McConnells Mill State Park - Kildoo Trail

McConnells Mill State Park - Kildoo Trail

McConnells Mill State Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Western PA or, quite frankly, anywhere.  The gorge, with it's huge boulders scattered about, is surrounded by large trees and ancient hemlocks which create an almost eerie atmosphere. It is dark, damp and cool, even when it's warm and sunny outside.  Hiking many parts of the trail makes one feel almost like they are in a deep dark forest found only in fairy tales.  At the start of the trail, there is an 1800s grist mill and a working covered bridge.  The mill is open for touring during certain hours.

McConnells Mill State Park has has several trails, all well worth hiking, but by far our favorite is the Kildoo trail.

McConnell's Mill in Pennsylvania

Always a favorite spot for hikers, kayakers and photographers, the mill is one of the highlights of the trail.  It's beautiful any time of year, but particularly in the fall.

Slippery Rock Creek

The two mile Kildoo loop follows along the banks of the Slippery Rock creek and one is never far from the sound of water.  The trail is shaded by forest for its entire length as it winds between the trees and large boulders.  It passes along a couple of small water falls and remnants old mills.

Moss covered grist stone along the trail.

On the mill side of the creek, the trail has yellow blazes.  On the opposite side of the creek it is marked with blue blaze which indicated that the path is shared with the North Country Trail.  The trail is easy enough to follow, even without the blazes.

The Kildoo Trail shares the route with the North Country Trail on one side of the loop.

Note, this trail may be only two miles, but it can be a bit challenging.   You will need to step over and around many rocks and roots.   It is also normally at least a bit muddy in places.  The PA DCNR rates this as a moderate trail.

Location:

The trail head starts just down stream of the grist mill and covered bridge.   Hike along the trail to Eckert's bridge, cross the bridge and follow the trail upstream back to the covered bridge.

Trail Tips:

• For any easy introduction to the Kildoo trail, walk the first half mile of the trail head to a wooden foot bridge.  This part of the trail has a hard packed surface without all the rocks and roots.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots.  The trail is rocky.
• Parking at the trail head next to the mill is limited.  Park at either of the parking lots at the top of the hill and follow the paths to the mill, or hike the Alpha Pass trail to the mill.
• If you have time, take a tour the old mill.  Check out the official web site for times.

More Information:

• McConnells Mills State Park Official Web Page