Historic McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge — Attraction in Slippery Rock Township

This is a MUST-SEE place! Spanning the cliffs and rapids of Slippery Rock Creek sits McConnell's Mill covered bridge, a historic thoroughfare built in 1874 that is steeped in both history and legend. Rumor has it that this is one of the most haunted areas of Butler County, so it draws both bridge enthusiasts as well as those seeking contact with the spirit world. It was constructed upon stone foundations, supported by steel girders.

This distinctive red-with-white-interior covered bridge measures 96' in length, and sports a Howe truss design, which can only be found in three other still-standing PA covered bridges. Located in Lawrence County in Portersville, this bridge is constructed with vertical board-and-batten siding, which was common among Pennsylvania covered bridges in the 19th century. A one-foot “window” beneath each of the top chords enables light to penetrate the bridge's otherwise...

It was a beautiful area worth the visit but I felt it wasn't very direction or visitor friendly. We tried to drive to get the lay of the land and found Kennedy road towards the mill was blocked off with "road closed" signs, so we turned the car around to park in the picnic lot. Then we found the Kildoo picnic stairs hidden behind the restrooms and we followed that path seeing other visitors going back and forth. It was closed off as well. We ended up walking down Kennedy road, taking the risk because we weren't sure if it was open to foot traffic, and found people parking in the lower level and using the covered bridge with their vehicles, it was the full loop towards Point parking lot that was closed. What was posted on the information board wasn't super helpful and seemed out of date. If you're in the park, make sure you take the Rim Road before you leave-...

The covered bridge is a beautiful addition to the hiking experience. It wasn't what we really were looking to do as it's just a reminder of how most people discover the hiking journey. I went across the bridge and ventured to the other side, walk along the road but eventually arrive to the other side and enjoyed myself so immensely I cannot recommend any other way. I went bouldering across the bridge which did not realize was a possibility but I would recommend it to anyone visiting...