Hiking In The Hollow
Venture Outdoors Dead Man's Hollow Hike
October 20th, 2012
There was a slight chill in the October air when members and representatives of the Venture Outdoors group gathered at the Catfish Pond entrance of Dead Man's Hollow for the organization's yearly 'haunted' nature hike. Venture Outdoors hike leader Bruce Cridlebaugh and local historian Stephen Bosnyak welcomed about thirty participants to the Allegheny Land Trust property while preparing to enter the woods. After a delayed start, the group began their trek on the Cool Spirit Trail. Once at the top of the hill, the 'Lost BMX Track' became the setting for the first of many stories about Dead Man's Hollow lore. As the group continued along the ridge, everyone noticed that the wind was growing stronger and dark clouds were rolling across the sky. Within minutes, the individuals on the trail found themselves walking in a rain shower with very little protection. As if that weren't troubling enough, another unsuspected problem occurred when about half of the group became separated from the rest. Using cell phones to communicate, the representatives from V.O. worked as fast as they could to bring the hikers back together. Once this was accomplished, the hike continued when the rain ceased and a few rays of sunlight broke through the clouds. By the time participants arrived at the factory ruins, things were running a lot smoother for the trip leaders. The guides were finally able to share some interesting facts about the terrain and the brick making process before starting up the hill again. In the end, the hike did exceed the allotted three hour time frame and the unexpected storm added discomfort to some. Once back at the parking lot, it was difficult for Bosnyak and company to tell whether or not the participants were smiling because they enjoyed the hike itself or because they were only a few steps away from warm and dry vehicles. Overall, it was not one of the most successful nature hikes in the historian's eyes simply because of the uncooperative weather.
On a positive note, the DMH Website's photographer, J.F. Murphy braved the storm to capture a rather nice collection of photos from the event. Additional images taken by the photographer can be found on the photo gallery page of this website.
October 20th, 2012
There was a slight chill in the October air when members and representatives of the Venture Outdoors group gathered at the Catfish Pond entrance of Dead Man's Hollow for the organization's yearly 'haunted' nature hike. Venture Outdoors hike leader Bruce Cridlebaugh and local historian Stephen Bosnyak welcomed about thirty participants to the Allegheny Land Trust property while preparing to enter the woods. After a delayed start, the group began their trek on the Cool Spirit Trail. Once at the top of the hill, the 'Lost BMX Track' became the setting for the first of many stories about Dead Man's Hollow lore. As the group continued along the ridge, everyone noticed that the wind was growing stronger and dark clouds were rolling across the sky. Within minutes, the individuals on the trail found themselves walking in a rain shower with very little protection. As if that weren't troubling enough, another unsuspected problem occurred when about half of the group became separated from the rest. Using cell phones to communicate, the representatives from V.O. worked as fast as they could to bring the hikers back together. Once this was accomplished, the hike continued when the rain ceased and a few rays of sunlight broke through the clouds. By the time participants arrived at the factory ruins, things were running a lot smoother for the trip leaders. The guides were finally able to share some interesting facts about the terrain and the brick making process before starting up the hill again. In the end, the hike did exceed the allotted three hour time frame and the unexpected storm added discomfort to some. Once back at the parking lot, it was difficult for Bosnyak and company to tell whether or not the participants were smiling because they enjoyed the hike itself or because they were only a few steps away from warm and dry vehicles. Overall, it was not one of the most successful nature hikes in the historian's eyes simply because of the uncooperative weather.
On a positive note, the DMH Website's photographer, J.F. Murphy braved the storm to capture a rather nice collection of photos from the event. Additional images taken by the photographer can be found on the photo gallery page of this website.
All photographs courtesy of J.F.Murphy photography.
P.V.C.C. Historical Nature Hike
May 19th, 2012
It couldn't have been a better day for a walk through Dead Man's Hollow when members of the Port Vue Citizens Committee and their guests gathered for the annual P.V.C.C. nature hike. Shortly before the noon hour, the group and their guides departed for the hollow from the meeting area at South Allegheny school district's Early Childhood Learning Center in Liberty Borough. As a group of eighteen walked along the Youghiogheny River Trail, one of the children asked about the ghost of Dead Man's Hollow. Almost immediately, the youngest member in the group objected to any and all discussions about ghosts. When the guide told him that this year's hike would be focusing on snakes, the pint sized participant smiled and said, "I'm good with that!" Another member of the group heading to Dead Man's Hollow was A.J., the junior event photographer from the 2011 Historical Nature Hike. He offered to stand in as the photographer once more. As the hike made its way into the woods, the young man became involved with the story telling in between taking pictures. Once at the picnic area on Orchard Drive, A.J. withdrew from his duties as the photographer and surrendered the digital camera. Just as the group returned to the school's parking lot, one of the participants pointed out a comical sight in the middle of the paved road. This humorous observation led to a fantastic photo opportunity. A few minutes later, the group enjoyed a healthy treat provided by the P.V.C.C. and a 'not-so-healthy' treat ( candy ) from the DMH Website. Also, before the hike officially concluded, everyone in attendance received a Dead Man's Hollow Historical Nature Hike t-shirt.
