Busy, Busy

This week was a very hectic though I imagine that is typical for many people this time of year. Anyway, this is a photo of one of the cliffs near Rim Road back in August. My oldest and I had a great time exploring the area that day.

Leaning Forward

Since it is a cold frosty December, when I look over the summer photos I am struck by how green they are. I guess it is all relative but I think I will be posting more over the next few weeks.

We believe these are Tall or Green-headed Coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata) growing along Hell's Run. The orange flowers are Touch-me-nots with a few pale ones mixed in.

November Sun

It was not long after I took this shot that the sun dipped too low to cast its light on the falls. The days seem so short now.

Eckert Bridge

Eckert Bridge was built in 1852 originally as a covered bridge. In the 1950s it was replaced with the current concrete one. Due to low traffic in the 1970s, sections of the Breakneck Bridge and Eckert Bridge Roads were closed including their overpasses.

To get to Eckert Bridge, you must follow Cheeseman Road past the Breakneck Bridge parking area and down the hill into the gorge. Note that this section of the route is not maintained in the winter and is full of potholes. The bridge lies at the bottom of the hill and is primarily used for parking.

I am not sure why I am always surprised by how many people are in this nook and cranny of McConnells Mill. Eckert Bridge is not far from Breakneck and Eckert Falls. It also provides access to the Kildoo and Slippery Rock Gorge Trails sections of which are considered part of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

More Info and Sources:
Photo of Coverd Bridge
Source - Lawrence County By Anita DeVivo, Anthony P. Walczak

With a Touch of Green

A part of Cheeseman Run as it makes it way down the hill to Slippery Rock Creek. This area has quite a few little waterfalls like this.

Gripping

An image of Cheeseman Run near Slippery Rock Creek.

Reflection

I was very surprised this turned out as I had taken quite a few shots of water that did not. Slippery Rock Creek.

A Shadow, A Fern

The sunlight on Sunday was quite remarkable. Walking along a path near Slippery Rock Creek, I could not resist snapping this photo.

Cheeseman Run

A small waterfall along Cheeseman Run near Breakneck Bridge.

Pile of Rocks

The white area between two rocks in the right of the photo is foam from decomposing plants. Slippery Rock Creek in McConnells Mill.

Down Stream

I should have posted this photo before my last one. The above image was taken before we arrived to the covered bridge from Kildoo Trail. Behind the bridge you can see the old mill.

Yield

A photo of the side of the covered bridge in McConnells Mill. The sun was beginning to rise high enough to fully immerse the gorge in sunlight. On that day, my oldest and I had starting hiking Kildoo Trail from Eckert bridge on the North Country National Scenic Trail portion. When we reached the covered bridge, we crossed the creek and headed back. The trail is a relatively short 2 mile loop and is considered 'moderate' hiking.

Slippery Rock Gorge

According to the DCNR Website, 140,000 years ago there was a lake to the north of Cleland Rock whose waters were bound by the edge of a continental glacier. As the glacier receded, the ice dam burst and the ensuing torrent of water carved the already existing valley 400 feet deeper. The change was so drastic that streams which normally flowed north changed direction and now flow south. It is hard to imagine such power.

Another One

My oldest daughter and I visited Eckert Falls Saturday morning except this time we climbed further up the hill. We were pleasantly surprised to find another waterfall not far away.

On the right side of the picture above is a stone wall that appears to be a foundation for an old mill. Below is a photo in the opposite direction. The stump of the fallen tree from this photo can be seen in the background.

I am going to tag both waterfalls as Eckert Falls until I discover information otherwise.

Eckert Falls

On Sunday, my middle daughter and I spent a little time exploring the area around Eckert Bridge in McConnells Mill. We were surprised to find another waterfall close to the Kildoo Trail. My middle daughter enjoyed climbing around the rocks and sitting under the over hang.

From what little information I could find online, it is called 'Eckert Falls'. There is a stack of rocks at the top that appears to be either the remains of an old foundation or something else man made (not pictured). I've been debating contacting the park about some of the 'unknown' things we find. I guess I should make a list...

It is too bad most of my photos of this waterfall did not turn out as I had hoped.

Oh Those Trees!

I wish they would quit jumping towards the front of my camera. :)

Warm November Day

My middle daughter and I took a rest in this spot while hiking along Kildoo Trail. While she munched on pretzels, I snapped a few pictures of Slippery Rock Creek. Here the water is slow moving and had a nice green tint to it.

There were a lot of individuals and groups passing through this area. My daughter had to wave and say hi to everyone. She even shouted across the creek to people. So fun.

Hanging On

I forgot how green everything was in August until we move into another season.

The Covered Bridge

The covered bridge in McConnells Mill was built in 1874. In 1980, it was placed on the National Register Historic Places. Lawrence County rehabilitated the bridge in 1998 and it is currently open to traffic.

The bridge did have a close call in March 2004, when a large hemlock tree fell on the roof during a storm. Luckily, in 1957 engineers added concrete beams under the bridge which prevented it from collapsing into the creek. It was repaired the following September.

This is one of four Howe Truss bridges still standing statewide and this one located at the Mill has the longest span of them all. Most bridges in Pennsylvania use a Burr Truss. The Howe Truss was patented in 1840 by William Howe, with an extended patent in 1850. The design consists of a series of diagonal beams and uses steel rods for additional support. The Howe Truss was initially used for railroad bridges due to its strength.


In the 1950s many covered bridges were being replaced by modern versions. It is fortunate that this one was not. Not far from here, Breakneck Bridge was also built in 1874 originally as a covered bridge. It was replaced in 1952 with a concrete one after a coal truck fell through the floor.

More info and sources:

• PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Website
• Wikipedia - Howe truss
• Wikipedia - McConnells Mill Bridge
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 'A troubled bridge'
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 'Got it covered'
• National Register Historic Places
• National Register of Historic Places Inventory/Nomination: McConnell's Mill Covered Bridge (pdf)

Light in Hell's Hollow

This image was taken on a September day on which my wife and I walked along Hell's Hollow Trail. It seems so long ago now.

McConnells Mill State Park.