Three Rivers Paddling Club

Access

Slippery Rock Creek is the whitewater classic of western Pennsylvania.

Free flowing from its headwaters to the junction with the

Connoquenessing Creek at Ellport, the main stem of the Slippery Rock flows

some fifty miles. The watershed encompasses about 400 square miles.

This description covers the whitewater sections beginning at Kennedy Mill and

ending at Harris Bridge. The three sections discussed total eight river

miles and cover more than sixteen class II and class III rapids.

Descriptions are based on normal water volume or advanced-beginner to

intermediate levels in the range of 6? to 2?. In all cases, river levels

refer to the McConnells Mill gauge and reference to the left or right side

of the river is made as the boater faces downstream.

Slippery Rock Creek rises in a series of swamps that are located north and

east of the hamlet of Boyers Pennsylvania. There are two main branches that

start out as very small run outs from various marshlands and small

impoundments east of state route 308. Converging near the town of

Slippery Rock Pennsylvania, the South Branch joins the main stem at the

village of Keisters. With the exception of a few low head dams and a

nasty class III+ cataract immediately downstream from the state route

173 bridge, this section is uniformly flat water flowing past woods,

farmlands, and the occasional summer cottage. That rapid, which is seldom run,

drops 10 feet in 1/10 of a mile (that is 100 feet per mile) in what is known

as Rock Falls Park. Eight and one half miles downstream, Wolf Creek enters

from the north, often providing as much volume as the main stem.

Finally, just above the village of Rose Point, Muddy Creek enters from the

east. While Muddy Creek is dam controlled at Moraine State Park, the dam

there has an overflow spillway and little Muddy Creek above Lake Arthur can

contribute significant volume when conditions are wet. When these headwater

areas are saturated from long periods of rain or following a wet winter,

the water levels in the whitewater sections can change quickly.

For example, in 1981 following the spring thaw, a series of storms dumped

an inch or two of rain on the watershed. Already super-saturated, the

marshes and impoundments could hold no more water. The estimated river

level at McConnells Mill was more than thirteen feet. A similar situation

occurred during the spring of 1989. An unusually wet period caused the

river to stay around two feet. Rain driven spikes to three feet occurred

every week, for several weeks. Severe thunderstorms caused fluctuations up

to four feet. One evening following an exceptionally heavy rain, the level

went to just over 7,500 cubic feet per second. Imagine paddling this creek

in warm weather at those levels. Conversely, when these headwater areas dry

out, it takes a significant amount of local rainfall to affect the stream

flow to run-able levels. During the droughts of 1997, 1998, and 1999, the

river level fell off the gauge. Flow rates often went as low as 50 cubic

feet per second. This equates to stage levels in terms of minus feet.

Major thunderstorms only succeeded in causing the creek to rise to zero,

and then only for a few hours while the ‘bubble’ passed.

Gauges

There are access points to the whitewater sections at the Kennedy Mill Bridge

- township road 447. Park on either side of the bridge where a pull-off

occurs. The put-in is immediately above or immediately below the dam from

the right side. Here various fisherman trails provide easy access.

If starting below the dam, the carry includes lifting over the roadside

guardrail, negotiating some old barbed wire and sliding down the steep bank.

If starting above the dam, the carry or drag is a few yards through the woods.

This is all private property, however, so please respect landowner rights.

Kennedy Mill is also a gathering spot for local teenagers and serves as a

primary access point for fishermen. Parking can be a big problem.

There have been numerous thefts from and vandalism to cars parked here.

The next access is at the road crossing in the village of Rose Point -

old state route 422. (Note: get a map for this by using

MapQuest and searching for

Lat: 40.9705 Lon: -80.1818) There is controlled parking at the Rose Point

Campground just up the hill on the west side or at the Camper’s Paradise

Campground a little further up the hill on the east side. Parking there

will cost a dollar during the camping season. The put-in is on the right

downstream side of the Iron Bridge. This is also private property.

Lift over or under the guard fence and slide down a short embankment right

next to the creek. In late May 2000, the bridge was closed to motor vehicles.

The road approach to the bridge is through the village of Rose Point -

turn north onto Old Route 422 from route 422 at the Harley Davidson shop.

This turn is west of the route 422 bridge crossing the creek. Downstream of

the old iron bridge a small, unnamed run enters on river right.

If you drive west from the put-in, you will pass over a small concrete

bridge in the heart of Rose Point. From that bridge to the Slippery Rock

Creek, this small creek drops several dozen feet through a seriously

narrow gorge. It is not known if this decidedly class IV gorge has been

run but at the right water level it is possible. On the other side of the

bridge, in the Camper’s Paradise Campground, are the remains of an old iron

furnace. This is also worth a look. While there, say hello to Irene and Phil.

Immediately downstream, route 422 passes high overhead. On the southeast end

of the bridge, there is a small parking area for about six vehicles.

The carry is down a long steep bank on the south side of the bridge -

river left. People still use this although I cannot understand why.

If parking there, take care to not encroach on the land owner that has the

adjacent property.

About one fourth mile below route 422, on McConnells Mill Road in McConnells

Mill State Park, is the state park ranger station.

