In The Hollow
The Boiler House Ruins
While traveling along the Great Allegheny Passage, it is not uncommon for trail users to pass vacant buildings, abandon factory sites, and historic cemeteries. Where as most of the unoccupied structures are off limits to the public for safety reasons, there are still a few places where visitors are free to explore at their own risk. One of those sites is the factory ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company that operated in Dead Man's Hollow almost one hundred years ago.
Just a short distance from the Youghiogheny River Trail section of the GAP, visitors will find the aging walls of a large roofless structure at the base of the stone quarry cliffs. This abandon concrete shell is all that is left of the factory's Boiler House. During the turn of the century, this building was the heart of the Union Sewer Pipe Company. With two large boilers operating inside, this structure supplied power to the entire operation through a series of belts and pulleys. Most of these connections were made through the large window-like openings in the upper walls. The Boiler House also served as an additional heat source for drying the clay pipes.
Outside of the Boiler House Ruins, visitors can stroll on top of the waist high wall of the railcar loading dock. Next, the remains of the four kiln ovens can be found resting along the Ruins Trail in the direction of the river. During the winter months, it is easier to trace the circular indentations in the ground where each oven stood. On the outskirt of each large pocket, visitors can view the charred arches of the brick fireplaces that once surrounded each kiln. Venturing further around the forgotten factory site, shattered pieces of terra cota pipe remnants and broken bricks litter the ground.
Over the years, the factory ruins have become the most popular destination for those visiting Dead Man's Hollow. In recent year, the former Boiler House has also become the central location for amateur paranormal investigations in the hollow. There are a number of individuals who believe that the spirit of the factory worker who lost has life in a tragic accident is still carrying out his daily duties from beyond the grave. Whether or not that is true has yet to be determined. It is certain though that the supernatural tales surrounding the Boiler House Ruins haven't frighten away the area youth. This is evident by the 'writing on the wall' and the charred embers of campfires.
While traveling along the Great Allegheny Passage, it is not uncommon for trail users to pass vacant buildings, abandon factory sites, and historic cemeteries. Where as most of the unoccupied structures are off limits to the public for safety reasons, there are still a few places where visitors are free to explore at their own risk. One of those sites is the factory ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Company that operated in Dead Man's Hollow almost one hundred years ago.
Just a short distance from the Youghiogheny River Trail section of the GAP, visitors will find the aging walls of a large roofless structure at the base of the stone quarry cliffs. This abandon concrete shell is all that is left of the factory's Boiler House. During the turn of the century, this building was the heart of the Union Sewer Pipe Company. With two large boilers operating inside, this structure supplied power to the entire operation through a series of belts and pulleys. Most of these connections were made through the large window-like openings in the upper walls. The Boiler House also served as an additional heat source for drying the clay pipes.
Outside of the Boiler House Ruins, visitors can stroll on top of the waist high wall of the railcar loading dock. Next, the remains of the four kiln ovens can be found resting along the Ruins Trail in the direction of the river. During the winter months, it is easier to trace the circular indentations in the ground where each oven stood. On the outskirt of each large pocket, visitors can view the charred arches of the brick fireplaces that once surrounded each kiln. Venturing further around the forgotten factory site, shattered pieces of terra cota pipe remnants and broken bricks litter the ground.
Over the years, the factory ruins have become the most popular destination for those visiting Dead Man's Hollow. In recent year, the former Boiler House has also become the central location for amateur paranormal investigations in the hollow. There are a number of individuals who believe that the spirit of the factory worker who lost has life in a tragic accident is still carrying out his daily duties from beyond the grave. Whether or not that is true has yet to be determined. It is certain though that the supernatural tales surrounding the Boiler House Ruins haven't frighten away the area youth. This is evident by the 'writing on the wall' and the charred embers of campfires.
The Three Trunk Sycamore Tree
Dead Man's Hollow may be best known for its dark history and ghostly legends. However, thanks to the efforts of the Allegheny Land Trust, the hollow has recently earned a new reputation. Dead Man's Hollow is now recognized as being one of the best places in Allegheny County to get close to nature. Visitors that frequent the 440 acre conservation area have become accustomed to crossing paths with a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In addition to the wildlife, various species of trees and vegetation can be found along the trails. Out of all of the deciduous plants growing in Dead Man's Hollow, there is one particular tree that tends to draw more attention than others. It is the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree. Named for the unusual growth of its limbs, the Sycamore towers high above the creek next to the Dead Man's Trail. Visitors to the conservation area often make it a priority to locate and photograph this spectacle of nature. In fact, the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree has become one of the most photographed trees in Western Pennsylvania since 1996. After capturing a few images on film, visitors usually find themselves wondering about the age of the tree. Most people can only guess at the number of years that this tree has been standing in Dead Man's Hollow. One thing can be certain about this tree, though. It has undoubtedly withstood a large number of severe storms throughout all of its years. When the trees around it gave in to high winds and heavy snow, the Three Trunk Sycamore stood its ground.
Dead Man's Hollow may be best known for its dark history and ghostly legends. However, thanks to the efforts of the Allegheny Land Trust, the hollow has recently earned a new reputation. Dead Man's Hollow is now recognized as being one of the best places in Allegheny County to get close to nature. Visitors that frequent the 440 acre conservation area have become accustomed to crossing paths with a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. In addition to the wildlife, various species of trees and vegetation can be found along the trails. Out of all of the deciduous plants growing in Dead Man's Hollow, there is one particular tree that tends to draw more attention than others. It is the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree. Named for the unusual growth of its limbs, the Sycamore towers high above the creek next to the Dead Man's Trail. Visitors to the conservation area often make it a priority to locate and photograph this spectacle of nature. In fact, the Three Trunk Sycamore Tree has become one of the most photographed trees in Western Pennsylvania since 1996. After capturing a few images on film, visitors usually find themselves wondering about the age of the tree. Most people can only guess at the number of years that this tree has been standing in Dead Man's Hollow. One thing can be certain about this tree, though. It has undoubtedly withstood a large number of severe storms throughout all of its years. When the trees around it gave in to high winds and heavy snow, the Three Trunk Sycamore stood its ground.