If anyone attending this year's hike did not receive a t-shirts, please contact the P.V.C.C. or the DMH Website and we will make sure that you get one.
May 19th, 2012
It couldn't have been a better day for a walk through Dead Man's Hollow when members of the Port Vue Citizens Committee and their guests gathered for the annual P.V.C.C. nature hike. Shortly before the noon hour, the group and their guides departed for the hollow from the meeting area at South Allegheny school district's Early Childhood Learning Center in Liberty Borough. As a group of eighteen walked along the Youghiogheny River Trail, one of the children asked about the ghost of Dead Man's Hollow. Almost immediately, the youngest member in the group objected to any and all discussions about ghosts. When the guide told him that this year's hike would be focusing on snakes, the pint sized participant smiled and said, "I'm good with that!" Another member of the group heading to Dead Man's Hollow was A.J., the junior event photographer from the 2011 Historical Nature Hike. He offered to stand in as the photographer once more. As the hike made its way into the woods, the young man became involved with the story telling in between taking pictures. Once at the picnic area on Orchard Drive, A.J. withdrew from his duties as the photographer and surrendered the digital camera. Just as the group returned to the school's parking lot, one of the participants pointed out a comical sight in the middle of the paved road. This humorous observation led to a fantastic photo opportunity. A few minutes later, the group enjoyed a healthy treat provided by the P.V.C.C. and a 'not-so-healthy' treat ( candy ) from the DMH Website. Also, before the hike officially concluded, everyone in attendance received a Dead Man's Hollow Historical Nature Hike t-shirt.
If anyone attending this year's hike did not receive a t-shirts, please contact the P.V.C.C. or the DMH Website and we will make sure that you get one.
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THE LATEST DEAD MAN'S HOLLOW MYSTERY
'What happened to all of the photographs that A.J. took during the hike?'
After retrieving the photographs from the digital camera, DMH Website administrator Stephen Bosnyak was surprised to find only two photographs and one partial video on the camera's memory card. He began to wonder if A.J. had mistaken the 'on / off' button for the 'shutter' button since they are so close together on the camera. Was it possible that A.J. unknowingly kept turning the camera off when he really thought that he was taking pictures? Who knows? Or maybe... It was the infamous ghost of Dead Man's Hollow playing a prank on the Historical Nature Hike's Junior Event Photographer. Either way, the DMH Website team still recognizes A.J. as one of our favorite photographers. There's always next year!
The Ramblers Visit Dead Man's Hollow
October 26th, 2011
A break in the rain clouds was a welcome sight for the Pittsburgh based walking group known as the Ramblers. On a gloomy Wednesday morning in late October, twenty-five men and women from the group gathered at the Boston trail access for a guided tour of Dead Man's Hollow. After a brief introduction, the Ramblers and their guides left the parking lot and made their way toward the hollow. Along the planned route, guides from the DMH Website and the Port Vue Citizens Committee paused to share some of the local history. Once at Dead Man's Hollow, the group explored the Ruins Trail and the Dead Man's Trail before circling back to the Youghiogheny River Trail. The walking tour wrapped up in just under two hours with each participant receiving an official Dead Man's Hollow destination sticker. Prior to leaving for a lunch reservation at a local restaurant, the Ramblers presented a generous twenty-five dollar donation to the Allegheny Land Trust. A few days later, the DMH Website received a letter from the walking group's event coordinator thanking the guides for conducting an fascinating tour.
