DEAD MAN'S HOLLOW
TRAIL MAP
The Ruins Trail
The Ruins Trail offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore the century old remains of the Union Sewer Pipe Factory. With its flat mulched surface, this trail is ideal for beginners as well as experienced hikers. The Ruins Trail has also been listed as a 'handicap accessible' trail in other regional trail guides.
Dead Man's Trail
The seemingly level path of the Dead Man's Trail gives visitors the opportunity to casually stroll through the woods along the edge of a gentle stream. This trail stretches through the hollow from the end of The Ruins Trail, across the wooden bridge to the Three Trunk Sycamore tree. From there, the trail circles back to reconnect with itself. It should be noted that a portion of this trail requires hikers to cross the stream by using partially submerged 'stepping stones'.
Black Oak Trail
The Black Oak Trail gradually climbs along the edge of the hillside between Dead Man's Run and Orchard Drive in Liberty Borough. Because of its moderate incline, this trail presents more of a challenge for the casual hiker. Individuals who complete the climb to Orchard Drive are rewarded with an enjoyable view of the Youghiogheny River valley from a small picnic grove.
Witch Hazel Trail
Out of all the trails in the hollow, the Witch Hazel Trail is believed to be the most demanding on visitors. It promises a difficult climb out of Dead Man's Hollow to the ridge near Calhoun Road in Lincoln Borough. With an uphill trek that is over a mile long, this trail is clearly intended for experienced hikers. One of the highlights along this trail is the stone staircase.
Table Rock Trail
Constructed in late 2011 by Boy Scout Troop 251, the Table Rock Trail begins where the Dead Man's Trail ends. The new trail winds along the side of a steep hill before leveling out near the 'Table Rock' landmark. The trail then continues to another incline before connecting with the Cool Spirit Trail and descending to the Catfish Pond entrance. The Table Rock Trail has a difficulty level equivalent to the Witch Hazel Trail and can be strenuous to even the most experienced hiker.
Cool Spirit Trail
The Cool Spirit Trail begins with a relatively easy walk along the hillside overlooking the Catfish Pond in Liberty Borough. The trail twists through the woods before crossing over a wooden bridge near a small waterfall. The flat portion of the trail ends just beyond the bridge. After a challenging climb to the top of the ridge, visitors will have to choose between following the path that forms the Cool Spirit Trail's 'figure-eight' pattern or continuing to the Table Rock Trail. Hikers who complete the loop trail will eventually find the 'lost' BMX Track and its strange 'anthill' formations on the way back to the Catfish Pond.
Additional Adventures
In addition to the six hiking trails established by Allegheny Land Trust, there are numerous deer trails and paths used by game hunters that are not registered on the current property maps. These trails can be found all throughout the conservation area and range from a moderate hike to an extremely difficult climb. These trails are not subject to routine maintenance and often change from season to season. Therefore, it has been suggested that only experienced hikers and visitors who are familiar with the Dead Man's Hollow region venture away from the marked trail system. It is also a good idea to use a GPS device when exploring these trails.