Mills Bouldering Logistics

Getting to the Mill
McConnell's Mill State Park is a classic gritty sandstone bouldering area less than an hour north of the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania metro area. Located 1/2 mile west of Interstate 79, just off of Route 422 in Lawrence County. Maps of McConnell's Mill are available at the Park office on McConnell's Mill Road.

Seasons
Spring and Fall are the prime bouldering seasons. After a soaking rain the Mill may take days to dry out. In Summer, July especially, the due point can get higher than the temperature, add the humidity and the cool rock causes condensation to form on the rock making for poor conditions. Winter can be the driest season when there are warm breaks in the weather.

Emergencies
1. Contact a park employee or dial 911. Many climbers at the Mill carry cell phones. You may have to be above the Rocks to place a cell phone call.
2. A 911 emergency phone is located directly across from the McConnell's Mill Historic Site (The Old Mill) on McConnell's Mill Road. This phone dials 911 only, please use only for true emergencies.
3. The nearest hospital is St. Francis Hospital in New Castle or Butler Memorial Hospital in Butler. For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Regulations
Two climbing areas are designated for properly equipped climbers and boulders. The Rim Road Climbing Area is located across from the Old Mill. Breakneck Rocks are located under Breakneck Bridge. Climbing is not currently permitted in the Road Side Area or The Projects.

Cautions
1. The rocks can be very slippery after a rain. The greatest incidence of death in the park is from people slipping on the wet rocks and then falling in to the creek and drowning.
2. Hunting is allowed in the park in Hunting Season. Keep an eye out for hunters, especially in the Fall.

Guidebooks
Classic Rock Climbs No. 26 McConnell's Mill State Park, Pennsylvania

Author: Bob Value 1999, Falcon. ISBN 1-56044-756-7.
Bob Value has put together a great guide to the Mill. If you are planning a trip to the Mill it's highly recommend to get a copy.

Recommended Boulder Problems

Rest Days
Whitewater boating is permitted in rubber rafts, whitewater canoes and kayaks. Rafts must be at least eight feet long and have at least two air chambers in the gunnels. All boaters must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices at all times. For information on boating regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site

Fishing is permitted anywhere along Slippery Rock Creek with the exception of the dam structures. The best fishing is for trout and bass. Trout are stocked several times throughout the season. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. A "Delayed Harvest - Fly Fishing Only" area located by Armstrong Bridge is available for year round fly fishing. For information on fishing regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Hiking: There are 11 plus miles of rugged trails in the gorge. The North Country Trail goes through the center of the park and includes Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, the longest trail in the park, which connects Hell's Hollow to Eckert Bridge in a six-mile non-loop trail. This is a long, and in places, difficult trail with a 200 foot elevation gain and loss.

Camping
Camping is not available in the park. However there are a few private campgrounds near by. Check out Pennsylvania Campgrounds web site for more camping information.

Local Climbing Shops

Park Information
Park Information provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Park Contact Information

DISCLAIMER
The information contained within or linked to by this website is not bouldering instruction. You should receive professional instruction from a certified bouldering instructor before attempting to boulder. Bouldering can result in severe injury or death. You boulder at your own risk. "Mills Bouldering" accepts no liability whatsoever for actions taken by individuals based upon information presented by or linked to by this website. The editor and publisher of this website offer no warranty that the content of this guide is accurate, the use of this website for the purpose of bouldering indicates that you understand its limitations and agree to accept full responsibility for your actions in a potentially life threatening sport.
Use of a crash pad is always recommended.
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