(Mapquest Lat: 40.9651 Lon: -80.1696)

There is ample parking at

this location. The carry is across the field behind the station

(the Park mows a clear path through the field) and down the hill on a

well-defined path. This is a long carry and not particularly easy.

The put-in involves an otter launch from the top of the steep, muddy bank

(this can be accomplished in or out of boat).

Three quarters of a mile downstream is the McConnells Mill Dam.

(MapQuest Lat: 40.9537 Lon: -80.1700)

The take-out

is on river left upstream of a rope float that extends across the river.

It is suggested that boaters remain upstream of this warning device.

While the seven feet high low head dam can be run, it is not recommended.

In 2000, the Park service posted ‘no boating, wading, swimming’ signs in

regard to the dam. Please observe these warnings, since violations will

just result in more restrictions. A successful run of the dam involves

optimal river levels, the absolute right spot, and a lot of experience

running waterfalls. A mistake will be very costly. Take out upstream -

left where a hiking trail comes down to the creek and a large flat-ish

rock juts out into the water in a large eddy. The put-in is immediately

below the dam, down a set of steps behind the mill. There is a short lift

over a brick wall and a carry/slide over some rocks to the water edge.

This put-in requires caution when the water is high since the moving water

and pulsing eddy are very tricky. An alternate, very low water

(less than 0″) carry is around the right side of the dam.

This is a short carry and lift down the rock face.

Caution must be used when approaching the dam (it is only a few feet from

the take-out spot) and while descending the rock face.

The put-in here is into a moving eddy / whirlpool between the dam and several

large boulders. There is very limited parking at the Mill itself, but the

main parking lot is at the top of the hill adjacent the Mill Picnic Area.

It is a short walk up a very steep flight of well-maintained steps.

This is the beginning of the famous ‘Mile”. One mile further on is the

Eckert Bridge crossing.

(MapQuest Lat: 40.9406 Lon: -80.1760)

This is accessible from either side of the river,

although the river right side (west) road is closed and barricaded for all

but emergency vehicles. Parking on the bridge is limited to about twenty

vehicles. On a busy day, this bridge could use a traffic cop.

The approach road is a one-lane track that is marginally maintained.

The park has opened a nice lot at the top of the hill (it is a long way up)

to help alleviate parking problems.

Eckert Bridge is the starting point for the Lower Slippery Rock.

The take-out for this ‘bottom’ section is at Harris Bridge three and one

half miles down river.

(MapQuest Lat: 40.9120 Lon: -80.2167)

(Note: Breakneck Bridge over Cheeseman Run is closed, you you have to go

around)

Take-out here on river right immediately upstream

of the bridge where an old roadbed terminates or on river left immediately

below the bridge piling. The river left spot is a much easier take-out

but requires climbing the short bank to the road.

There is plenty of roadside parking and a small parking lot at Harris

Bridge where Mountville Road crosses the river.

If you miss the Harris Bridge take-out (it can happen!) be aware of a low

head dam a few hundred yards downstream. This is an un-runable seven feet

high obstacle adjacent Heinz Camp. The next road crossing is the

Armstrong Road Bridge, one-half mile downstream from the dam.

There is a catch and release fly-fishing area there with a nice parking

lot on river left.

The Gorge

The reported gauge for Slippery Rock Creek is approximately 5.5 miles

downstream from the Mill, near Wurtemburg, where the Van Gorder Mill Road

becomes the Camp Allegheny Road and crosses the river. While there is a

distinct correlation between this gauge and the McConnells Mill gauge,

because of the rapid change in level associated with heavy rain and the

resulting ‘bubble’ effect, the Wurtemburg reading is best used to identify

trends in the flow. In addition, this gauge provides no useful information

at very low or very high levels, except that the level is very low or very

high.

A ‘stick’ gauge is located at the base of the old Mill in McConnells Mill

State Park. This gauge is accurate above -3ft. Because it is located at

the top of a declining riverbed, this gauge is not meaningful below minus

three inches. The Park people read this gauge every morning around 8:00

AM and report it telephonically if you call the Park number.

Another good way to gauge the level is to look at the small rocks that

form a line across the river downstream from the ‘stick’ gauge.

If they are exposed, the level is very low. If an inch or so of water

covers them, the level is okay. If there is a lot of water over them and

the big sloping rock standing out by itself on river right has water surging

up onto its outside face, the river is getting real good.

If that rock is covered, it is very high. If the hydraulic created by the

dam is a huge wave and the rocks at the put-in are covered,

go home and watch cartoons.

There is another painted gauge on the downstream left side bridge pier at

Eckert Bridge. This roughly correlates with the Mill gauge at levels above

1 foot.

The Rapids

The Slippery Rock Creek Gorge was formed when the water of a glacial lake

broke out of its banks and rushed to the Beaver River. Up to four hundred

feet deep and maybe a thousand across at the top, the gorge is heavily forested.

Numerous side creeks enter with several waterfalls that can be seen from the

river or with a short hike. Notable among these are Muddy Creek, Cheeseman

Run (Breakneck), and Hell Run.

