by Terry Whitesell
Sept 30 - Oct 4, 2021
Explore western Pennsylvania from Rose Point Park Campground, 8775 Old Rt. 422, New Castle, PA 16101; (724) 924-2415; www.rosepointpark.com
Established in 1970, Rose Point Park is a private campground that provides lots of fun right from your site. Fish or launch your kayaks & canoes in Slippery Rock Creek for class II & III white water. Walk the nature trails & venture to the 1854 Wilroy Iron Furnace, a recognized PA state historic site. Stroll up the lane to the New Castle Harley-Davidson shop, located at 4655 US 422.
Most of the time will be spent pursuing your own interests, & you may wish to go biking, hiking, boating, shopping, golfing or disc-golfing. After visiting the Warner Cascade Theatre Museum in New Castle, take a self guided drive thru the North Hill Historic District, once home to wealthy tin moguls of the 1800's & where their exquisite Victorian-style mansions can be seen. In New Wilmington & Volant, 19 different districts comprise the Old Order Amish community of about 2300. Most are agricultural or dairy farmers with horses used for plowing. Many shops display & sell furniture, baked goods, flowers, produce, rugs & quilts. Take the wine & brew trail on Rt. 208 thru the Amish countryside. Geology buffs will want to download McConnells Mill Trail of Geology & Slippery Rock Gorge information. Trek 40 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail.
On Friday we'll attend a brief lecture at McConnells Mill, originated in 1852 & located in the state park of the same name. There we'll also see & drive over the 1874 covered bridge, one of only 4 extant Howe truss bridges statewide. In 1980 the bridge was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. A short drive & walk will take us to Hells Hollow Falls & remnants of a lime kiln.
Go to www.visitlawrencecounty.com or call (724) 654-8408. I'll provide info & maps at check-in. Thursday nite enjoy a catered dinner at the campground. Friday & Sunday nites eat at different local restaurants (pay on your own). Saturday nite participate in the Harvest Soup Celebration at the campground.
Cost: