Chimney Rocks Park

    

     Heading north on Rt. 36 leaving Hollidaysburg PA, it is hard to miss the huge limestone formations overlooking the borough.The rocks get their name from the resemblance to chimneys. Local history tells of Native American tribes using the rocks as a lookout over the valley. The borough of Hollidaysburg bought the land that is now Chimney Rocks Park in 1994. Up until its purchase, few poorly maintained trails allowed access to the rocks and lookout. By 1999 with help

Part of the recreation area

from local and government agencies, a small recreation area was constructed including better trails, picnic pavilion, play ground equipment, and safer lookout spots. One curious aspect of the area is that a small cave is said to be near the highest lookout. While meeting fellow hikers in passing, some have heard of the cave, but none know the location. I have yet to find any clear documentation of the caves existence or anyone who knows more than the rumors.

Looking over Hollidaysburg

Arch Spring

 

View from Kettle Road

     If you ever find yourself traveling to the larger attraction of Tytoona Cave in Blair county, Arch Spring is worth a stop. Arch Spring is thought to be the master conduit of water coming out of Tytoona Cave. The spring is named after the natural bridge like formation that suspends over the spring. Multiple dye tracing and analyses have been made to confirm that the spring is an outlet from Tytoona cave, however the exact route the water takes has never been physically followed. The arch itself is about 50 ft high and has a 20 ft diameter. The water collected under the arch is thought to be from a sinkhole that was once part of a cavern that collapsed. The Arch is visible from Kettle Road, however, the best view is from the other side but lies on private property on the near by farm.

Denny's Beer Barrel Pub

     After a great trip to the former town of Helvita PA, My friend Brian and I were looking to grab some food along the way back home. After plugging restaurants into my phone application the first one to pop up was Denny's Beer Barrel Pub. I instantly remembered reading about this restaurant online and was quick to suggest it. I began to tell Brian about the enormous burgers, challenges, and seemingly endless ways they prepare hamburgers. Like any American food loving guys we both instantly agreed to try these “legendary” burgers.

      The restaurant got its start in 1977 and soon became a local hit. To attract more consumers, the restaurant started to expand on their menu and offered giant burgers which are now the hallmark of Denny's Beer Barrel Pub. In the late 1990's the restaurant started to add 2 pound, 3 pound, 6 pound, and even a 15 pound “Beer Barrel Belly Buster” which claimed the Guinness world record for largest burger. Denny's has gained popularity in Pennsylvania and has been featured on a few TV Networks.

      The Pub is on the corner of Daisy St. in Clearfield PA. The first welcome as you arrive is a huge sign that couldn't be missed from the road in the shape of a burger. Once inside, the walls are covered with photos of attempts at the burger challenges. As we made our way into the Pub, we were greeted by staff and took our seat by the bar. Before we were able to talk about our most recent exploration, the bartender got our drink orders and provided menus. We received out food timely even-though the place was busy and had a wait at the door. The atmosphere was much like any little hometown pub with great food. We left full for a fair price and definitely wanted to come back with a group to tackle the 2lb-15lb huge hamburgers they have to offer.