Historic Nature Hikes
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. Historic Nature Hike
September 3rd, 2011
On Saturday, September 3rd, 2011, the Port Vue Citizens Committee held a Labor Day weekend historic 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 historic 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 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 Anthony. You did an awesome job!
Anthony - 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!