The section from Kennedy Mill to just past the 422 Bridge flows through private

property. In addition to the runable Kennedy Mill Dam there are two notable

rapids in this section. They are both at the beginning of the trip and are

followed by a long series of pools and small riffles. There is an angler’s

trail on both sides of the river below Kennedy Mill. These are not

particularly good but can be used to scout the rapids at the beginning of

this section. There is also a great swimming spot at the end of the whitewater

stretch. There are numerous huge boulders strewn along the riverbed, many

supporting hemlock and other evergreen growth. About one mile below Kennedy

Mill, at the end of a long pool and just to the left of a mid-river island,

Muddy Creek enters. An island also splits the mouth of Muddy Creek.

(With sufficient water, you can paddle up the right fork – left as you face it).

Land on the left bank just below the confluence with Muddy Creek. There is a

well-defined trail here that continues up the left side of Muddy Creek and

that leads to a series of waterfalls dropping 68 feet over a one hundred yard

stretch. This is the famous Muddy Creek Falls. The first and biggest drop is

not runable. The remaining drops including a ten-foot ledge have been run in

an open canoe and in kayaks (class IV). Below Muddy Creek the river widens out

and passes over a shoal into another long pool. At the end of this shoal and

downstream of an old bridge pier (danger spot in high water) is a small rock

that forms a nice surfing wave/hydraulic. The old Iron Bridge at Rose Point

is now in view.

The few hundred yards from the Iron Bridge to the 422 Bridge is composed of a

few riffles and moving pools. At certain water levels, some waves become

playable. Just below the 422 Bridge is McConnells Mill State Park.

McConnells Mill State Park is a narrow band of land surrounding the Slippery

Rock Creek Gorge from just below Route 422 to Harris Bridge. Naturally, the

highlights of this Park are the Gorge and the old Mill. However, there are

exceptionally nice picnic areas on the plateau, excellent climbing cliffs in

the gorge, and miles of hiking trails. In addition, the Hell Run natural

area and the Cleland Rock Overlook are also part of the Park. McConnells

Mill is a great destination spot year around.

Just past the Ranger Station put-in (see the sign that reads

‘Dangerous Whitewater”)

on river left the gorge narrows and the Slippery Rock Creek begins its

descent. The ‘top’ Slippery Rock is three quarters of a mile long.

It contains one minor low-water rapid and four major rapids before

terminating in the backwater of the McConnells Mill Dam. A marked hiking

trail follows the left side of the river to Mill road at the old Mill.

Upstream from the Mill, Alpha Pass Trail leads up the left side of the gorge

to Alpha Pass Falls. This scenic highlight is easily accessed from a small

parking area along McConnells Mill Road. There is a sign.

The pool behind McConnells Mill Dam is a few hundred yards long.

I would love to see what the rapids at the bottom of that pool look like.

The steep gorge continues below the McConnells Mill Dam through the

‘Mile”.

The Mile has been alternately called the ‘Miracle Mile”

and the ‘Mighty Mile”.

Regardless, when a western Pennsylvania boater says ‘The Mile”

he is referring

to the Slippery Rock Creek between McConnells Mill Dam and Eckert Bridge.

In addition to six major rapids, there is the class II put-in rapid with

several good surfing waves, Shannon’s Hole that is a tricky ledge below

Rock ‘N Roll Rapid, and several class I ledges.

Kildoo Trail follows on both sides of the river between the Mill and Eckert

Bridge. These are both strenuous hikes, although the river left side is

considerably easier. In addition to great class III whitewater, the careful

boater will get to see many fishermen, sightseers, and the occasional unclad

bathing beauty along this section of river. In 1998 and 1999, beaver started

to set up shop in the pools above Eckert Bridge and deer and turkey frequent

the hill sides. This section is also the scene of several drownings

(seconded only by the short stretch above the Mill). A prudent boater will

not be shy about warning tourists of the dangers of slippery rocks and fast

moving currents.

Eckert Bridge serves as the mid-point between the upper Slippery Rock and the

Lower Slippery Rock. The pool here is frequently used to train beginner

boaters and for roll practice. Remember, however, that this is State Park

property and no swimming is allowed.

The entrance rapid for the Lower Slippery Rock begins immediately below Eckert

Bridge. The three and one-half miles that follow contain five major rapids and

a bunch of ledges and surfing waves. In the mid-nineteen nineties the

Allegheny Trails Council completed construction of the Gorge Trail that follows

the right side of the river from Eckert Bridge to the junction with Hell Run

and then follows Hell Run to the Hell Run parking area on Shaffer Road.

This great trail is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail system,

and is a wonderful way to experience the lower gorge. The river widens out

through this section and the sheer nature of the gorge tends to recede

slightly. There are many scenic spots along this section including an ice

cave a few hundred yards from the start and on river right. There is one spot

where the river straightens for a hundred yards and then veers to the left.

The mountainside is directly in front of the paddler at this point.

It is spectacular in autumn and often elicits the remark

‘God, I love this River.”

The descriptions of major rapids are based on normal river levels between 6

inches and 2 feet. Highlight narratives of river characteristics below and

above these parameters are also provided, mostly to amuse the writer.

Slippery Rock Creek is a class II to class IV run, depending on water levels

and conditions. It is usually runable all year with peak flows in the late

winter (after the thaw) and early spring. By mid-Spring, river levels have

usually stabilized in the 6″ to 2′ range.

