The grist mill and courtyard at McConnells Mill are the beginning sites of many programs.

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP, Lawrence County - McConnells Mill State Park will be opening May 23.

Situated on Slippery Rock Creek, the national natural landmark features scenic hiking, whitewater boating and two rock climbing and rappelling areas.

The 19th century gristmill is the centerpiece of the state park. Water from Slippery Rock Creek pours through the new turbine to power the corn grindstones.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the restored rolling gristmill will be open from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Interpretive tours of the historic mill, which include a corn grinding demonstration and last about 45 minutes, will be available at 1 and 2 p.m. Fridays and 1 and 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Additional tours for groups can be scheduled at 11:30 a.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays by calling 724-368-3612. Other times are available by appointment.

Other scheduled programs are:

• Summer 2009 Heart Hikes, led by our park naturalist, exploring six different trails in the park. The level of difficulty will increase. Meeting places within the park and times change. Hikes include: Geology of Slippery Rock Gorge on June 20; iConserve on July 4; The Big Trees on July 25; Geology & Industrial History on Aug. 9; Hike Along the Millstream on Aug. 23, and the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail Hike on Aug. 30.

• Wildflower Walk, 2 p.m. May 10.

Join the park naturalist on an interpretive hike along Alpha Pass trail, part of the North Country Trail. Meet at the courtyard of the Old Mill. Wear sturdy shoes and take water for a moderate hike lasting about two hours.

• Wildflower Walk 10 a.m. May 23.

A botanist from the Carnegie Museum will explore Slippery Rock Gorge in full bloom. Meet at Hell's Hollow parking lot (no facilities), about a 15-minute drive from the old mill. The half-mile trail leading to the waterfall is easy hiking. Take a bag lunch if desired.

• Campfire Cuisine, 2 p.m. May 30.

See various methods of outdoor cooking demonstrated. Meet the park naturalist in the courtyard beside the Old Mill. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area; hike down to the mill.

• Fern Exploration, 2 p.m. May 31.

Search out the rare ferns and wildflowers of the state park on a guided hike along Alpha Pass Trail led by the park naturalist. Meet at the courtyard. Park at Kildoo Picnic Area; hike down to the old mill. Wear sturdy shoes and take water for a moderate hike lasting about two hours.

For more information, call 724-368-8091.