PA Waterfalls

Exploring Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park

Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill in Lawrence County Pennsylvania

Alpha Falls is a 35 foot tall waterfall in the far northeast corner of McConnells Mill State Park, Lawrence County, PA.

Because Alpha Falls is located on a diminutive, unnamed tributary of Slippery Rock Creek, it doesn’t always flow well.

In fact, the stream on which Alpha Falls resides is so small, you may mistake it for a roadside drainage ditch!

Alpha Pass at McConnells Mill State Park, and the small unnamed stream that feeds Alpha Falls.

But when rain or snowmelt is plentiful, Alpha Falls it’s certainly worth the 5 minute hike to see it.

Exploring Alpha Falls

Map to Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park

Time needed: 5 minutes

How to Find Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park

Turn off of Route 422 onto McConnells Mill Road and proceed 0.5 miles to a parking lot on right side of the road.
GPS coordinates for Alpha Falls parking area: 40.96028, -80.16883
From the left side of the parking lot follow the blue-blazed North Country Trail.
In 20 yards descend staircase.
At the bottom of the second staircase, follow an obvious but unblazed spur trail to your right.
Continue on the unblazed trail for approximately 90 yards, crossing a small footbridge along the way.
Arrive at base of Alpha Falls.
GPS coordinates for Alpha Falls: 40.96056, -80.16915

Finding the Best Views of Alpha Falls

Despite the fact that the official park map indicates a scenic view from the top of Alpha Falls, there really isn’t anything to see from that vantage point.

Fence at the top of Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park.

The view from below is what you seek.

And if you’re lucky, your visit will coincide with a “wet period” and you’ll get to see something resembling the photo below.

Alpha Falls at McCOnnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County PA — Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park in Lawrence County, PA.

Winter is when Alpha Falls really shines, in my opinion.

Ice formations at Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park

I’ve seen some amazing ice formations both on the falls and along the Alpha Falls Trail itself.

Ice formations along the Alpha Falls Trail at McConnells Mill State Park.

There are even periods where the falls are literally encased in ice.

Alpha Falls frozen in ice at McConnells Mill State Park — A frozen-over Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park.

Of course you’ll want to make sure to wear some kind of microspikes on your shoes to safely explore Alpha Falls in these conditions.

Snow and ice at Alpha Falls at McConnells Mill State Park.

Alpha Falls can be hit or miss, but the small amount of time required to investigate makes it a worthwhile pitstop when in the area.

Still not convinced you need to visit Alpha Falls?

Then check out this video!

42 Must-See Roadside Waterfalls in Pennsylvania highlights dozens of the most scenic roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania, all personally visited and photographed during my travels across the Keystone State.

A collage featuring 4 of the best roadside waterfalls in Pennsylvania, including Dry Run Falls, Hinckston Run Falls, Table Falls, and Miners Run Falls.

Nearby Attractions

Exploring McConnell’s Mill State Park in Lawrence County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences near Alpha Falls.

The best things to see and do at McConnell's Mill State Park in Lawrence County Pennsylvania.

A Smarter Way to Explore Pennsylvania

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

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