SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County — A 32-year-old New Castle man broke an arm and a leg and suffered a head injury Tuesday evening after falling about 30 feet at McConnells Mill State Park, authorities said.

The man was flown by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital following an intensive rope rescue near Kildoo Falls. His name and condition were not immediately available.

Park officials said the man was in the area of the scenic waterfall about 5:45 p.m. when he toppled down a hillside.

“A lot of folks go there just to take photos,” Bryan Moore, park ranger supervisor, said Wednesday. “It's a beautiful area but it's a dangerous area. It's a pretty steep incline. It's a long drop.”

Volunteer firefighters from Slippery Rock, Scott Township and Shenango Township in Lawrence County, and Portersville EMS in Butler County were called to the scene.

Crews performed a high-angle rope rescue, officials said, a system that involves the need to hoist victims, from one level to another using ropes, harnesses, pulleys, belay devices and other specialized tools.

“This kind of rescue is generally used when the slope of the cliff or hillside is very steep,” Moore said.

The man was lifted up in a Stokes basket and taken to a helicopter, which took off from the park about 7:30 p.m. He was flown to UPMC Presbyterian hospital.

Moore had one parting piece of advice for all park-goers in wake of the incident: “Stay on the designated and authorized trails.”