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
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| 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.
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| Looking over Hollidaysburg |
"As Chimney Rocks are now in the limelight, it -is timely to mention that in earlier years there was a cave of considerable size near the stone "chimneys." The cavern was discovered many years ago by Edward Price of Hollidaysburg, who slipped into a small opening when walking along a path bordering the rocks. A larger opening was found that went down for some distance at a sloping angle, ending in a small room, where several ' stalactites were found. There is no vestage of the cave at present as the opening was long since closed by soil being washed into it For many years a small pine tree stood on one of the "chimneys." It grew from a fissure in 1he rock, in which soil had accumulated carried by the wind. Some years age the tree died but the gnarled trunk stood for some time and can be seen in photographs taken of the rocks."
ReplyDeleteFrom August 14, 1945
Altoona Tribune from Altoona, Pennsylvania · Page 3
Thank you for your insight, and putting validity to the claim of a cave at Chimney Rocks.
DeleteThere is also a cave off of Tel Power Road called Price Cave about 2 miles from here.
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