Along with its natural beauty, Slippery Rock Creek is one of Pennsylvania’s livelier whitewater streams. A paddler's favorite destination, the stream offers kayakers and canoeists a variable mix of flat-water and Class II and III rapids. As the creek runs through McConnells Mill State Park and the Slippery Rock Gorge, whitewater enthusiasts are forbidden to run the dam. At certain times of the year, this is serious whitewater and kayakers are urged to scout the run before any attempt. Here in the steepest part of the gorge, the creek gave the grist mill all the power it needed to grind grain.
   South of the dam, another three miles of swift currents, deep pools and rapids continue the excitement all the way to the Harris Bridge.
   Pictured here in this glowing morning scene is a section of the creek upstream from the mill. Smallmouth bass, walleye and trout entice the experienced angler as well as the beginner. A boulder strewn streambed, slippery rocks and ever present swift currents present even more challenges as anglers wade the stream. Although moss covered rocks defy any real foothold, the Slippery Rock name is thought to stem from a natural oil seep in the river, creating an extra slippery surface.

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