12 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in designated areas, and many visitors report enjoying the park with their dogs.
Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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