Explore Lawrence County.

Getting to know Lawrence County

Lawrence County sits north of Pittsburgh along the Ohio line, a mix of river valleys, farmland and small boroughs about an hour from the city. Interstate 79 and Interstate 376 make it an easy day trip.

Formed in 1849, Lawrence County is named for the USS Lawrence, the flagship of Oliver Hazard Perry at the Battle of Lake Erie. New Castle, the county seat, grew up where the Shenango River and Neshannock Creek meet.

Towns to explore in Lawrence County

• New Castle – the county seat, long known as a fireworks town and home to Cascade Park, a historic former amusement park turned city park.
• New Wilmington – a quiet college town in northern Lawrence County, built around Westminster College, surrounded by Amish farm country.
• Volant – a tiny Lawrence County village with an old gristmill and a row of small shops that draw weekend browsers.
• Ellwood City – a borough on the Connoquenessing Creek that straddles the Lawrence County and Beaver County line.

Outdoor spots in Lawrence County

The headline attraction is McConnells Mill State Park, where Slippery Rock Creek cuts a rocky gorge past a restored gristmill and a red covered bridge. Hiking trails, including the path to Hell’s Hollow Falls, follow the creek. The water is fast and dangerous, so stay out of the creek and keep to marked trails.

Elsewhere in Lawrence County, the Shenango, Mahoning and Beaver rivers come together near New Castle, and quiet creeks and back roads make for easy scenic drives. Check the Pennsylvania DCNR website for current park conditions before you go.

Amish country and farm stands

The countryside around New Wilmington and Volant is home to a large Old Order Amish community. You will see buggies on the road and, in season, farm stands selling produce, baked goods and crafts. Drive slowly, pass with care and ask before taking photos of people.

When to visit Lawrence County

Fall is a favorite season in Lawrence County, when the gorge and farm roads fill with color. Spring brings high, roaring water at the mill, and summer weekends can be busy, so arrive early for parking. Winter is quieter in Lawrence County, though trails can be icy.

Tips for a day in Lawrence County

• Pair a morning hike at McConnells Mill with lunch in New Castle or Volant.
• Use the town filter above to find coffee, food and shopping near where you will be.
• Many shops in Lawrence County keep limited or seasonal hours, and many Amish businesses close on Sundays.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the gorge trails; the rocks stay slick after rain.

Whether you come for the gorge, the farm country or a small-town main street, Lawrence County makes an easy and rewarding drive from Pittsburgh.

Make a day of it.

Start with the YinzMart places above. For visitor information, lodging and additional trip ideas, visit the county’s official tourism resource.

Hours, admission, accessibility and seasonal availability can change. Confirm details directly before you go.

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