Head out to McConnell’s Mill State Park this weekend to bask in the crisp autumn sunshine while soaking up some local history. McConnell’s Mill’s is hosting its annual Heritage Festival on Saturday, September 26, and Sunday, September 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking and admission to the festival are free.
This year’s theme celebrates the operational period of the gristmill, 1852-1928. In keeping with this theme, the festival offers a variety of era inspired activities.
You can browse old-fashioned crafts sold by vendors in period costume while tapping your toe to the plucky sounds of Bluegrass music. You can even take a free tour of the mill and witness the inner machinations of a turn-of-the-century gristmill.
The festival is also hosting a civil war encampment, which adds authenticity and drama to the mix.
Of course, there is more to see than just the festival. McConnell’s Mill State Park is a national natural landmark that covers 2,546 acres of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. The spectacular scenery and eye-popping rock formations were created thousands of years ago from glacial lake drainage.
The gorge features steep cliffs and the valley floor is peppered with enormous boulders, attracting experienced rock climbers and rappellers. And the Slippery Rock Creek boasts class II to class IV rapids, luring white water enthusiasts to its shores.
However, you don’t have to be an extreme sports junkie to enjoy the visceral beauty of the park. There are trails to satisfy every hiker. There are easy trails along the creek’s edge and more challenging trails that snake up the side of the gorge. Either way, you get a workout underneath a dramatic display of fall foliage.
For more information contact McConnell’s Mill State Park at 724-368-3612, email, mcmill@localnet.com, or visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/mcconnellsmill.aspx.
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
- Moraine State Park - Is another gem of a state park located just down the road from McConnell’s Mill. Opportunities for biking, hiking, camping, horseback riding, wind-surfing and fishing abound.
To learn more visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/moraine.aspx.
- Springfield Falls – This impressive cascade is located a little further north near Leesburg in Mercer County. To reach the falls, turn off route 19 onto Leesburg Station Road, go straight at the 90 degree turn onto Falls Road. Parking is available at the bottom of the hill.
- Grove City Outlets – Get a great deal on your outdoor gear at the Merrill or Columbia Sportswear outlets.
- Wendell August Flagship Store – not outdoor related but still interesting. Visitors to the store are treated to tours of the workshop where real artisans and craftspeople are forging unique metal giftware.
Visit https://www.wendellaugust.com/locations/1 for details and directions. |
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