SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County — Two Butler County women apparently got caught up in the springlike weather Sunday while hiking in McConnells Mill State Park.

The pair got lost after losing track of time, causing a night search by park rangers and volunteer firefighters. They were eventually found unharmed.

“They were a little tired and a little embarrassed,” said Dustin Drew, park manager.

The women, both from Cranberry Township and both in their early 20s, had driven to the park Sunday afternoon to go hiking and sightseeing.

The park is famous for Slippery Rock Gorge, Old Grist Mill and Slippery Rock Creek, as well as its hiking trials.

“They were enjoying the day hiking the trail,” Drew said of the women, “and before they knew it, it started getting dark and they were lost.”

The wayward hikers used a cell phone to call a friend, who then notified the 911 emergency center. A Lawrence County dispatcher said they were called at 6:52 p.m.

Park officials subsequently contacted the women on their phone.

“They were able to give us an idea where they were and we told them to stay where they were,” Drew said. “After that it was just a matter of time before they were found.”

Firefighters from Portersville in Butler County and Scott Township in Lawrence County located the women about 9:30 p.m. on the Slippery Rock Gorge trail between Hell’s Hollow and Eckert Bridge

“It’s a common place for hikers to get lost,” Drew said. “We’ve been called there before by hikers who had no flashlights with them and did not have the proper clothing after dark.”