Mystery in Fern Hollow

Join us to solve a mystery in Frick Park: the disappearance of the Fern Hollow stream.

Hike along the Tranquil Trail at your own pace, stopping at stations to explore the Fern Hollow stream and solve an ecological mystery: why is Fern Hollow losing water?

Since the Fern Hollow bridge collapse in 2022, UpstreamPgh has been working with the US Army Corps of Engineers and local partners to study and restore the Fern Hollow stream. One of the main issues we’re studying is why the stream has low water levels and loses water as it flows towards Nine Mile Run. Learn more about wetlands, water quality, and plans to restore stream flow from experts at UpstreamPgh, Civil and Environmental Consultants, Inc, and the Environmental Charter School.

This event is for all ages. The hike will be self guided and out-and-back along the Tranquil Trail, with clear stops along the way where our experts will help you gather clues to nail down the culprit. Solve the mystery and take home a prize!

We recommend you start at the parking lot at the lower Frick Play area, where UpstreamPgh staff will be there to get you started on the adventure on Tranquil Trail. We will start at 5:30pm, and participants are welcome to start right at 5:30 or join us after, but allow yourself at least an hour to solve the mystery.

The trail is wide and flat, and the full route is about 1.5 miles, starting and ending at the parking lot.