Slippery Rock Creek
Slippery Rock Creek is a stream in western Pennsylvania. It begins in Hilliards, Butler County, and runs about 50 miles to Ellwood City, where it flows into Connoquenessing Creek. The Connoquenessing Creek then continues to the Beaver River, which eventually reaches the Ohio River and the Gulf of Mexico.
The creek passes through McConnells Mill State Park, where it forms a rugged gorge. The Slippery Rock Gorge Trail runs along the creek and by Hell Run, and it is a popular hike in the area.
Whitewater fans enjoy kayaking and canoeing on the creek, with Class II–III rapids that attract paddlers of many skill levels. It’s a beautiful and sometimes challenging place to kayak or canoe.
But the rocks in the creek can be very slippery, and there have been drownings near McConnells Mill. Always be careful and wear proper safety gear.
Origin of the name: The Seneca called the creek Wechachapohka, meaning "Slippery Rock," referring to rocks that could be crossed in moccasins but not in heavy boots. A second story says natural oil seeps around McConnells Mill made the rocks slick, though those seeps were later removed by oil extraction.
The Slippery Rock Creek watershed covers about 410 square miles.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:12 (CET).