Area Attractions
Volant, Pa
Once a sleepy village, Volant has been transformed into a quaint tourist attraction where the Amish mingle with the “English”. The quaint village of Volant, with more than 25 shops and restaurants within walking distance, is only 1/8 mile long. In 1874, in amazement,hunters exclaimed “volant!” as ducks took flight from a local pond. The Latin meaning of volant is “they fly.”
The pulse of Volant can be found along Main Street where Amish buggies co-mingle with automobiles. The gristmill is now a country, antique and specialty shop. Other shops along Main Street offer Victorian collectibles, homemade arts and crafts, Christmas specialties, pottery, music-related items and contemporary fashions.
Volant is located 3.1 miles from Neshannock Creekside Log Cabin
McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park, in Lawrence County, encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides and the valley floor is littered with huge boulders. The gristmill was built in the 1800’s to grind grain for the community. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Enjoy picnicking, fishing, climbing and rappelling, whitewater boating, trail of Geology and 9 miles of hiking trails: Hells Hollow, Kildoo, Slippery Rock Gorge and Alpha Pass which includes the North Country Trail.
The historic gristmill at McConnells Mill State Park is open Memorial Day through late September on Wednesdays through Sundays from 10:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Park at the Kildoo Picnic Area and hike down the stone stairs to the mill. Limited parking, for people with disabilities, may be available beside the mill.
Interpretive tours of the historic mill, given by staff or volunteer docents, are available at 1:00 and 2:00 PM. Interpretive tours for groups may be scheduled by calling the Moraine Park office 724 368-8811.
McConnells Mill Heritage Festival is held on the last full weekend in September. The festival celebrates the operational era of the Old Mill (1852-1928). Visitors can witness artisans and crafts people making art and try old-time games and crafts. Other activities include mill tours, corn grinding demonstrations, musical entertainment, a Civil War encampment and food vendors.
McConnells Mill State Park is located 13 miles from the Neshannock Creekside Log Cabin.
Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park is 16,725 acres, with 1,750 square feet of beach, 71 miles of trails and 42 miles of shoreline.
BIKING
Pedal along the paved bicycle path at Moraine State Park that runs along the shoreline of Lake Arthur. This scenic trail is 7-miles (each way) and located on the north. It is not a loop. The trail winds throughout the park’s various terrains and has several grades and curves. The trail can be accessed at Spoke House Bike Rental and many other places in the Lakeview Beach and Watts Bay Marina areas. Please exercise caution and be considerate of other riders and walkers when using this trail.
Bike Rental - Don’t want to bring your own bike? No problem! Just rent one from Spoke House Bike Rentals. They offer rentals for a variety of bikes like single, multi-gear, tag-a-longs, childrens and tandem bikes, gear and child pull behinds. They are open Friday - Sunday in April and May from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. and everyday in June, July and August from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; weather permitting.
BIRDING
Moraine State Park is a great place to spot our feathered friends. Bald Eagles, herons, warblers, ducks and Osprey are among the many species that can be found throughout the park’s nearly 17,000 acres. The waterfowl observation deck is a nice sheltered area to watch bird life. The observation deck is accessible from Rt 528 near Prospect. Learn about Osprey reintroduction while appreciating the gorgeous scenery and wildlife on Preston's Pearl, an enclosed pontoon boat operated by Moraine Preservation Fund.
DISC GOLFING
An 18-hole disc golf course is in the Lakeview Day Use Area. This par 66 championship level course has spectacular views and scenery while challenging disc golfers with a strenuous but rewarding workout. The course was used as part of the 2015 and 2021 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships! Visit Lake Disc Golf Course.
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Moraine State Park offers a wide variety of environmental education, interpretive and recreational programs. Through hands-on educational activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.
Programs are offered year-round. Teacher workshops and educational programs for students are available.
Please contact the park office or go to www.visitPAparks.com for more information.
GEOCACHING
The park is open for geocaching 8 a.m. to sunset. Search 16051 on www.geocaching.com for locations. To place a cache, approval and a maintenance agreement is needed from the park office. GPS units can be checked out with valid ID if not in use for educational programming.
HIKING
There are 28 miles of trails. The hiking trails of Moraine State Park wander through forests and grassy areas, along lake edges and past wetlands. For your safety and to protect the resource, please stay on the trails. For the safety of all park visitors, please keep dogs leashed and under physical control at all times. A great overview of the park's trails is available here through Moraine State Park.
North Country National Scenic Trail - Venture out on Glacier Ridge Trail, a 15-mile trail that’s part of The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT). The NCT spans 4,800 miles over eight states from North Dakota to Vermont, and can be accessed in multiple areas of Butler County. The NCT is the only national trail to stretch west to east and winds through Moraine State Park and Jennings Environmental Education Center. With several entry points for hikers, the trail offers diverse landscapes, beautiful views of Lake Arthur, protected prairies and the forest.
HORSEBACK RIDING
20 miles of equestrian trails are in the southwest and east sides of the park. Riding is limited to designated trails and roadsides throughout the park.
HUNTING
About 13,600 acres of Moraine State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are waterfowl, deer, turkey, grouse, bear, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel. No hunting areas are posted. A map is available at the park office showing portions of the park open to hunting. No hunting areas are posted. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.
MOUNTAIN BIKING
A 6-mile loop trail for mountain bikes is on the North Shore. Trailheads are located off of Mt. Union Road and Alexander Ridge Road. This technical trail is for experienced off-road riders in good physical condition who have equipment for off-road riding. It was named one of the most technical mountain bike trails in the world!
PICKNICKING
Take in the spectacular scenery while having a picnic at one of the many designated picnic areas within the park. Find your favorite spot and utilize the picnic tables, charcoal grills and public restrooms. Some facilities are ADA accessible. Seven picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. All picnic areas are open from sunrise to sunset.
Moraine State Park is located 18 miles from the Neshannock Creekside Log Cabin
Lawrence County
Fall in Lawrence County
From scenic spots to spooky scares, it’s time to get in the spirit. Here is a great way to embrace the crisp air and sunny days.
Lawrence County is bursting with color during the fall season. The landscape is painted bright yellow, orange and red, making it not just beautiful but a perfect backdrop for a photo.
For more information about Lawrence County go to: https://www.visitlawrencecount...
