Hells Hollow Hike and Ben Franklin's Taproom Hangout

Welcome to the Beat the Blues! Join us for a stunning, guided hike of part of the McConnells Mill - Slippery Rock Gorge (NCT) Trail! See the pin below for exact meeting location at the Hells Hollow Parking Lot.

Hells Hollow is a challenging 7-mile (3.5 mile out and back) hike with about 1,400 ft of ascents (avg hikes ascend about 500 ft). You will traverse hills, enjoy tremendous views from along the ridgeline, and descend the Slippery Rock Creek gorge. On the return trip, you can choose to take a short and easy diversion near the trail head to experience Hells Hollow Falls.

After the hike, you are also welcome to join and unwind together at Ben Franklin's Taproom and Grill, which is only 8 minutes away at 4270 US-422, New Castle, PA. They have great tasting food and 30 beers on tap in a rustic atmosphere.

Meet at Hells Hollow parking lot (40.931405,-80.240163) near 1496 Shaffer Rd in Ellwood City, PA. The only accommodation at trail head is a porta-pot.
Rated: Difficult
Remember to bring drinking water, proper footwear, and dress for the weather. Hiking pole/s are beneficial on hilly trails like these.

Before your first hike with us, please note the following:

Attendance: The event is limited to 40 in order to account for all hikers and respect the peace of the park. If you cannot attend due to unforeseen circumstances, release your reservation a day in advance so waitlisted participants can plan to come. Repeat no shows and last-minute dropouts are strongly discouraged and will result in loss of membership.

Please be on time. We will be hiking in all conditions unless notified in advance.

Regarding safety: 100% of the hike will be dirt/gravel/rocky forest trails. The trails are hilly and can be muddy. We may cross several streams. Hiking poles are highly recommended so that you do not fall. While this group cares for your safety, all participants hike at their own risk.

Regarding endurance: hikes last about 3-3.5 hours and are a technically challenging 7 miles. Please take this pace into consideration before attending.

Dogs: are allowed at McConnells Mill.

See you soon!

Michael

P.S. If you've been positively influenced by BTB events, please consider donating to help us with hosting fees and future event funding! You may donate via Venmo @mikefitz3720 or through Pledge on our main Meetup page.