Amish Country, Waterfalls, and More in Pennsylvania This Fall!

A Stunning Fall in Rural Pennsylvania

If you're looking for the perfect fall getaway, you needn't look much further than the rural part of Pennsylvania surrounding the town of New Castle. Here, you'll find plenty of gorgeous countryside to explore, including at McConnells Mill State Park, not to mention an abundance of thriving Amish culture and more. 

New Castle, found in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, is just 50 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, yet it feels a million miles away. It's a fantastic getaway when you need to hit the reset button on a busy fall or when you're just looking for some romantic time away with your sweetheart. If you're up for an adventure, places like McConnells Mill State Park and Pennsylvania's alluring Amish country are waiting.

Visits to places like McConnells Mills State Park are just the beginning in beautiful Lawrence Country, PA, though. The area, fondly known as the "fireworks capital of America," has a rich history and the perfect balance between small-town charm and big-city amenities. 

Whatever you do in Lawrence Country, PA, we know you'll have a good time. It's impossible not to when you have the cozy comfort of the Select Registry Group's Bed and Breakfasts in western Pennsylvania to call home for the duration of your getaway. We wouldn't blame you if all you wanted to do was linger, relax, and be taken care of. That is one of the best parts of getting away, after all! 

Like all Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts, those surrounding beautiful New Castle are dedicated to excellence in everything they do. It starts with a warm, fresh-made breakfast in the morning and continues with warm and genuine hospitality throughout your stay.

Visit McConnells Mill State Park

If you haven't yet had the opportunity to explore the gorgeous 2,500-acre park known as McConnells Mills State Park in northwest Pennsylvania, this fall is the perfect opportunity. The park is spectacular any time of year - but it's positively breathtaking in the fall. 

McConnells Mills State Park encompasses a scenic part of the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, a Natural National Landmark. Like so many of the state parks in this part of the country, McConnells Mills State Park was created as glacial lakes retreated thousands of years ago, leaving behind a rugged landscape filled with massive boulders, steep gorges, and waterfalls. 

We could easily stand here for a day and admire the scenery - but there's plenty to see and do at the park. Below are some highlights you don't want to miss at McConnells Mills State Park this fall. 

1. The 19th-century gristmill is the centerpiece of McConnells Mill State Park. Though it's closed to the public at this time of year (it reopens on Memorial Day), you can still admire the scenic beauty - and even snap a few photos - of this iconic spot in the park. 
2. Don't miss the McConnells Mill Covered bridge - one of the most scenic covered bridges in all of Pennsylvania. It was built in 1874 and spans Slippery Rock Creek. 
3. There are several waterfalls throughout McConnells Mill State Park, but one of the most popular is Hell's Hollow Falls. It's not the tallest fall in the park, but it's easy to access. There are remnants of a historic limestone kiln next to the falls, as well as a set of steps that take you to the bottom for a different view of the waterfall. 
4. If you like tall waterfalls, don't miss Alpha Falls. It's impressive when it's flowing at max capacity - and after some fall rain is the perfect time of year to see it. 
5. One of the best overlooks at McConnells Mill State Park is found at Cleland Rock. You can park your car steps away from this gorgeous view. 
6. Though it used to be much more challenging to reach, recent improvements at McConnells Mill State Park have improved access to the beautiful Breakneck Falls. 
7. If you want to do a bit of hiking, our favorite trail in the park is the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail. The trail is six miles one way and passes through some of the most gorgeous scenery in the park. 
8. Speaking of adventure, why not try some white water rafting or kayaking? Slippery Rock Creek is known for its Class II and III rapids and is a popular spot to raft. 

If you miss a visit to McConnells Mills State Park this fall, not to worry! There's always next year - but the park is actually pretty fantastic in the winter, too! 

Explore Amish Country in Pennsylvania

Though trips to McConnells Mill State Park are fantastic - especially in the fall - if you're craving something even more simple from your getaway, look no further than Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Visiting Amish country in Pennsylvania is one of the quickest and most authentic ways to experience this charmingly rural part of the state - not to mention a great place to pick up exquisite hand-crafted goods of unmatched quality. 

Lawrence County is home to a relatively large area of Amish Country in Pennsylvania. The Old Order Amish Community - comprised of 19 different districts -  includes approximately 2,300 people, primarily concentrated in farms around New Wilmington and Volant. Like all Amish communities, this one is easily distinguishable by their simple dress and old-world practices - a central tenant to their faith and belief system. 

Amish country in Pennsylvania - at least in this part of the state - is primarily dedicated to agriculture ad dairy farming, but as in most communities, farming is subsidized by woodworking, construction, and other traditionally Amish pursuits. 

The simplest way to experience Amish Country Pennsylvania is to take a self-guided tour through Lawrence County - though be mindful that Amish people don't like to be photographed or videotaped, and all farms and businesses are closed to the public on Sundays. There are also guided tours of Amish Country in Pennsylvania if you prefer something more formal. All businesses and farms visited on this tour are Amish-owned businesses and represent an authentic glimpse into the way of life in Amish Country in Pennsylvania. 

Best Pennsylvania Bed and Breakfasts

The Jacqueline House of Wilmington

Adorned in antique elegance, yet offering the best of modern amenities, the Jacqueline House was built to be welcoming. From silky linens to fluffy towels and the perfect pillow, excellence is in the details. Our four guestrooms offer the best in quality of overnight accommodations. Breakfast, drawing from the area’s quality ingredients and culinary traditions, is served each morning.

Nestled in rolling rural hills, the Jacqueline House is just minutes from all that the picturesque region of western Pennsylvania has to offer. Just down the road from quaint New Wilmington, The Jacqueline House benefits from the best of both small town life and the agrarian bounty of so many local farms. From events at hidden-gem arts centers and colleges, to tours of the spaces and places that make up the Amish way of living, to the simple joy of receiving free range eggs from a neighbor, a visit to the inn brings with it endless rural charms.

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Chapel Valley Estate Bed & Breakfast

Chapel Valley Estate went through a complete renovation in 2003, is a New England style farmhouse that blends the old with the new to provide a comfortable home away from home. Featuring old growth northern white pine wide plank flooring, a tin punch ceiling and detailed woodwork, including salvaged 120 year old millwork as well as new along with modern amenities combined with a spacious property of over 9 acres provides our guests with a relaxing rural atmosphere that is located 40 minutes north of Pittsburgh and 30 minutes from Amish country.

Our facility includes 3 rooms, each with their own private bathrooms. These rooms share a common lounge area stocked complete with snacks and beverages. Two suites with private entrances provide full kitchens, each designed to provide a honeymoon type of stay complete with a hot tub or a large multi room suite where multiple guests, including children can enjoy the view of the property. A washer and dryer are also available 

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