Best Hikes in Austin Dam Memorial Park, PA

Default image for Austin Dam Trail, a 1.5-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

1.5 mi
2.4 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Austin Dam Trail

4.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Bayless Paper Mill Ruins Trail, a 2.3-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

2.3 mi
3.7 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Bayless Paper Mill Ruins Trail

3.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Fox Mountain Fire Tower, a 8.1-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

8.1 mi
13 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Fox Mountain Fire Tower

0.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

OliverPhineas

Default image for Jacob Run and Stuckey Hollow Loop Trail, a 7.2-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

7.2 mi
11.6 km

Moderate Loop

Jacob Run and Stuckey Hollow Loop Trail

0.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

OliverPhineas

Default image for Gas Well Hollow Connector Trail, a 1.0-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

1 mi
1.6 km

Moderate One-Way

Gas Well Hollow Connector Trail

0.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

OliverPhineas

Default image for Fox Mountain Connector Trail, a 3.1-mile trail in Austin, PA (US)

3.1 mi
5 km

Easy One-Way

Fox Mountain Connector Trail

0.0

Austin, Pennsylvania

Created By:

OliverPhineas

Key Takeaways

Austin Dam Memorial Park marks the site of the 1911 dam failure that devastated the town of Austin, offering historical exhibits, walking trails, and remnants of the dam itself for exploration.

The park provides recreational opportunities such as picnicking, camping, and fishing, making it a place for both remembrance and enjoying the outdoors.

Visitors can learn about the engineering flaws that led to the disaster, the impact on the community, and the recovery efforts through interpretive signs and the preserved ruins.

About Austin Dam Memorial Park

Discover the natural beauty and historical significance of Austin Dam Memorial Park in Austin, Pennsylvania. This unique destination offers a variety of hiking experiences, from exploring the haunting ruins of the Austin Dam on the 1.5-mile Austin Dam Trail, to conquering the heights of Fox Mountain. Remember to pack plenty of water for your trek up Fox Mountain, and always adhere to posted warnings, especially when near the dam ruins. Leashed dogs are welcome on many trails, but please be responsible and carry out all waste.

For those seeking more challenging adventures, Austin Dam Memorial Park and its surrounding areas within Susquehannock and Elk State Forests provide ample opportunities. The 7.2-mile Jacob Run and Stuckey Hollow Loop offers mountain views, but hikers should be aware of active logging and beaver activity that may require off-trail hiking skills and alternative route planning. The 2.3-mile Bayless Paper Mill Ruins Trail provides an intriguing glimpse into the area's industrial past, while the 1-mile Gas Well Hollow Connector Trail showcases a scenic old-growth forest. Remember to consult maps and trail conditions before embarking on longer hikes, and always practice Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.