Kennedy Mill Section

The Kennedy Mill section can be boated as low as -6″ and as high as 5′.

Below -6″ the passages are exceedingly scratchy to non-existent.

Kennedy Mill Dam is 11 feet high. The downstream face is a 30 degree

(more or less) slide about twenty feet long. This is a regular poured

concrete structure with irregular features on the right and left side and a

small lip at the bottom. This feeds out onto several irregularly shaped and

positioned rocks (ledges) that form the bottom third of the slide. The bottom

part contains varying holes, hydraulics, or waves depending on the water level.

The slide can be cleanly run in open canoes at levels over 3″.

From 10″ to about 2′ this is a very exhilarating class II drop.

At 4.5′ a diagonal reactionary wave wall forms at the bottom right and makes a

clean open canoe run very difficult. In addition, hitting that wave is like

hitting a brick wall. It is very unforgiving and the

‘flipping’ action is immediate and absolute.

Kennedy Mill Dam is best viewed from the road bridge.

To run Kennedy Mill Dam, as you approach the lip, line up on the bottom

‘V’ of the center upstream and downstream bridge trusses.

Maintain a slight angle to your strong side and take a stroke as you go

over the lip. Have a brace ready at the bottom, but you probably will not

need it. Eddy out to the right behind the big boulder that forms the

(lower) put-in eddy.

Immediately below the boulder that forms the base for the left side

(east) bridge pier is an eddy. This eddy is tight against the bank and

between the upstream boulder and an undercut downstream one.

This eddy is always there and filled with debris. At levels above 2′,

it becomes a whirlpool. At about 4′, it becomes ‘Dead Cow Eddy”.

This is the eddy that an early boater once saw a dead cow.

The cow had no chance of ever getting out of there, dead or alive.

I know this because I was in there once at about 4.5′.

The river immediately enters a short class I rapid. This contains numerous

small ledges and waves. Downstream is a behemoth rock that splits the river.

Several smaller boulders, some trees, and other flotsam guard the upstream

end of this giant. Go to the right of this rock into good eddies on the

right or better eddies on the left on the downstream end.

Eddy-hop the next thirty feet or so to a point above a chute against the right

bank. This ledge is the start of rapid two. There is a good eddy at the

bottom of the chute on the right. At about one foot, the chute shapes a

great surfing wave that can be attained easily from that eddy. The current

also provides the power to get out of that same eddy. From there, stay right

of center in the main flow. There is a strong advanced ferry move across the

current to a low eddy above the final ledge – very difficult. There is a good

eddy on river right above the final ledge – easy but has a nasty back-door

strainer. There is an easy line over the last ledge by staying right of

center. Beware the hole at the bottom. A better move is to drive to the

center (left side of the main flow) and boof into the left side eddy

immediately below the ledge. This is about a two-foot drop.

Upper Gorge

The Upper Gorge section, from Rose Point to Eckert Bridge can be safely boated

from minus one foot (not recommended) to 5.5′

(recommended for real good boaters only). Because it channel-izes, low water

runs on this section of the river are possible. Three Rivers Paddling Club

has conducted numerous late spring clinics at levels below zero. Somebody once

commented that it is not very exciting but it is better than nothing. Because

it is not drastically steep, high water runs are also possible. Beginner and

novice paddlers should not attempt levels over three feet, however, and very

high water belongs to advanced intermediates and experts. The section above

the Mill has often been paddled at 4.5 and 5 feet and the Mile has been paddled

at levels up to eight feet. The Mile has also been rafted at something more

than twelve feet (we put-in above the wall and the run took about eight minutes).

A hundred yards below the Route 422 Bridge a large rock splits the river

followed by an island. On the right side of the island there is a small

ledge coming off the right bank. This forms a nice class I hydraulic and a

set of excellent surfing waves. Run the ledge on the right into the large eddy

and surf away. In 2000, tree fall from both sides of the river completely

blocked this channel – go left of the island.

Just below the Ranger’s Station Put-In there is a series of small ledges and

boulders that form a two step, class I rapid. This small set washes out

completely over 2′, but at lower water, it creates a great spot to practice

eddy turns and peel-outs. The bottom ledge forms a neat hole-wave at lower

levels and can be attained from the big eddy at bottom right to the next

higher eddy on the left. This is an easy class I attainment that is great

for beginners.

Downstream and around the next bend comes big rapid number three

(First Rapid Below The Ranger’s Station).

The entry to this rapid is through a low wave train.

The last wave of that is a highly surf-able glass wave.

It is hard to get on, but once you are there, it is great.

Catch the right side eddy above the first ledge drop and do an upstream

ferry onto the wave. The first ledge is a straightforward drop into a

few offset waves. Catch the eddy high left or just a little lower right.

From there, pick either the top or next wave to perform power ferries.

From the left side eddy, attain the top wave that is really a breaking

hydraulic and surf your head off. Peel off and line up for the second ledge.

There is a narrow chute into a dynamic eddy on the right, or keep angled left

and run out between the rocks on the left. From the right side eddy, look

around and you will see a room behind the big boulder on the right.

It is a neat place to be. Being in it creates some interesting challenges

to get through the boulder wall to the right of the final chute.

