McConnells Mill State Park shows off newest route

June 22, 2023 Last Updated: June 23, 2023 10:47 AM Local News

The Breakneck Falls trail is the newest of the five hiking trails at McConnells Mill State Park. Justin Guido/Butler Eagle

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — On Thursday, parkgoers got to experience the Breakneck Falls trail, the newest of the five hiking trails at McConnells Mill State Park.

Breakneck Falls, which was forged over two years ago by the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, is rated as a “moderately difficult” hiking trail. It measures a mile and a half and features numerous elevation changes.

“It was almost a two-year process to lay out a trail, evaluate it for sustainability above the flood plain, and making sure we’re not impacting any natural vegetation or plants,” said Brian Flores, assistant park manager of both McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks.

The trail starts at Breakneck Bridge and follows the eastern banks of Slippery Rock Creek.

“There are some rock outcrops and wildflowers along the way. Then it crosses Cheesman Run, and then it goes up a boulder … up a steep slope, up to the base of the waterfall,” Flores said. “It’s nice because you can go traverse around some of the large boulders up and down the route. That’s what makes it moderately difficult.”

The Breakneck Falls route has actually been on the map for over two years now, but even before then, hikers at McConnells Mill have tried descending the slippery rocks to reach the falls — a highly dangerous undertaking.

“We were having a lot of people trying to climb down steep embankments to look at the falls, and there was no defined and marked trail that got up to the falls,” Flores said. “This trail provides nice, safe access with public safety.”

The Breakneck Falls trail is rated as “moderately difficult,” but it isn’t the hardest trail at McConnells Mill. According to Flores, that honor belongs to the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. That trail takes up 6.2 miles and features very steep terrain and elevation changes.

DCNR Environmental Education Specialist lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Natalie Simon lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Natalie Somon lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

Braelyn Buchanan and sister Kinley explore Breakneck falls as DCNR Environmental Education Specialist lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

The Slippery Rock creek seen form Breakneck Bridge as DCNR Environmental Education Specialist lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

George Spinneweber helps his wife Linda across the creek as DCNR Environmental Education Specialist lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

Braelyn. Buchanan (left) and George and Linda Spinneweber check the falls out as DCNR Environmental Education Specialist lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23

DCNR Environmental Education Specialist Natalie Simon talks about the hemlocks with Suzanne Patterson as she lead attendees on a mile and a half hike on the new trail to Breakneck Falls. During the journey into the National Natural Landmark Slippery Rock Gorge, participants will learn about local geology and waterfall safety to Breakneck waterfall in McConnells Mills State Park on Thursday June 22, 2023. Justin Guido/ Butler Eagle 06/22/23