October 26th, 2011
A break in the rain clouds was a welcome sight for the Pittsburgh based walking group known as the Ramblers. On a gloomy Wednesday morning in late October, twenty-five men and women from the group gathered at the Boston trail access for a guided tour of Dead Man's Hollow. After a brief introduction, the Ramblers and their guides left the parking lot and made their way toward the hollow. Along the planned route, guides from the DMH Website and the Port Vue Citizens Committee paused to share some of the local history. Once at Dead Man's Hollow, the group explored the Ruins Trail and the Dead Man's Trail before circling back to the Youghiogheny River Trail. The walking tour wrapped up in just under two hours with each participant receiving an official Dead Man's Hollow destination sticker. Prior to leaving for a lunch reservation at a local restaurant, the Ramblers presented a generous twenty-five dollar donation to the Allegheny Land Trust. A few days later, the DMH Website received a letter from the walking group's event coordinator thanking the guides for conducting an fascinating tour.
Venture Outdoors Dead Man's Hollow Hike
October 22nd, 2011
The vibrant colors of Autumn were in full swing during the Venture Outdoors Dead Man's Hollow Hike. The event was held on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 under blue skies and a temperature in the mid-fifties. About twenty individuals from all across the region joined two experienced guides from Venture Outdoors and a local historian to spend a few hours hiking the trail of Dead Man's Hollow. The hike began at the Catfish Pond entrance and followed a route similar to the one used during the Allegheny Land Trust hike in August. At times, climbing the steep trails was a test for some of the hikers' physical strength. Even the descent was somewhat of a challenge since a colorful blanket of leaves masked loose rocks, exposed tree roots and other hazards. Every so often, the guides would pause to allow participants to catch their breath. During the short breaks, the historian shared some of the haunting tales of the hollow with the group. A short time later, everyone had an opportunity to explore the ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company and pose for photographs on the 'Enchanted Staircase'. Other landmarks that were pointed out during the hike were the foundation stones of the Bendzuch House, the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree, and the massive 'ant hills' at the abandon BMX track. It wasn't long before the Venture Outdoor hike concluded back at the Catfish Pond with quite a few individuals eager to sign up for the next hike.
October 22nd, 2011
The vibrant colors of Autumn were in full swing during the Venture Outdoors Dead Man's Hollow Hike. The event was held on Saturday, October 22nd, 2011 under blue skies and a temperature in the mid-fifties. About twenty individuals from all across the region joined two experienced guides from Venture Outdoors and a local historian to spend a few hours hiking the trail of Dead Man's Hollow. The hike began at the Catfish Pond entrance and followed a route similar to the one used during the Allegheny Land Trust hike in August. At times, climbing the steep trails was a test for some of the hikers' physical strength. Even the descent was somewhat of a challenge since a colorful blanket of leaves masked loose rocks, exposed tree roots and other hazards. Every so often, the guides would pause to allow participants to catch their breath. During the short breaks, the historian shared some of the haunting tales of the hollow with the group. A short time later, everyone had an opportunity to explore the ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company and pose for photographs on the 'Enchanted Staircase'. Other landmarks that were pointed out during the hike were the foundation stones of the Bendzuch House, the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree, and the massive 'ant hills' at the abandon BMX track. It wasn't long before the Venture Outdoor hike concluded back at the Catfish Pond with quite a few individuals eager to sign up for the next hike.
Click on the image for a link to the Venture Outdoor blog.
P.V.C.C. Historical Nature Hike
September 3rd, 2011
On Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, the Port Vue Citizens Committee held a Labor Day weekend Historical Nature Hike in the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. Steve Hvozdik, President of the P.V.C.C. and DMH Website founder Stephen A. Bosnyak led a group of twenty-three participants down the winding Liberty Trail and along the Youghiogheny River Trail to the Hollow's entrance. At times, Bosnyak stopped the group to share some lesser known facts about forgotten landmarks on the edge of the YRT. In addition, Hvozdik was quick to point out wandering insects and interesting plant species to the children in the group. Once the hike arrived at Dead Man's Hollow, the group had an opportunity to explore the century old ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Factory. While there, Bosnyak gave a brief account of its history. As the tour progressed further into the woods, the younger participants found the visit to the 'Enchanted Staircase' to be rather entertaining. After a short lecture on the venomous snakes species of Pennsylvania, Bosnyak moved the group past the foundation stones of his ancestors' former home and onto the Black Oak Trail. From there, the group slowly made its way up the moderate incline to Orchard Drive while listening to more tales of Dead Man's Hollow. Before the nature hike concluded, the P.V.C.C. provided guests with an assortment of refreshments. As participants sat in the shade enjoying the snacks, drawings were held for themed gift baskets provided by the DMH Website. A short time later, those who attended the event departed with a better appreciation for the region's history and the memory of an enjoyable visit to Dead Man's Hollow.
