Wolf Creek Narrows

Wolf Creek Narrows and Miller Woods

Wolf Creek Narrows

Wolf Creek Narrows is a spring wildflower lover's dream hike.

Located on land owned by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy just outside of Slippery Rock Pennsylvania, Wolf Creek Narrows is not very well known, but is well worth a visit any time of the year.

The tranquil Slippery Rock Creek is a fun place to skip rocks.

The trail which is a 1.5 mile loop through mature forest, is well maintained.  The first part of the trial runs along the banks of Wolf Creek and is dominated by tall hemlocks.  At one point one can easily walk down to a rocky beach and enjoy the views of the creek and cliffs on the opposite shore. It's fun to skip rocks in the tranquil creek or just sit and listen to the water.  The trail then climbs up and away from the the water, trading the hemlocks for oak, maple, cherry and other deciduous trees.

Wild geraniums are abundant along the lower part of the Wolf Creek Narrows trail.

Although this trail is beautiful anytime of the year,  the spring wildflowers put on a spectacular show and are a must-see.  Depending on the week, the trail can be lined with bluebells, wild phlox, wild geranium, trillium, violets and numerous other wildflowers.

There are times when the beautiful flower display can take one's breath away.  For wildflower lovers, it's almost a requirement.

Who can resist the bluebells along Slippery Rock Creek in Wolf Creek Narrows?

Miller Woods

Miller Woods Trail

Miller Woods tract has a short trail on the opposite end of the bridge from Wolf Creek.  This is on land owned by Slippery Rock University.  An out and back trail,  it meanders in the flood plane of Wolf Creek and, although it does not have the old forest found on the other side of the bridge, it is still a nice hike.

The map at the parking lot shows a loop, but the trail is not well marked and the loop appears lost to overgrowth and floods.  Follow the old dirt road bed into the woods as it narrows to a single path.  Eventually you will come to the remains of a small crumbling dam on a small run.  In the summer the pool by the dam is home to many small fish, and frogs.  Cross the stream on the rock and remnants of dam and continue into the flood plane.  The trail ends at a rocky beach on a bend in the creek.

Slippery Rock Creek

Combine the Wolf Creek trail hike with the Miller Woods tract for a nice hike.

Location:

To find the trail take interstate 79 to the Slippery Rock exit and follow 108 to Slippery Rock. Turn left at the traffic light (north main street), then take the next left (Water Street) and drive about 2 miles to the bridge over Wolf Creek. 

The parking is located at the trail head for Miller Woods.  Walk back across the bridge to find the trail head for Wolf Creek Narrows.

Trail Tips:

• Visit in the spring to see the wildflowers.  The best time is usually in the weeks around Mother's Day.  The flowers change weekly for a few weeks, so its worth visiting more than once.
• Follow the road up the hill from the parking lot a couple of hundred feet to find a historic marker commemorating a treaty signed during the French and Indian War.
• Note, the parking is a bit limited and can be crowded when the flowers are in bloom.
• Both trails cross the flood plane of Wolf Creek.  Flooding can make the trails inaccessible, and very muddy.

More Information:

• Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
• Visit Butler County