It’s time for the second-ever seasonal map vote! Last winter, I started this vote idea to get some feedback and guide my map-making adventures, and it was such a hit that I decided to make it a seasonal tradition. Each season will have a new theme, and this spring, it’s all about day hikes. Why? I’m so ready to shake off my winter hermit vibes and get out of doors!
Last week, I opened nominations for your favorite day hike locations, and now the top three nominees—McConnells Mill, Moraine, and Laurel Hill State Parks—are up for the vote! I’m especially excited about these picks since I haven’t spent much time in any of them, and Laurel Hill is completely new to me. With the warmer weather rolling in, I can’t wait to explore beyond the city and discover some fresh hiking spots.
As a thank you, voters who select the winning location will be entered for a chance to win $20 off the finished map.
Voting closes Sunday, March 23, so be sure to get your vote in before the weekend ends!
Now, let’s talk about these nominees…
McConnells Mill State Park
40.9509°N, 80.1696°W
McConnells Mill State Park, located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, spans 2,546 acres of rugged terrain, dramatic cliffs, and fast-moving water. Established in 1957 after the donation of land that included the historic McConnells Mill, the park features the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a National Natural Landmark known for its stunning geology and ecological significance. One of the park’s most iconic landmarks is the McConnells Mill Covered Bridge, a historic Howe truss bridge built in 1874 that still stands today.
The park’s namesake, McConnells Mill, was originally constructed in 1852 by Daniel Kennedy and rebuilt in 1868 after a fire. In 1875, Thomas McConnell purchased the mill, implementing technological advancements that made it one of the first roller mills in the country. Although the mill ceased operation in 1928, it remains preserved as a historical site within the park.
Geologic History
The landscape of McConnells Mill was shaped by powerful glacial forces over thousands of years. Prior to glaciation, Slippery Rock Creek flowed northwest. Around 140,000 years ago, a massive ice sheet dammed the waterways, forming glacial lakes. As the glacier retreated, Lake Prouty overflowed at Cleland Rock, cutting through the bedrock and reversing the flow of Slippery Rock Creek. This process carved out the deep and narrow Slippery Rock Gorge, which continues to be shaped by the creek’s powerful currents.
Notable Features
Slippery Rock Creek & Gorge
One of the park’s most dramatic natural features, Slippery Rock Creek winds through the steep-walled gorge, creating breathtaking scenery. The fast-moving waters make it a popular spot for experienced whitewater kayakers, but swimming is strictly prohibited due to dangerous currents. Cleland Rock, a prominent outcrop of Kittanning sandstone, rises 400 feet above the deepest section of the 12-mile-long Slippery Rock Gorge, offering a scenic overlook with expansive views of the rugged landscape shaped by glacial forces.
McConnells Mill Covered Bridge
Built in 1874, the McConnells Mill Covered Bridge is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Pennsylvania still standing in its original location. Spanning Slippery Rock Creek, the bridge provides a picturesque setting for photographers and history lovers alike.
Hells Hollow Falls
Hells Hollow Falls is one of the most scenic waterfalls in the park and a must-visit destination. A relatively easy hiking trail leads visitors to the stunning cascade, where they can admire the layered rock formations and lush forest surrounding the falls.
Kildoo Trail & Breakneck Falls
For those seeking adventure, the Kildoo Trail offers a rugged, scenic journey along the creek, leading to the picturesque Breakneck Falls. This trail features rocky outcrops and stunning views, showcasing the park’s unique geology and natural beauty.
Hiking & Rock Climbing
McConnells Mill offers over 11 miles of trails, ranging from gentle walks to strenuous climbs. The park is also a favorite spot for rock climbers, who test their skills on the towering sandstone formations throughout the gorge.
Bringing Home McConnells Mill
A layered wood topographic map of McConnells Mill State Park would bring its dramatic landscape to life, capturing the deep gorge, winding Slippery Rock Creek, and rugged cliffs in intricate detail. Imagine tracing the steep elevation changes with your fingertips, recalling the rush of the waterfalls, the challenge of the trails, or the history behind the iconic covered bridge.
Moraine State Park
40.9388°N, 80.0975°W
Just a few miles east of McConnells Mill, Moraine State Park stretches across 16,725 acres, with its centerpiece being Lake Arthur, a 3,225-acre lake offering boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Established in 1970, the park was the result of a massive land restoration effort, transforming a landscape once scarred by coal mining and oil drilling into a thriving recreational destination.
Geologic History
Moraine State Park shares a geological history with McConnells Mill, as both landscapes were shaped by the same advancing and retreating glaciers. The same ice sheets that carved Slippery Rock Gorge also formed Lake Watts, a vast glacial lake that once covered much of what is now Moraine State Park. As the glacier retreated, Lake Watts drained completely through a series of temporary outlets, and Lake Arthur was created as a man-made recreation of its ancient counterpart.
Notable Features
Lake Arthur
With 42 miles of shoreline, Lake Arthur offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. It is a vital habitat for waterfowl and fish species while also providing year-round recreation to over one million visitors each year.
