VISITING DEAD MAN'S HOLLOW
If you're looking for a brief escape from the ordinary, then a visit to the nature preserve at Dead Man's Hollow should be a welcomed suggestion. As one of the properties owned by the Allegheny Land Trust, this 440 acre conservation area along the Youghiogheny River is open to the public year round. The unspoiled beauty and natural solitude of this quiet valley is easily accessible from the Great Allegheny Passage trail system. With over two miles of established hiking routes through the serene landscape, you'll find that it's very easy to distance yourself from the monotony of everyday routines. One of the paths even gives visitors a sense of 'furthering that distance' while wandering among the ruins of the Union Sewer Pipe Factory. Wooden benches placed throughout the hollow provide a great place to unwind to the soothing sound of a gentle stream. It has also been said that Dead Man's Hollow is one of the best places in Allegheny County to observe some of Western Pennsylvania's wildlife. Since 1996, outdoor enthusiasts have been in agreement that Dead Man's Hollow is definitely worth a visit.
Boston, Pennsylvania
Although there are numerous entrances to Dead Man's Hollow, the easiest way for visitors to gain access is from the Youghiogheny River Trail. Following the river's flow, the hollow is slightly under one mile north of the town of Boston, Pennsylvania. Just a short drive from both the city of McKeesport and State Route 51, the Boston trailhead is located at the end of Donner Street by the baseball and soccer fields. There is plenty of free parking in both paved and gravel lots. Public restrooms are also available.
THE YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER TRAIL
The Youghiogheny River Trail is part of the Great Allegheny Passage trail system. It is a multi-use rail trail that wanders through Western Pennsylvania from the city of McKeesport to the city of Connellsville. This 43 mile section of trail gives visitors a chance to experience the picturesque beauty of the Youghiogheny River valley and to sample the charm of its small towns. Primarily built on vacated rail beds, the trail offers a smooth packed surface made of crushed limestone. Access to the trail and parking areas are available in several different locations. Use of motorized vehicles on the trail is strictly prohibited. Pets are welcome although it is strongly recommended that they be on a leash. Pet owners are also responsible for cleaning up after their pets. As a reminder, the trail does border quite a few business and residential areas. Please be respectful of private property during your visit. For additional trail information, please refer to the Great Allegheny Passage website link below.
Click on image for a website link.
ENHANCING YOUR VISIT
A visit to Dead Man's Hollow can be more than just a brisk walk through the fall foliage or a bicycle ride along the Youghiogheny River Trail. While in the area, visitors may want to consider touring a one room schoolhouse built in the early 1800s. The local specialty shops have made 'treasure hunting' easy by offering an extensive selection of unique collectibles and distinctive giftware. Depending on the season, guests can wander throughout the splendors of Pennsylvania's second largest rose garden in Renziehausen Park. Last but not least, any of the neighborhood eateries can offer a delicious finish to the day with their signature desserts. The best part of combining these suggestions with a visit is that everything is within a fifteen minute drive from Dead Man's Hollow. This website would like to encourage visitors to spend the better part of a Saturday discovering all that the area has to offer.
