Do you ever just feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale when you discover natural beauty in and around the Burgh? If not or if it’s been a while, set off on a picturesque hike that will take you to a beautiful gorge near Pittsburgh. On your journey to the bottom of the gorge, you’ll travel through wooded areas, past waterfalls, and along a flowing creek.
Embark on the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, nestled in McConnells Mill State Park, that will take you down 400 feet, to the deepest part of the lush green gorge.
All Trails/Michael Grimm The trail begins and ends at Eckert Bridge. (However, the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail is not a loop trail.)
Before you set off, however, make sure you are physically fit and ready for the challenge of this 6.2-mile trail (that’s just one way) that’s rated as difficult.
All Trails/Danielle Marie
Ensure you wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes; wear clothing that’s appropriate for the weather; and bring plenty of water.
All Trails/Yvette Jester Don’t forget to carry other necessities, too, including a first aid kit.
Carve out a minimum of six hours if you plan to hike the whole trail. If you’re only going one-way, make plans for a shuttle or for someone to pick you up at the end.
All Trails/Lindsay Parr
Don’t worry. The challenge definitely comes with plenty of rewards, including beautiful waterfalls.
All Trails/Steve Golebiewski
Dip your feet in the pool into which the waterfall tumbles as you hike along the trail that also features…
All Trails/Shilah Briceland
…plenty of lush trees. Once you hit 3.5 miles, you’ll have hiked down to the deepest part of the gorge.
All Trails/Daniel McGuinness
After that, the hike gets considerably more difficult when the trail becomes steeper.
All Trails/Michael Grimm
Address: 1761 McConnells Mill Road, Portersville, PA 16051
All Trails/Nathan Vivis Click here for the official website of McConnells Mill State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.
Have you ever been to this gorge near Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments! Up for some more hiking? Set off on the Great Gorge Trail that passes fields of wildflowers. Click here to read more.
All Trails/Michael Grimm
The trail begins and ends at Eckert Bridge. (However, the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail is not a loop trail.)
All Trails/Danielle Marie
All Trails/Yvette Jester
Don’t forget to carry other necessities, too, including a first aid kit.
All Trails/Lindsay Parr
All Trails/Steve Golebiewski
All Trails/Shilah Briceland
All Trails/Daniel McGuinness
All Trails/Nathan Vivis
Click here for the official website of McConnells Mill State Park. Or, go here for Facebook.
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