White Trillium

An example of the many Trilliums flowering along Hell's Hollow Trail in McConnells Mill. Most are white, but we did manage to spot some red, yellow and pink ones.

A Little Sun

All the rain we had made Hell's Hollow Falls all the more dramatic. McConnells Mill State Park.

A Look Upstream

It was finally warm enough for my middle daughter and I to hike along Hell's Hollow Trail on Saturday. She was preoccupied collecting walking sticks on the trip back to the car. So fun.

Melting

My middle daughter and I finally managed to hike down to Hell's Hollow Falls today. It is finally starting to warm up enough that some of the snow is melting.

Leaning Forward

Since it is a cold frosty December, when I look over the summer photos I am struck by how green they are. I guess it is all relative but I think I will be posting more over the next few weeks.

We believe these are Tall or Green-headed Coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata) growing along Hell's Run. The orange flowers are Touch-me-nots with a few pale ones mixed in.

Light in Hell's Hollow

This image was taken on a September day on which my wife and I walked along Hell's Hollow Trail. It seems so long ago now.

McConnells Mill State Park.

Leaves on Hell's Hollow Falls

I haven't posted a photo of Hell's Hollow Falls in some time.

Fall Foliage

Another photo of the colorful trees in Hell's Hollow.

Wait... What? Wasn't Last Month August?

I think I misplaced September. Hell's Hollow Trail in McConnells Mill, Pennsylvania.

Hell's Muddy Waters

After an onslaught of rain, Hell's Run swelled with a surge of muddy water. Normally this spot is more rock than stream. This photo was taken from the second bridge along Hell's Hollow Trail in McConnells Mill.

Contemplation and Confluence

It was literally pouring rain five minutes before we arrived to Hell's Hollow. But as we drew near, the sun began peering from behind the clouds. It is a fitting image for the day we had.

Couple

We liked the pairing of the small and large tree together. A quick post today since it is getting late.

Sunlight and a Fern

I took this photo not far from MOM's tree while my middle daughter was having a snack at the top of the hill. Hell's Hollow Trail.

Remembering a Summer Walk

Right now everyone is fighting colds but at least the kids are recovering.

Trees in Hell's Hollow

Near Hell's Run in McConnells Mill.

MOM's Tree

Normally after visiting the Hell's Hollow Falls, my middle daughter and I have a snack at the top of the hill. She usually munches on a few crackers while sitting on a wooden bench. From there one cannot miss this tree with a very large 'MOM' deeply carved into its trunk.

There are several areas in McConnells Mill where one will run into markings like these, but for some reason this one strikes me as oddly humorous.

Those Look Yummy....

After I pointed out these bright red berries along Hell's Hollow Trail, my middle daughter commented on how they looked yummy. This led to an obvious discussion on how she should never eat anything from the woods without asking Mom or I first.

The plant with the berries is a False Solomon's Seal (Smilacina racemosa) also known as a Wild Spikenard, False Spikenard, Solomon's Plume, Scurvyberry or Treacleberry. The bitter berries ripen in the late summer and fall. Apparently they are edible, if this list of recipes is any indication. Please note that I have never tried these berries. Wikipedia indicates that they can have an effect of being a strong laxative in certain people.... Also when young, this plant can resemble its cousins from the genus Veratrum which are highly poisonous. So eat at your own risk.

Stinging Nettles are in the bottom left. I believe there are a few Wild Ginger plants in this shot as well. McConnells Mill.

Sources and more info: http://www.siskiyous.edu, http://earthnotes.tripod.com, Wikipedia, http://www.ionxchange.com, http://food.oregonstate.edu

Tree Tops

As my middle daughter and I walked along Hell's Hollow Trail, we came across a large tree near the path. The branches were dark and heavy compared to its leaves.

Pool of Water

When I took this photo, my middle daughter was trying to smack Water Striders or as she calls them, 'Skitter Bugs', with her walking stick in a nearby pool of water. She was not successful as they always scurried away. I don't think she minded.

Hell's Hollow Falls - Water, Rocks, Trees and More Water

Another photo of Hell's Hollow Falls in McConnells Mill.

Title by B Hay.