Rapid 4 (Airport) is just downstream. Named because of the amount of

‘air”

that is gotten there, Airport is one of the ‘big’ rapids on The Slip.

It is composed of two parts; upper Airport that is a constricted double

ledge requiring complex moves and strong eddy turns and, lower Airport that is

‘The Hole”.

At levels below zero, the upper part becomes very nasty and

tight and the lower part hole disappears. As the level rises, the upper part

opens up and become less technical but that bottom hole gets very big.

Above 4 feet this is a rapid meant for strong intermediates and above.

Enter this rapid to the right of a big rock in the middle.

This same rock forms a wicked hydraulic at higher levels.

Stay tight to the right of the rock angled sharp left and paddle forward as

you pass by the rock. There is a dynamic eddy behind the rock or just paddle

straight through angled left and driving forward. Pass to the right of the

rocks coming out from the left bank that form the bottom ledge.

Beware the big rock that sticks out just downstream on the right.

It splits the stream at that point and you want to go to the left of it.

It is undercut and frequently has a log or two pinned to its upstream end.

The chute to its right is passable but be upright in your boat, and watch out

for a broaching situation. Paddle to the moving eddy on the left.

From that position there is a series of attainment moves that will take you all

the way back to the top. These can be accomplished in an open boat from about

zero to 1.5′.

From the left side eddy, move across the main flow to behind that big rock

sticking out. From there, you are a boat length above the ender hole at lower

Airport. Line up and go. After punching the hole go left or right into very

dynamic eddies. From there you can set up to surf or ender, do some neat

ferries, or peel out and run on past ‘Runway”

that forms behind the last

small rock on the right. Now that you are in the big pool look over at the

sloping rock on the downstream end of the left eddy after ‘The Hole”.

The up stream outside edge of that rock is undercut. Several people have

found that out by being there. In addition, this rock has claimed hundreds of

kayak paddles over the years. To the best of my knowledge, no canoeists have

fed this rock their sticks, yet!

Next up is rapid 5. This is the surfing-est rapid on the river.

There is a single broken ledge at the top and a single split ledge at the

bottom. Above the top ledge are several small waves. The top ledge creates a

phenomenal canoe surfing spot from 3″ to about 2′ and the reactionary waves

that result at higher water are even better. However, the only way to play

on the ledge wave is to be in a small right side eddy just below it, or pivot

on the wave itself. The bottom ledge is really a row of boulders that split

the current. The left side is easiest into a high dynamic eddy – use the wave

face to make the turn.

This is about the point in the run that you will begin to observe sightseers

and anglers. Respect the anglers and put on a good show for the sightseers.

Downstream on the right is ‘Boat Launch Rock”.

Paddle around to the downstream

side and drag your boat up the backside of this sloping eight-foot high

boulder. Get back in your boat and otter launch off the rock. Remember about

putting on a show for the spectators.

Next is rapid number six (The Last Rapid Above The Mill). This is a long shoal

curving first to the left and then to the right. There are some neat eddy

moves high up on the right and several waves can be surfed when the level is

right. After the shoal, catch an eddy on the right. This will put you in

line for the last drop that is a ledge chute into a frothy mess. This spot

deserves its own guidebook. A large rock splits the river. With enough water,

there is a clean line to the left of the rock, angled slightly right and past,

or through a small hydraulic at the bottom. The usual line is to the right of

the rock. This narrow chute drops a foot or two into an even narrower wave

train between two very dynamic eddies. As the river level rises, crosscurrents

start to form near the surface and the whole run out begins to surge.

At levels from about 3″ to about 1.5′, a skilled boater can get in there and

work eddy lines and cross currents to exhaustion doing pivots and

figure-eight’s. If you want to learn boat control, this is a great place to do

it.

At higher levels (above 3′) this ledge forms the second ‘big”

rapid in the

Gorge. The ledge washes out and a monster hole forms. This is river wide and

deep. Getting in it is easy, getting out requires serious class IV skills.

There is a very narrow line (about eighteen inches) of smooth water that

actually flows over the sloping side of the right side boulder into the very

dynamic eddy on the right. From there, a sneak out the backdoor goes to the

right of that big boulder downstream (if the chute is not blocked by trees) or,

you can make a very powerful ferry across the boiling waves to river left.

(class IV).

Immediately below McConnells Mill Dam there is a line of smallish rocks

extending the whole way across the creek. These distinguish themselves at

low water. This is the start of the put-in rapid for the Mile. A class I-II

set, this rapid continues to just past the Covered Bridge. About half way down

on the left, a nifty wave sets up from about zero to 1.5′. It is tricky and

tends to push to river right, but it is very surf-able. Just below, and

almost directly under the upstream side of the Covered Bridge is a small

pour-over/wave that creates a good ender spot at 2′. And, right in the middle

of the river directly below the downstream side of the Covered Bridge is an

irregular wave/hydraulic that is always ready to be surfed above 3″.

After a few more small chutes and ledges, including a chilling high water

keeper (above 6′) on the left where a four foot wide rock sits out from the

bank about two feet, and a long pool waits rapid number 7. (Chicken Toes).

