Ice Climbing Gear Guide
Tackle your winter climbing objectives with the right tools and find your stride with ease.
The Mill keeps climbers coming back with a mix of routes for all levels of rock climbing.
With dozens of routes and tons of variety, McConnells Mill State Park is a must-visit crag for Pittsburgh-area climbers. It’s one of only three sanctioned climbing areas in the Pennsylvania State Park network, and sits just 45 minutes north of the city. Routes are spread between the two official zones: Breakneck Bridge and Rim Road.
Rim Road is the more developed of the two areas, with over 40 routes spread between boulder problems and roped climbing. Most routes have top-rope anchors or slingable trees, making them great for sport climbers. But trad climbers will also find plenty to do here, with a huge mix of possible routes that can be protected.
McConnell Mill is an excellent location for mixed-skill pairs; newer climbers can top-rope or try out leading on routes starting at 5.4, while experts can test themselves on routes up to 5.12b. Bouldering routes range from V0 to V5 with some PG13 protection ratings.
The rock is classic western Pennsylvania sandstone with plenty of overhangs to keep things interesting. Sandstone is weakened when wet, so give the crag a break after heavy rain. Also, as tempting as it might be to take a dip in Slippery Rock Creek on a hot day, don’t. The whitewater is swift and can be a serious hazard. Head over to nearby Moraine State Park to take a dip in Lake Arthur instead.
