Tucked in a lush area of the Youghiogheny River Valley, Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area offers a quiet spot for reflection and for hiking. But, for those who believe in the paranormal, it’s a destination rife with opportunity to experience the area’s haunted history. If you don’t believe in the paranormal, you might just walk away from Dead Man’s Hollow, a supposedly haunted spot in Pittsburgh, with a whole new point of view.
Sprawled across 450 picturesque, quiet acres, Dead Man’s Hollow was once a vibrant hub of business. In its earliest days in the 1800s, the area served as a quarry. At the beginning of the 20th century, it became the site of a pipe factory.
All Trails/Nathan Hormell
Over time, however, the factory was abandoned, leaving only the remnants of buildings behind. (Those remnants remain today.)
Wikimedia Commons/The Bendzuch Estate
Today, hikers and nature lovers can traverse the eight miles of trails that promise beautiful views of nature, a waterfall, and an enchanted staircase. You might also come face-to-face with the paranormal if you’re lucky.
Wikimedia Commons/Barbara (WVS)
Dead Man’s Hollow lays claim to a pretty eerie history. In 1880, for example, a fellow by the name of George McClure was shot to death in the hollow.
All Trails/All Trails User
The alleged murderer, Ward McConkey, proclaimed his innocence until his dying breath. He was executed in 1883 bidding a farewell to his “murderers” in his last words. Some say the 19-year-old returned to haunt the hollow.
All Trails/Robert Seman
Still others tell of, just a few years before McClure’s murder, a body found hanging from a tree. Little else is known about the body, except some believe the individual’s spirit remains in the hollow.
All Trails/Nathan Hormell
Be careful when you’re at the hollow, too, for a man once drowned in the nearby Youghiogheny River, after falling from a ferry. Tales of a force trying to pull visitors into the water abound. Could it be the drowned man?
All Trails/Robert Seman
Embark on one of the trails that winds through the peaceful nature preserve, but be aware that others tell of strange occurrences – weird smells and the sound of people chatting when no one’s there.
All Trails/Robert Seman
Don’t be too shocked if you notice a shadowy figure in the distance. It may just be one of the spirits that are said to remain in the hollow.
All Trails/Shelby Swann
Click here for the official website of Dead Man’s Hollow.
All Trails/Nathan Hormell
Do you believe that Dead Man’s Hollow is a haunted place in Pittsburgh? Have you experienced the paranormal there? Share your experience in the comments! Love a good ghost story that’s real? Set off on this haunted road trip to the scariest places in Pittsburgh. Click here to read more.
All Trails/Nathan Hormell
Wikimedia Commons/The Bendzuch Estate
Wikimedia Commons/Barbara (WVS)
All Trails/All Trails User
All Trails/Robert Seman
All Trails/Shelby Swann
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Address: Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area, 600 Scene Ridge Rd, McKeesport, PA 15133, USA
