Hells Hollow Challenge - Part 2

This hike will start at Eckert Bridge and head to the turnaround point where the Hells Hollow hike ends (effectively covering the entire trail between Hells Hollow and Eckert Bridge if you attend both hikes). This will be a challenging 7-mile out and back hike with about 1,700 ft of ascents (avg hikes ascend about 500 ft) along part of the wonderfully scenic Slippery Rock Gorge (NCT) trail. You will traverse steep hills of the gorge, enjoy incredible views from along the ridgeline, cross small streams and waterfalls, enjoy the serene beauty of Slippery Rock Creek, and reminisce about how breathtaking it was for years to come. On the return trip, you can choose to take a short diversion near the bridge to experience Breakneck Falls.
***Please take special note that this section is more technical than the prior hike and you will see more rugged/rocky trails, steeper inclines including some with stone and log steps, and narrow trail sections along steep hillsides (see posted videos of examples of actual terrain we will traverse).

After the hike you are also welcome to join and unwind together at Ben Franklin's Taproom and Grill which is only 10 minutes away on RT422. They have great tasting food and 30 beers on tap in a rustic atmosphere.

Since there is limited parking at Eckert Bridge on weekends, we will initially plan to meet at overflow parking lot above Breakneck Bridge (40.937324,-80.176316). Parking lot is on right after passing Breakneck Campground at 1757 Cheeseman Rd, Portersville, PA 16051 and before you descend into the gorge. If attendance is minimal, we may change plan to continue down the gorge and park on Eckert Bridge itself (watch posting for any change on morning of event). There are no accomodations at trail head but restrooms are available in main parking lot of McConnells Mill.
Rated: Difficult
This counts towards the 2025 Wampam Chapter hiking Challange.
Remember to bring drinking water, proper footwear, and dress for the weather. Hiking pole/s are beneficial on hilly trails like these