This rapid was aptly named over twenty years ago for the three toes or slots

between the rocks. Run any of the slots going forward or backward, no matter.

They all drop about one foot, they are all wet, and at certain levels, they

will all flip you. Around 1.5′ the slots start to close down as the rocks

wash over. About two feet the easy line is center angled right and paddle

right through a (sort of) tongue. At higher water, the wave that starts

forming at 1′10″ gets big, then bigger, then very big. Eventually, it

washes out.

Rapid number eight (ZigZag) follows. ZigZag is a double ledge drop starting to

the left of a big boulder that splits the right side. The first ledge is about

three feet wide and a foot high. Angle to the right and take a stroke or two

into the narrow eddy behind the big rock. Peel out to river left, execute an

immediate 90 degree pivot to your right and, angled left, drive down through

the second chute into a big center river eddy. This rapid can be sneaked far

left at levels above 3″.

The next rapid is the heart of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. (Triple Drop).

At varying water levels, Triple Drop consists of two (very high water) to five

(very low water) distinct parts. It is a slalom paradise from 3″

to about 2′.

At all levels, enter Triple Drop just left of center. There are several eddies

on the left at the very top that can be used to boat scout. In the center and

against the right bank, some micro-eddies require very fast turns or cross

stream ferries. There is a super surfing wave right in the middle of all that

stuff, upstream from the boulder that splits the channel in two. There is an

excellent eddy behind that boulder that may be made from either side.

Immediately downstream is a small broken ledge and offset wave on the right

half. Run through that wave, or drive left through a break in the wave to a

moving eddy on the left against a moss covered bank boulder. From there, peel

out and line up for the next ledge. Here the river narrows as it passes to

the right of a huge boulder sticking out from the left bank. The top of this

boulder is a favorite spot for tourists, and a good place from which to look at

the rest of the rapid. A true bank scout will be performed from the right

side, however.

This chute is squirrelly at low levels and above 1.5′. In between, it is easy

class II. There is a strong high eddy on the right and an amazingly powerful

eddy on the left, almost under that giant boulder. The left side eddy extends

downstream and behind the boulder. It is a safe haven. The right side eddy

does not, and is not. If you go right, stay high and tight.

The moving pool below the chute flows right into and around a sizable boulder

on the right. The very narrow chute to the right is runable above 1′.

It requires a very complex turn behind the rock.

It is a trap at lower levels. Above three feet, that same rock and its sisters

downstream form a lethal hole. The line is to the immediate left of that rock.

This chute (number 2) drops into a ‘bowl”

and then over another small one foot

ledge into another moving pool. The bowl is formed by the upstream right side

rocks, a huge angled boulder (undercut) on the right, another monster boulder

on the top left (forms left side of chute 2) and ‘Pyramid Rock.”

There is a

left turn slot move in front of the pyramid shaped rock into a nice eddy

behind that top left boulder, but the safe line is to the right of Pyramid Rock.

The right side eddy in the bowl is very weird and it disappears at certain

levels. Downstream from the bowl, past the moving pool, is chute 3.

That drop is inconsequential and actually disappears or washes out at extreme

low or high levels. The rock just below that chute and to the left is another

spot that can be used to practice otter launches.

Now let us talk about what happens at Triple Drop when the water gets high.

Around three feet, the top part above chute 1 starts to wash out. There are

some big waves and a hole or two, but generally, it is no big deal. The hole

at the first chute starts opening up and becomes a wave. The hole to the right

of the second chute begins to form. In addition, the pillow on the face of

Pyramid Rock takes on a life of its own. Around four feet, the previous

description is prefaced by the word ‘big”. At five and one half feet,

the entire tone of the rapid changes to ‘huge”.

At five feet and above, you enter Triple Drop through a significant class III

wave train. Chute 1 is gone. Instead, there is a jet of water passing over

the outside edge of the left side boulder. The line is right up against

(and over) that rock. The move is into the eddy that still forms behind that

rock. Instead of looking up at the spectators, however, you are now on the

same level with them. The downstream hole on the right, that the entire river

seems to flow into, is big enough to hold a small bus, and the pillow on

Pyramid Rock is a small bus. Paddling this requires strong intermediate

skills (and an acute interest in the effect of water at forty miles an hour).

It is not very hard, but you must not be upside down or out of your boat.

A swim here will cost you, at least, your boat.

Next up, rapid 10 (The Maze) is a slalom course between two to three foot high

rocks forming a rock garden about fifty feet long. At the end of the rock

garden, the current splits around two mid-river rocks. There is a line to the

far right over a small ledge but most people take the second chute from the

left. This is a narrow offset chute of class I difficulty.

Beware the upstream end of that giant boulder downstream. It is guarded by a

big rock and always holds numerous logs and trees. Go to the left.

Rapid 11 (Rooster Tail & Rock ‘N Roll) follows. This is also a two part rapid

separated by a short (like about twelve feet) fast flowing pool. For those of

you that tend to paddle straight through a rapid, be advised, there are

thirteen eddy moves in the top part of this rapid above the rooster tail.

Follow the main current through the entrance and drop into a wide chute that

terminates in a large rooster tail right in the center. There is a good line

to the left into a big eddy and a good line to the right into a big eddy.