Hiking, Biking, & a Glimpse into the Past
Moraine State Park boasts 28 miles of scenic trails, including the Moraine North Country Trail and Sunken Garden Trail, which wind through forests, wetlands, and glacially formed landscapes. The bike trail along the north shore offers stunning views of Lake Arthur while also providing access to remnants of the park’s industrial past.
Once dominated by coal mining and oil drilling, the landscape has been transformed through extensive restoration efforts. However, traces of history remain—plugged wells, oil pump houses, and mining debris can still be spotted along Wyggeston Trail, while a former strip mine highwall on South Shore Drive reveals Kittanning sandstones and shales. Along the bike trail, scattered sandstone blocks and rust-colored seeps serve as reminders of the region’s resource-driven history.
Wildlife & Birdwatching
Moraine State Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, osprey, and bald eagles. The Waterfowl Observation Deck along the lake’s shore provides a prime location for birdwatching, especially during seasonal migrations.
Swimming & Boating
With two public beaches and multiple marinas, Moraine State Park is a popular destination for swimming, sailing, kayaking, and motorboating.
Capturing Moraine State Park’s Glacial Landscape in Wood
A layered wood topographic map of Moraine State Park would highlight the park’s glacially sculpted terrain, the winding shoreline of Lake Arthur, and the surrounding rolling hills. The contrast between water and land would be striking, showcasing the lake’s expansive reach and the forests that frame it. This map captures the park’s unique evolution from an ancient glacial lake to a reclaimed natural paradise, offering a visual connection to its history and landscape.
Laurel Hill State Park
40.0099°N, 79.2244°W
Nestled in the Laurel Highlands of southwestern Pennsylvania, Laurel Hill State Park offers an ideal blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1935, the park spans over 4,000 acres and is a testament to Pennsylvania's efforts to preserve its scenic landscapes and foster outdoor recreation. The park has become a popular destination for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning views of forested hills, tranquil lakes, and diverse wildlife.
Historical Significance
The land that now makes up the park was once part of a large estate. In the early 20th century, the area was used for coal mining, which left scars on the land. In the 1930s, the state acquired the land and transformed it into a recreational park. The park’s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) buildings, built during the Great Depression, are still visible today and provide a glimpse into the era's efforts to restore and preserve Pennsylvania’s natural areas. The park’s restoration efforts are a testament to the power of conservation and how, over time, landscapes can heal and thrive.
Notable Features
Laurel Hill Lake
At the heart of Laurel Hill State Park is Laurel Hill Lake, a 63-acre body of water that provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake is a serene destination for those looking to unwind, while its waters support a variety of fish species, including trout and bass. The surrounding shores offer scenic views, making it an excellent spot for photography or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Hemlock Natural Area
Home to a stand of old-growth eastern hemlock trees that are 200-300 years old and up to 3.5 feet in diameter, this area offers a rare glimpse into Pennsylvania's ancient forest. (This alone is enough of a draw to get me excited!)
Hiking and Trails
The park is home to a range of hiking trails, each offering unique perspectives of the area's diverse landscape. The Laurel Hill Trail, a 10-mile loop, is one of the park’s most popular hiking routes. It takes visitors through dense forests, past streams, and along the shores of Laurel Hill Lake. The Pumphouse Trail is 1.6 miles and is an easy hike with a gradual incline leading to the Jones Mill Run Dam.
Wildlife and Birdwatching
Laurel Hill State Park is teeming with wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Visitors may encounter species such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and an array of bird species, including hawks and songbirds. The park’s varied ecosystems, from forests to wetlands, provide rich habitats for these creatures, adding to the park’s allure as a wildlife haven.
Laurel Hill State Park as a Wood Map
A layered wood topographic map of Laurel Hill State Park would showcase its defining features—Laurel Hill Lake, the CCC-built Jones Mill Run Dam, and the ancient hemlock forest—highlighting the park’s natural beauty and rich history in intricate detail.
Wood Topographic Maps
A layered wood topographic map is more than just décor—it’s a tribute to your adventures and a tangible connection to the landscapes you love. Whether it’s the deep gorge of McConnells Mill, the winding shores of Moraine’s Lake Arthur, or the serene beauty of Laurel Hill’s hemlock forests, these maps bring each park’s unique terrain to life in intricate detail. They serve as daily reminders of past hikes, inspire future explorations, and add warmth and character to any space. Perfect for home, office, or cabin, they spark conversation and celebrate Pennsylvania’s incredible outdoor spaces.
Handcrafted in Pittsburgh by a queer woman-owned small business, each map is made from American-grown FSC-certified maple wood, sourced from responsibly managed forests. Maple, one of Pennsylvania’s most common trees, allows you to bring a piece of the park home while respecting the Leave No Trace philosophy.
If your favorite location didn’t make the list, don’t forget that you can order a custom map of anywhere using our new map builder!
Explore More
For more information about McConnells Mill, Moraine, and Laurel Hill State Parks, check out these sources:
- Moraine and McConnells Mill State Parks, Butler and Lawrence Counties—Glacial Lakes and Drainage Changes (with addendum on Muddy Creek Oil Field) (all maps about these two parks are from this very cool document)
- PA DCNR
- Visit Lawrence County - McConnells Mill
- Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - McConnells Mill History
