Panther Hollow (valley) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Panther Hollow |
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Panther Hollow as seen from Panther Hollow Bridge
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| Long-axis direction | West-East |
| Geography | |
| Location | Schenley Park, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA |
Panther Hollow is a beautiful wooded valley located in Schenley Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It stretches about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from west to east. The valley starts near Boundary Street in Junction Hollow and ends close to Hobart Street in Squirrel Hill.
It's interesting to know that the neighborhood also called Panther Hollow is not actually inside this valley. Instead, that neighborhood is found in a nearby area known as Junction Hollow.
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Discovering Panther Hollow Valley
This valley is home to the man-made Panther Hollow Lake. At the eastern end of the lake, two streams meet: Panther Hollow Run and Phipps Run. Hiking trails now follow both of these streams, making it a great place to explore.
History of Panther Hollow Lake
Panther Hollow Lake was created in the 1880s. For many years, it was a very popular spot for picnics and fun activities. There was even a boathouse next to the lake where people could rent boats. This boathouse was later taken down in the 1930s.
Panther Hollow Road
A busy road called Panther Hollow Road runs along the southern edge of the valley. It starts where the Boulevard of the Allies ends near Anderson Bridge in Oakland. The road then continues through Schenley Park and becomes Hobart Street as it reaches the eastern part of the park.
The Famous Panther Hollow Bridge
High above the lake, about 120 feet (37 meters) up, stands the impressive Panther Hollow Bridge. This bridge carries Schenley Drive over the valley. It was built in 1897 and is famous for its unique sculptures.
Panther Sculptures on the Bridge
On each corner of the Panther Hollow Bridge, you can see bronze sculptures of four panthers. These sculptures were created by an artist named Giuseppe Moretti. The panthers look like they are crouching, watching over the valley. They are like guardians of the bridge.
Why is it Called Panther Hollow?
The valley gets its name from the mountain lions that used to live in this area a long time ago. These wild cats are also known as panthers.
Panthers as Mascots
The University of Pittsburgh, which is very close to Schenley Park, also uses the panther as its mascot. In the past, fans of rival universities sometimes painted or marked the panther sculptures on the bridge. They would do this before big football games to show their team spirit.