The Enchanted Staircase
Just a short distance from the wooden bridge that crosses Dead Man's Run, visitors can find one of the hollow's hidden treasures. Located on the Witch Hazel Trail, there is a moss covered stone staircase that curves along the hillside. Many refer to it as 'The Enchanted Staircase' since it appears to have been pulled out of the pages of a medieval tale. Surprisingly, very little is known about the origin of the stone stairs. Some local residents believe that the stairs were constructed during the days when the Bowman factory and the Flemming stone quarry ruled Dead Man's Hollow. Others challenge that theory by suggesting the staircase was built shortly after the Allegheny Land Trust acquired the property in 1996. Regardless, those who stumble upon the stone walkway for the very first time almost always pause for a moment to absorb such a unique sight.
Just a short distance from the wooden bridge that crosses Dead Man's Run, visitors can find one of the hollow's hidden treasures. Located on the Witch Hazel Trail, there is a moss covered stone staircase that curves along the hillside. Many refer to it as 'The Enchanted Staircase' since it appears to have been pulled out of the pages of a medieval tale. Surprisingly, very little is known about the origin of the stone stairs. Some local residents believe that the stairs were constructed during the days when the Bowman factory and the Flemming stone quarry ruled Dead Man's Hollow. Others challenge that theory by suggesting the staircase was built shortly after the Allegheny Land Trust acquired the property in 1996. Regardless, those who stumble upon the stone walkway for the very first time almost always pause for a moment to absorb such a unique sight.
The Tree Trunk Hideaway
Many people believe that Dead Man's Hollow is one of Allegheny County's most haunted places. With acre upon acre of seclusion, and the remains of the Union Sewer Pipe Company, the hollow would undeniably be an ideal home for a ghost. Whether it is true or not, there certainly is an eerie feeling that looms over the valley. On crisp autumn days, a gentle breeze and numerous unusual sights can make it easy for the imagination to run wild in Dead Man's Hollow. The 'Tree Trunk Hideaway' is one of those oddities that helps to give crediblity to the stories that have been passed down through the years. Could this have been the tree where the robbery suspect in the Clairton bank heist stashed the loot over one hundred years ago? It is quite possible. Regardless, this unique work of nature is truly worth a second look. Visitors can find the 'Tree Trunk Hideaway' upstream from the 'Three Trunk Sycamore' on the Dead Man's Trail. Visitors may also want to approach this site with caution because small game animals may be hiding inside.
Many people believe that Dead Man's Hollow is one of Allegheny County's most haunted places. With acre upon acre of seclusion, and the remains of the Union Sewer Pipe Company, the hollow would undeniably be an ideal home for a ghost. Whether it is true or not, there certainly is an eerie feeling that looms over the valley. On crisp autumn days, a gentle breeze and numerous unusual sights can make it easy for the imagination to run wild in Dead Man's Hollow. The 'Tree Trunk Hideaway' is one of those oddities that helps to give crediblity to the stories that have been passed down through the years. Could this have been the tree where the robbery suspect in the Clairton bank heist stashed the loot over one hundred years ago? It is quite possible. Regardless, this unique work of nature is truly worth a second look. Visitors can find the 'Tree Trunk Hideaway' upstream from the 'Three Trunk Sycamore' on the Dead Man's Trail. Visitors may also want to approach this site with caution because small game animals may be hiding inside.
Dead Man's Tower
Like the majority of state parks, nature preserves and conservation areas throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dead Man's Hollow is not without its share of trees with strange features and memorable characteristics. Unlike the other parks and recreational areas though, it could be said that it's Dead Man's Hollow's dismal name that allows its trees with abnormalities to take on menacing personalities. Despite the countless number of trees with disfigured trunks, crooked limbs and other oddities, only a select few have been 'unofficially' named by those wandering through the hollow.
Well beyond the established trail system near the Three Trunk Sycamore, stands another distinguishable titan. Aptly titled 'The Dead Man's Tower' by geocaching enthusiasts for its resemblance to the rook in a chess set, this decaying giant marks the beginning of the elevated terrain in the upper hollow. At one point in time, this particular tree might have grown to be one of the tallest trees in the Allegheny Land Trust conservation area. Unfortunately, extreme weather conditions were most likely behind the tree's demise. Nowadays, it is nothing more than a photo opportunity and a place for hikers to check their bearings.
Like the majority of state parks, nature preserves and conservation areas throughout the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dead Man's Hollow is not without its share of trees with strange features and memorable characteristics. Unlike the other parks and recreational areas though, it could be said that it's Dead Man's Hollow's dismal name that allows its trees with abnormalities to take on menacing personalities. Despite the countless number of trees with disfigured trunks, crooked limbs and other oddities, only a select few have been 'unofficially' named by those wandering through the hollow.
Well beyond the established trail system near the Three Trunk Sycamore, stands another distinguishable titan. Aptly titled 'The Dead Man's Tower' by geocaching enthusiasts for its resemblance to the rook in a chess set, this decaying giant marks the beginning of the elevated terrain in the upper hollow. At one point in time, this particular tree might have grown to be one of the tallest trees in the Allegheny Land Trust conservation area. Unfortunately, extreme weather conditions were most likely behind the tree's demise. Nowadays, it is nothing more than a photo opportunity and a place for hikers to check their bearings.