Hell's Hollow Trail

You'll find parking available directly at the trailhead for Hell's Hollow within McConnells Mill State Park. The trail is easily accessible from the main park roads.

Yes, the primary path to Hell's Hollow Falls is generally considered easy, smooth, and level, making it great for beginners and families. However, reaching the base of the waterfall involves a steep staircase and navigating potentially slippery, uneven rocks, which requires careful footing.

The main trail follows Hell Run and is mostly smooth and level, winding through a tree-lined, well-shaded forest. You'll encounter charming footbridges. Near the waterfall, the terrain becomes more rugged with a steep staircase and uneven, potentially slippery rocks. If you extend your hike onto the Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, expect more challenging, rocky sections with ups and downs.

The main highlight is the beautiful Hell's Hollow Falls, a magnificent 15-foot waterfall. You'll also pass an old lime kiln, which adds a historical element to your walk. The trail follows Hell Run, offering scenic cascades and unique rock formations shaped by glacial activity.

Yes, the Hell's Hollow Trail branches off and connects to the larger Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, which is part of the extensive North Country National Scenic Trail (PA). This offers options for longer and more challenging excursions beyond the main Hell's Hollow section.

Yes, dogs are permitted on the trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

The trail is beautiful year-round. In summer, it's well-shaded and you might see wildflowers. Autumn brings vibrant foliage. Winter offers a majestic, icy landscape, though conditions can be slippery and muddy, potentially requiring crampons or hiking poles for extended routes. Weekday visits often provide more solitude than weekends.

No, there are typically no entrance fees or permits required to access McConnells Mill State Park or hike the Hell's Hollow Trail. It's a public state park, open for everyone to enjoy.

The direct out-and-back hike to Hell's Hollow Falls is quite short, usually taking about 15-30 minutes for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the falls. If you connect to the longer Slippery Rock Gorge Trail, your hike could extend to several hours.

For the main trail, comfortable walking shoes are sufficient. If you plan to access the base of the waterfall or hike the extended trails, good grip footwear is essential due to steep and potentially slippery rocks. Bringing water is always a good idea, and in winter, consider crampons or hiking poles for icy conditions on longer routes.

While the main path is easy, the area immediately around Hell's Hollow Falls can be very slippery due to wet rocks. Use caution, especially when descending the staircase to the base. During winter, be prepared for potentially icy and muddy conditions throughout the trail, particularly on the more rugged sections.