A short hike that follows Hell Run until it reaches the 18-foot high Hells Hollow Falls and a lime kiln from the 1850s.
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Trailhead Location: Parking & Trailhead can be found at (40.931375, -80.239854)
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Distance & Type: 1 mile (1.6 km) out and back
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Elevation change: +/- 20-feet
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Difficulty: Easy hike on a well maintained trail. There are steps that lead to the base of Hells Hollow Falls. Be careful when stepping on wet stone.
Hike features:
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Hells Run
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Hells Hollow Falls
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Old Lime Kiln from the 1850s
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Well groomed trail and short hike
Note: Trail conditions change over time. If you discover any inaccuracies with this post during your visit, please post a comment below to let me know.
The terrain at McConnells Mill is made up of mostly limestone and shale. The Hells Hollow Trail is a well maintained dirt path that follows the Hell Run until it reaches Hells Hollow Falls. You will need to proceed down a set of stairs to view the old lime kiln and view the falls from below. Wear footwear that you don’t mind getting wet and provides good traction if you decide to walk around the base of the falls as most of the stone will be slick or below water.
According to the park’s website, the name Hells Hollow was coined during the 1850s when the lime kiln was actively used to extract lime from the limestone in the area. Limestone was placed in the hot kiln with coal and wood until only lime remained. This process produced a strong oder along with red smoke and glow filling the hollow. You can see the remains of the old lime kiln as you proceed down the steps next to Hells Hollow Falls.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable hike to a photogenic waterfall. Hell Run offers unique stone formations where the water carved a path through the years.
Hike Walkthrough
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(40.931375, -80.239854) – Start by following the trail from the parking lot and cross a wooden foot bridge that passes over Hell Run.
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Continue to follow the trail for for between 0.1 – 0.2 miles. You will soon reach a fork in the trail and a sign marker. Follow the trail to the right and across a second wooden foot bridge leading towards Hells Hollow Falls.
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As you near the falls be sure to pay attention to Hell Run. The water carved a path through limestone and shale stone over the years producing a stone carved path that makes for some beautiful photos.
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The trail will end above Hells Hollow Falls and the lime kiln. From here follow the steps down to the base of the falls. The last step ends in water, and you will need to hop between rocks if you are trying to keep your feet dry. Be cautious if hopping between rocks as they are often slippery, especially if they are wet.
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Proceed up the steps and follow the path you hiked back to the parking lot.