McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge

About McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge

McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge is a stunning 91-foot Howe truss bridge built in 1874. Located in the heart of McConnells Mill State Park, this bridge crosses Slippery Rock Creek just downstream of a historic grist mill and dam, creating one of the most picturesque covered bridge settings in Pennsylvania.

History of McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge

The bridge was constructed in 1874-1875 by J. B. White and Sons, with stone abutments by Bell and Breckenridge. It was built to provide access to the grist mill that Daniel Kennedy had constructed in 1868 after fire destroyed his original 1852 mill. Thomas McConnell purchased the mill in 1875 and gave the area its name. The mill operated until 1928, processing corn, oats, wheat, and buckwheat. In 1942, the property was conveyed to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and later to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. McConnells Mill State Park was formally dedicated in October 1957. The bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. In the late 1950s, a steel support structure was added to the deck and asphalt roofing was applied to extend the bridge's useful life. The mill and area were used as a filming location for 'The Pale Blue Eye' starring Christian Bale.

Architecture and Design

The bridge utilizes a Howe truss design, patented by William Howe in the 1840s. This design was the first to use wood connected by iron rods and was the forerunner of all iron truss bridges. At 91 feet in length, McConnell's Mill Bridge is the longest of the four remaining Howe truss covered bridges in Pennsylvania and the oldest with most of its original members intact. The other Howe truss bridges in Pennsylvania are Kintersburg in Indiana County, Mean's Ford in Bucks County, St. Mary's in Huntingdon County, and Thomas Mill in Philadelphia. The bridge features vertical board-and-batten siding painted red, with a window opening under the top chords for natural light. It was built on stone foundations and is supported by steel girders added in the 1950s.

Visiting McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge

McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge is located in the middle of McConnells Mill State Park, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh via Interstate 79. There is a small parking lot next to the bridge, though on busy days you may need to park further away and walk. The bridge is still open to vehicular traffic. While visiting, explore the historic grist mill (now a museum), the dam, and the spectacular Slippery Rock Gorge. The 2,529-acre park offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls including Hell's Hollow Falls, Breakneck Falls, and Alpha Falls, as well as whitewater boating and rock climbing. The 930-acre Slippery Rock Gorge was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1974.