September 3rd, 2011
On Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, the Port Vue Citizens Committee held a Labor Day weekend Historical Nature Hike in the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. Steve Hvozdik, President of the P.V.C.C. and DMH Website founder Stephen A. Bosnyak led a group of twenty-three participants down the winding Liberty Trail and along the Youghiogheny River Trail to the Hollow's entrance. At times, Bosnyak stopped the group to share some lesser known facts about forgotten landmarks on the edge of the YRT. In addition, Hvozdik was quick to point out wandering insects and interesting plant species to the children in the group. Once the hike arrived at Dead Man's Hollow, the group had an opportunity to explore the century old ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Factory. While there, Bosnyak gave a brief account of its history. As the tour progressed further into the woods, the younger participants found the visit to the 'Enchanted Staircase' to be rather entertaining. After a short lecture on the venomous snakes species of Pennsylvania, Bosnyak moved the group past the foundation stones of his ancestors' former home and onto the Black Oak Trail. From there, the group slowly made its way up the moderate incline to Orchard Drive while listening to more tales of Dead Man's Hollow. Before the nature hike concluded, the P.V.C.C. provided guests with an assortment of refreshments. As participants sat in the shade enjoying the snacks, drawings were held for themed gift baskets provided by the DMH Website. A short time later, those who attended the event departed with a better appreciation for the region's history and the memory of an enjoyable visit to Dead Man's Hollow.
Junior Event Photographer
As always, representatives from the DMH Website like to appoint younger individuals to be Junior Event Photographers. Anthony ( A.J. ) was kind enough to volunteer for the job. From the very start, he had no trouble operating the DMH Fellowship's new digital camera. The photo gallery below contains a few of the photos that he captured along the nature hike. Thanks for helping out A.J. You did an awesome job!
A.J. - Junior Event Photographer
Allegheny Land Trust Nature Hike
August 27th, 2011
Allegheny Land Trust hosted a nature hike at the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area on Saturday, August 27th, 2011. Local ALT guides led a group of twenty people (and a dog named Claire) along the trails near the Catfish Pond and down into the hollow itself. For the most part, participants found the hike to be an effortless walk through the serene landscape. However, there were some moments when the hikers were challenged by steep terrain. Along the way to the depths of Dead Man's Hollow, nature enthusiast stopped to examine and discuss the different plant species native to the area. Others paused to take photographs of the unspoiled beauty that surrounded them. It wasn't long before the group reached the ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company. At the remains of the boiler house, one of the guides shared some of Dead Man's Hollow's ghost stories with those who were interested. A little humor was added when a tiny voice interrupted one of the stories. The youngest participant on the hike stepped forward to inform the local guide that "there were no such things as ghosts." Her innocent comment caught the guide off-guard and immediately sparked some laughter among the factory ruins. The stories were then followed by additional photo opportunities and a brief rest period at the hollow's entrance along the Youghiogheny River Trail. After a few minutes, the group returned to the trails leading back to the Catfish Pond. The event concluded in just under four hours with everyone stating that it was an enjoyable hike.
Also at this time, the DMH Website would like to acknowledge those participants who willingly used the nature hike as an opportunity to remove trash and other debris from the trails. It's that kind of mentality that keeps the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area looking its best! Thank you!
August 27th, 2011
Allegheny Land Trust hosted a nature hike at the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area on Saturday, August 27th, 2011. Local ALT guides led a group of twenty people (and a dog named Claire) along the trails near the Catfish Pond and down into the hollow itself. For the most part, participants found the hike to be an effortless walk through the serene landscape. However, there were some moments when the hikers were challenged by steep terrain. Along the way to the depths of Dead Man's Hollow, nature enthusiast stopped to examine and discuss the different plant species native to the area. Others paused to take photographs of the unspoiled beauty that surrounded them. It wasn't long before the group reached the ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company. At the remains of the boiler house, one of the guides shared some of Dead Man's Hollow's ghost stories with those who were interested. A little humor was added when a tiny voice interrupted one of the stories. The youngest participant on the hike stepped forward to inform the local guide that "there were no such things as ghosts." Her innocent comment caught the guide off-guard and immediately sparked some laughter among the factory ruins. The stories were then followed by additional photo opportunities and a brief rest period at the hollow's entrance along the Youghiogheny River Trail. After a few minutes, the group returned to the trails leading back to the Catfish Pond. The event concluded in just under four hours with everyone stating that it was an enjoyable hike.
Also at this time, the DMH Website would like to acknowledge those participants who willingly used the nature hike as an opportunity to remove trash and other debris from the trails. It's that kind of mentality that keeps the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area looking its best! Thank you!