The right is harder. On the other hand, you can run the rooster tail -hole -

wave. If you do, be ready to set up for Rock ‘N Roll that is immediately

downstream. Rock ‘N Roll is a simple chute to the right of or over a mid-river

rock. Run right, angle left, and drop into the run out wave train.

There is a hot eddy move right opposite the mid-river rock, a hot eddy move

left below the rock, and a very neat (below 1′) ferry move from left to right

behind the rock. You will see what I mean when you get there.

From the bottom, there is an unbelievable attainment move at 6″.

It climbs about three feet from the bottom left, across the diagonal

reactionary wave, and into the top right eddy.

After you totally screw up here, recover in the pool that follows and get ready

for Shannon’s Hole.

The center of the next ledge forms a wicked hole (very wicked at 2′).

There is an easy chute to the left of the exposed rocks. Angle right to

avoid hitting the downstream bank rock where all of the current goes, and

take a stroke into the big eddy. Look at the hole. If the level is any

thing over a foot, imagine this. Twelve-year-old Shannon is paddling a

ducky for the first time on whitewater. She is with a large group of

experienced boaters. The temperature is about eighty degrees. The level

is about two feet. Shannon is ‘ace-ing’ everything in sight.

The group

comes to this ledge. Several kayakers proceed to surf in the hole or catch

Enders. Then somebody gets an idea. ‘Hey, Shannon, jump on in there”.

She does, and proceeds to side surf for the next ten minutes. The duration of

this spectacle was not by design. Finally, somebody says

‘hey Shannon, you

can come out now”. We hear this plaintive cry, ‘I can’t!”

Shannon’s Hole.

Downstream, a small ledge juts out between the left bank and a large rock.

Run this far left. At levels above 6″, the rock garden to the right presents

an interesting diversion.

Number 12 (The Last Rapid Above Eckert also known as the Last Rapid On The Mile)

follows a long pool. A large boulder sits on river right with a narrow flow

going to its right. On the left is a rock garden followed by another giant

boulder that blocks the entire left side. The main flow drops over a right

to left offset ledge to the left of the top rock and to the right of the rock

garden. There is a wave – hole at the bottom that gets much bigger as the

level rises. A big eddy sits behind that top rock. The run out is through a

second wide chute into a third narrow chute, on the right, and a wave train.

As you sit at the bottom of this little rapid, imagine the effect of those big,

flat boulders with about 8,000 cubic feet per second of water flowing over them.

Probably, all you can imagine is monster holes and huge, crashing waves – right?

Now imagine this; a four foot wide tongue of absolutely smooth water right

through the middle of all that mess. Yep, it is there, it is awesome, and it

is a hoot!

Lower Gorge

The three and one half mile long Lower Slip contains ten noteworthy rapids and

ledges. These are the entrance rapid, the first big ledge, ZigZag Rapid Number

2, Second Big Ledge at Walnut Flats, Jane’s Ender Rapid, the big ledge below

Jane’s Ender, the long rock garden, Penn (Pin) Ultimate Rapid, Hell Run Rapid,

and the last ledge above Harris Bridge. These ledges and rapids are all class

II in nature, with very avoidable rocks and holes, and an occasional pour-over.

In addition, depending on the water level, there is numerous other waves and

small hydraulics.

This section can be run as low as -3″, again not recommended except as a bird

watching trip. The Lower Slip has been successfully run in an open canoe at

levels exceeding 7,500 cubic feet per second. I do not know what that is in

feet – I was too busy watching trees floating down the river to worry about

gauge levels. The optimum level for this section is between two feet and four

and one half feet.

The entrance rapid can be seen from Eckert Bridge. It is a simple slalom

course of ledges and waves that can be eddy-hopped and surfed the whole length.

This is a good place to play when all your friends go to West Virginia.

There is a long recovery pool and trails on both sides, to just above the

first bend where Cheeseman Run enters on the left.

Downstream about a quarter mile the river cuts sharply left in front of an

island. On the right side of that turn, extending two-thirds of the way

across the channel, a shallow ledge and a neat hydraulic lie in wait. Go left.

Immediately downstream, check out the neat back channels in the big boulders.

A few bends later is rapid number 14 (ZigZag Rapid Number 2). A diagonal line

of rocks splits the channel, which goes straight ahead on the left and cuts

right on the right. At the downstream end of this line, a two-foot high

chute sits between the last rock and a large boulder on the left. This is a

straight, unobstructed drop. Catch an eddy on the left. The second part of

this rapid is an irregular, offset diagonal wave at the bottom of a fast

channel wide chute. A strong eddy is at the top left above this wave, but

requires a dynamic ferry to exit. Two succeeding right side eddies sit just

above and next to the wave. Using these will result in a bone dry run at most

levels.

About a half-mile further, in the area of Walnut Flats on the right, a small

ledge runs out from the right bank. At lower levels, it is insignificant.

Starting about 2′, you can hear it calling you from far upstream. At 4.5′,

the hole is big and powerful. It is also completely safe unless you consider

a wet face to be unsafe.

