Follow One Of The Most Haunted Hiking Trails Near Pittsburgh

Urban legends are pretty commonplace in Pittsburgh. However, you’ll definitely want to be aware of this one before you head out on what just might be one of the most haunted hiking trails near Pittsburgh. It’s the tale of Dead Man’s Hollow in McKeesport, the site of a former factory but also the center point of several downright chilling tales that may, well, give you chills as you hike.

Dead Man’s Hollow in McKeesport earned its ominous moniker due to a murder that took place on its land late in the 1800s.

All Trails/Ricki Stiffler George McClure was the victim of the senseless murder, but his alleged executioner, Ward McConkey, proclaimed his innocence right up until his own execution. McConkey’s restless spirit is believed to haunt the hollow - and its trails - to this day.

If you didn’t know the story of Dead Man’s Hollow, one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania, you would just stroll along, drinking in the gorgeous scenery. Now that you know about its sordid past, keep an eye and an ear out for any strange happenings.

However, it wasn’t just McClure’s murder that earned this hallowed spot a haunted reputation. Another soul, still said to remain in the hollow, was hanged from a tree not too long before McClure’s murder.

All Trails/Terry Lancaster Little more is known about the body. Advanced decomposition made it impossible to identify the victim. You can probably see, by now, why this has been called one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

Since the 1880s, spirits have been said to lurk throughout the hollow, perhaps even along the Witch Hazel Trail, the creepiest hike near Pittsburgh.

All Trails/Alvin Wostein The trail runs along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Witch Hazel Trail tends to get quite busy at times, so you might feel a little less spooked if you know there are other hikers around. However, if you follow this haunted trail near Pittsburgh during a quiet period, well…you never know what you’ll encounter.

The moderately-rated trail runs 5.6 miles and features some gorgeous - and some spooky - scenery. You’ll walk up the enchanted staircase, pictured below, for example.

All Trails/Heather Hanna You’ll definitely want to slip on a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots just because the terrain can get a bit iffy.

Be prepared for some steep inclines and uneven terrain. The trail can get quite muddy after a rainfall, too.

All Trails/Bruce ruffing Are you brave enough to walk through the tunnel above?

One of the highlights of the trail is the ruins of a former factory that dates back more than a century.

All Trails/Tommy Bowser Do you agree that this is one of the creepiest trails near Pittsburgh?

Today, the remains of the factory are slowly being reclaimed by nature and defaced by graffiti.

All Trails/Maxwell Bailey Whatever you take into Dead Man’s Hollow with you - whether it’s bottled water or snacks - make sure you bring it back out.

The trail is often quiet. If you’re craving peace and quiet, you’ve likely found just the right path.

All Trails/Jason Kloock However, sometimes there can be too much quiet, especially along one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

Visit the Dead Man’s Hollow website for more information and to plan your visit.

All Trails/Aliza Aasen

Do you think this is one of the most haunted hiking trails near Pittsburgh? Do you know of any other haunted places in Pennsylvania? Let us know in the comments! If you’re a fan of all things creepy, you’ll definitely want to visit the 10 creepy cemeteries around Pittsburgh that will give you goosebumps.

All Trails/Ricki Stiffler

George McClure was the victim of the senseless murder, but his alleged executioner, Ward McConkey, proclaimed his innocence right up until his own execution. McConkey’s restless spirit is believed to haunt the hollow - and its trails - to this day.

All Trails/Terry Lancaster

Little more is known about the body. Advanced decomposition made it impossible to identify the victim. You can probably see, by now, why this has been called one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

All Trails/Alvin Wostein

The trail runs along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail. Witch Hazel Trail tends to get quite busy at times, so you might feel a little less spooked if you know there are other hikers around. However, if you follow this haunted trail near Pittsburgh during a quiet period, well…you never know what you’ll encounter.

All Trails/Heather Hanna

You’ll definitely want to slip on a pair of sturdy hiking shoes or boots just because the terrain can get a bit iffy.

All Trails/Bruce ruffing

Are you brave enough to walk through the tunnel above?

All Trails/Tommy Bowser

Do you agree that this is one of the creepiest trails near Pittsburgh?

All Trails/Maxwell Bailey

Whatever you take into Dead Man’s Hollow with you - whether it’s bottled water or snacks - make sure you bring it back out.

All Trails/Jason Kloock

However, sometimes there can be too much quiet, especially along one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania.

All Trails/Aliza Aasen

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Dead Man’s Hollow Conservation Area, 600 Scene Ridge Rd, McKeesport, PA 15133, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails Near Pittsburgh January 30, 2023 Beth Price-Williams What are some unique trails near Pittsburgh? Witch Hazel Trail is one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania, but you’ll find a full menu of one-of-kind hiking trails near Pittsburgh, including:

Climb down a staircase on a short but sweet hike (more of a stroll, really) that leads to Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park. Hike to Bilger’s Rocks, the most unique rock formation near Pittsburgh. Drink in some of the best views in Pittsburgh along the Emerald View Loop Trail. Marvel at more than 400-year-old trees at the Hearts Content Scenic Area in Allegheny National Forest. Stroll along a picturesque boardwalk at Asbury Woods in Erie.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Hiking Trails Near Pittsburgh

January 30, 2023

Beth Price-Williams

What are some unique trails near Pittsburgh? Witch Hazel Trail is one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania, but you’ll find a full menu of one-of-kind hiking trails near Pittsburgh, including:

The OIYS Visitor Center

Witch Hazel Trail is one of the most haunted hiking trails in Pennsylvania, but you’ll find a full menu of one-of-kind hiking trails near Pittsburgh, including:

Climb down a staircase on a short but sweet hike (more of a stroll, really) that leads to Cucumber Falls at Ohiopyle State Park.
Hike to Bilger’s Rocks, the most unique rock formation near Pittsburgh.
Drink in some of the best views in Pittsburgh along the Emerald View Loop Trail.
Marvel at more than 400-year-old trees at the Hearts Content Scenic Area in Allegheny National Forest.
Stroll along a picturesque boardwalk at Asbury Woods in Erie.