Local Area Guide
Outdoor Adventures
Located in the historically glaciated region of the high Allegheny Plateau in Western Pennsylvania, nearby McConnell’s Mill State Park encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge – a National Natural Landmark. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides while the valley floor is scattered with huge boulders. Scenic overlooks and waterfalls are popular natural attractions.
Moraine State Park is 16,725 acres — one of the largest parks in western Pennsylvania. It includes 71 miles of trails and 42 miles of lake shoreline. The North Country Trail runs through the park, and you can hike many sections from different areas. Rent a boat or kayak, take a nature cruise, swim, and enjoy the water of Lark Arthur.
McConnell’s Mill State Park
The park nearly borders Forest & Flowers Retreat. It encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge – a National Natural Landmark. Created by the draining of glacial lakes thousands of years ago, the gorge has steep sides while the valley floor is scattered with huge boulders. Scenic overlooks and waterfalls are popular natural attractions.
- Tour the historic gristmill and covered bridge built in the 1800s
- Hike the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail from Eckert Bridge area or Hell’s Hollow Trailhead
- Less than a 10 minute drive from the Forest & Flowers Retreat, you can hike from the Hell’s Hollow Trailhead. Go on the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail for a long challenging hike or trail run through the gorge (out and back). Take the 1.2 mile out and back to a waterfall for something shorter and easier.
The Slippery Rock Creek
Only 1 mile from the Forest & Flowers Retreat. Enjoy fishing or exploring the trails along the creek here. Turn left out of the driveway until you reach the bridge at the bottom of the hill.
Moraine State Park
At 16,725 acres — this is one of the largest parks in western Pennsylvania. It includes 71 miles of trails and 42 miles of lake shoreline. The North Country Trail runs through the park, and you can hike many sections from different parking lots.
The Glacier Ridge Trail is a section of the 4600 mile North Country National Scenic Trail and starts at the bike concession on the North Shore.
The South Shore also has several trails: The Sunken Garden Trail, Pleasant Valley, and Hill Top Trails pass through wetlands and lake edges where you may spot turtles soaking in the sunshine near the lake, or even osprey and bald eagle.
- Take a tour with Surf SUP Adventures — a premier guide and outfitter with ongoing tours at Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park.
- Rent a bike from the North Shore and ride the rolling hills along Lake Arthur. In the winter, I love cross country skiing on this trail.
- Cruise Lake Arthur on Preston’s Pearl or visit the Owlet Gift Shop on the North Shore of Moraine.
- Visit the Jennings Environmental Center – a 20-acre prairie ecosystem, the only public and protected prairie in the commonwealth. Many short trails here.
Fishing Licenses & Permits for Lawrence or Butler County
Maps & Trails
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website has maps and up-to-date information regarding the local parks and trails. You can also visit the park offices.
Local Events & Activities
EAT & DRINK
Bring your food and cook in the Retreat House kitchen or visit a local restaurant, cafe, winery, or brewery.
Chive is a green forward, healthy, casual restaurant serving salads, wraps, and bowls. Local products with organic and vegan choices. A 10 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
Two Fraus Bakery located in historic Harmony – a purveyor of fine baked goods. German and Hungarian baking traditions and recipes have been passed down to the owners. They use natural, organic ingredients for most of their baking. They use flour from the local Frankferd Farms too! A 20 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
The Lagerhaus Bakery in nearby Harmony – proudly serves Intelligentsia Coffee. “Not only do we enjoy the taste (and caffeine) we appreciate that they are direct trade with their farmers and engage in sustainable farming and environmentally friendly practices.” They serve breakfast and lunch daily, with a seasonal menu & daily specials. Their baked goods rotate, but you’re sure to find cinnamon rolls, bear claws, turnovers, carrot cake, scones, and other Lagerhaus specials daily. A 20 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes features Italian inspired coffees, loose leaf teas, French crepes, and American grilled cheese sandwiches in nearby Harmony PA – a historic German town. A 20 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
National Grind Coffee Shop in nearby Ellwood City, PA serves locally roasted coffee and offers house made items such as almond milk, chai, and hummus. A 15 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
Butler Brew Works is a taproom with adventurous ales and a chef driven menu with everyday bar food plus elevated dinner specials less than 15 miles from Moraine State Park. A 30 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
The North Country Brew Pub is a local favorite and uniquely handcrafted restaurant and brewery in nearby Slippery Rock, PA. Check the calendar for live music and enjoy a meal from their delicious menu ranging from farm to fork to vegan options. A 30 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
The Log Cabin Inn easily accessible on Route 19 and built around a historic cabin dating back to the early 1800’s. The restaurant is an intimate, casual atmosphere complete with colonial décor. Grab a seat on the great outdoor deck overlooking the woods. A 15 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
The Harmony Inn, located in the heart of Harmony’s National Historic District, offers a public tavern and unique dining experience, featuring local food and an extensive selection of Pennsylvania brews. A 20 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
Prospect Pizza: One-of-a-kind family-owned pizza shop with outdoor seating or take-out. Made with homemade dough and red sauce, plus fine Italian cheeses. A 20 minute drive from Forest & Flowers Retreat.
Knockin Noggin Cidery and Winery: Sparkling hard cider crafted in Pennsylvania from fresh pressed fruit with a gluten-free apple base. Local wines too. Stop in to the tasting room!
Cal’s General Store: gas station and convenience store in Portersville about a 5 minute drive away (also a great stop for local eggs).
The nearest grocery stores are Giant Eagle in Ellwood City or BiLo in Harmony. If you’re coming from the South, there are also more options in Cranberry Township.
SHOPS & STOPS
The Owlet Gift Shop & Nature Center: a unique collection of nature gifts and collectibles like photographs. hand thrown pottery, local maple syrup and honey, embroidery, and hand made bird houses. Most items are from Pennsylvania and promote Butler County products. Tickets for cruises on the boat and the North Country Trail shuttle are sold at The Owlet.
The Appalachian Rock Shop: The beauty and wonder of billions of years of natural history are at your fingertips. Find Western Pennsylvania’s finest collection of minerals, crystals, fossils, jewelry and related giftware, as well as jewelry making classes in nearby Harmony, PA.
Enchanted Olive: Offering seasonal extra virgin olive oils from northern and southern hemispheres as well as aged-balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy. In Harmony, PA.
Volant Shops: a unique village of quaint shops, restaurants, wineries and distillery located on Route 208 only 10 minutes from I-79 and I-80. Enjoy shopping on an old-fashioned main street nestled in the rolling hills of scenic western Pennsylvania Amish country. Including some of these favorites below and many more…
Zelienople Historical Tour: Enjoy this self-guided walking tour.
The Barns: 150 yr. old two peg barn featuring braided & machine made rugs, crafts, gifts & furniture.