Following the rest of this pool (The Flats) a small creek (Grindstone Run)

comes in from the left and the river constricts toward the right as it passes

the sediment shoal on the left. There is always a Great Blue Heron feeding in

this area, so keep your eyes open. The resulting wave train signals that rapid

number 15 (Jane’s Ender Rapids) is right around the corner. Jane’s Ender

starts with a series of reefs (ledges) on river left. There is an easy wave

train down the right one-half. At the bottom of the wave train, catch an eddy

on the right or the left. Jane’s Ender drops over a short ledge that hides a

big hole-wave on the left and a smaller deep hole-pour-over (Jane’s Ender)

on the right. Run center between these holes to an eddy along the right bank.

At normal levels, this is class II. The danger with this rapid is the top left

where a grouping of boulders catches every tree that floats by and creates an

ugly (and big) strainer. That whole mess is badly undercut. Immediately

downstream, the river drops over a second reef into a series of standing waves.

The ‘famous surfing waves’ form above four feet.

Two hundred yards further on, an unnamed creek enters from the right. The silt

shoal formed there pushes the river left where it flows over a shallow reef

guarded in the center by a nice rock. The chute between the rock and the left

shore creates a fantastic surfing wave that is wide enough for two to three

open canoes.

After some more pools, and rapid 16 – an unnamed class II rock garden

(at 1 foot and higher), and another pool you will come upon rapid number 17

(Penn (Pin) Ultimate Rapid). Here, a large flat (usually dry) slab sticks out

one third of the way across the river from the right side. From the left side,

and just slightly downstream, another ledge forms a pour-over with an

interesting wave set on its outside – right – end. Between these ledges is a

chute. The sides of the chute are small, irregular reaction waves.

The bottom of the chute heads straight through a narrow gap between two rocks.

The left side rock is called Pin Ultimate Rock. ‘Pin Ultimate”

is a remarkably

accurate description of the events that unfold in this place. Scout this rapid

from on top of the right side slab. To run this drop, line up just left of the

right side slab. Angle left and paddle forward hard. Aim for that gap and

trust that you will make it. An alternative line is to the right of the left

side hydraulic and in to the eddy behind the pour-over.

(There is a good picture of this rapid, from below the Rock, in Mary Shaw and

Roy Weil’s Canoeing Guide to Western Pennsylvania).

From the eddy behind Pin Ultimate Rock peel out to river left and work around

the left side of the bottom rocks. One hundred yards farther on is the start

of the last rapid in this section.

Rapid 18 (Hell Run Rapids) starts with a weird little cork screw wave smack

in the middle of the channel. It is formed by the break between two diagonal

rock ledges. At very high water, it is like looking into the pipeline of a

breaking ocean wave. Go right. From the short pool behind the Corkscrew to

a hundred yards or so above Harris Bridge, this rapid is non-stop class II

action with just enough class III moves to make it interesting. Start center

and work right to the right of three very large mid-stream boulders. There

are dozens of eddies and surfing waves. About half way down, on the right,

you will see the mouth of Hell Run. It offers safe haven, a place to take

a breather and a very pretty view of this little creek. Downstream from there,

on the far right side a wild diagonal ledge drops sharply into a right side

eddy. A quick ferry to the left will put you in line for a few more waves

and the final big eddy on the left. At levels over 2.5 feet watch out for

some very nasty pour-overs in the center and left center below Hell Run.

When the Slip gets big, more than six feet, Penn Ultimate and Hell Run combine

to form one very long class III rapid. While the water at Penn Ultimate washes

out all of those rocks, it is moving very fast. Upstream from the Corkscrew a

monster wave forms on the right side. That wave is kayak country, although a

short open boat would probably survive. From below the Corkscrew, a wave

train runs right down the middle. At eight feet and up these waves get bigger

than six feet high. It is like riding a roller-coaster. You paddle up the

face, teeter at the top for a moment, then blast down the back. The problem

is that the last wave drops right over that first big rock in the middle.

An eddy turn from the right side into the backwash of the pour-over will

result in a very exciting ender, even with a fourteen-foot open canoe.

Right above Harris Bridge is the final play spot. This very long ledge offers

room for several boats to end surf. It is quite a sight to see a half dozen

kayaks jostling for space with two or three open boats.

Hazards

With the exception of a few dozen undercuts, most of which are easily

avoidable, an occasional tree, and a few broaching possibilities Slippery Rock

Creek is a relatively safe place to boat. The real hazard here is high water.

When the creek goes above three feet or so it gets very fast. In addition,

numerous large holes form that will definitely beat up anybody who is in them.

A swimmer will find the experience very unpleasant and the probability of lost

gear is quite good. The other hazard is cold. This is a trout stream, after

all. The water is cold until well into summer.

For many years, boaters have maintained a great relationship with the park

service and The Slip has remained a free and open river. This is due, in part,

to the efforts of local paddling groups like TRPC and the Keelhauler’s Canoe

Club and the good grace of Park management. Like most good whitewater runs and

recreational areas, however, McConnells Mill is beginning to get crowded.

There is a lot of pressure from parking and multiple user activities. It is

the obligation of every boater to act responsibly, and courteously, and to

obey Park rules and good common sense. In other words, keep a positive image.

If we continue to work with the park people, they will continue to work with us.

And, for goodness sake, do not run the ‘Mill’ on a crowded Sunday

afternoon.