Caught In The Hook: Pennsylvania's Largest Natural Area
The Hook Natural Area is PA's largest Natural Area, and offers a plethora of great adventure. How does one enjoy this area? Read along and let The Department of Adventure lead the way!
Holiday Reflections from Purple Lizard
Thank you for knowing that unplugging is the best way to plug-in
You already know that spending time outdoors is fundamental for human happiness, health and well-being. As our modern lives present constant opportunities for distraction you realize that as we unplug from our screens and plug into the outdoors we are creating a powerful connection for ourselves, our communities and our planet. Your commitment to spending time in our beautiful public lands and enjoying real-world experiences is what makes our work special. Thank you for being a part of that connection and for sharing your love of the outdoors with Purple Lizard.
Winter Adventure Getaways in Moshannon State Forest, PA
Winter is on the way! Thinking about snow reminds us of winter adventures in the near future! Now is the time to call and reserve that long winter weekend getaway to play in the snow in Northcentral PA. Below, we have a few options for you to consider, along with some fun teaser pics to get you into the winter mood!
Go Wild: National Wilderness Areas and Purple Lizard Maps
We added a new designation to our mapping repertoire in 2018: US Wilderness Area. In typical Lizard fashion, we didn't add this phrase to our maps for just any old Wilderness. We tackled some of the most serious (and seriously popular) wilderness areas in West Virginia: Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, Otter Creek, and Roaring Plains West. Below, we provide a sample taste of what each of the wildness areas we mapped this year offer...
unPAved Pennsylvania: A Group Gravel Grinding Adventure
Our Trail Guru discusses his completion of the first annual unPAved Pennsylvania gravel riding event, and how it has inspired him to ride more. "The rewarding feelings from this event are immeasurable and inspiring in so many ways: My friends and I sat around the evening after the event discussing winter bike gear needed to be able to prep for more events in 2019...especially the full 120-mile unPAved route."
Laurel River Trail #306: Traversing Two Wilderness Areas In Monongahela National Forest, WV
Those looking for a remote wilderness experience alongside a mountain river need look no further than Laurel River Trail #306. This trail travels approximately 17-miles alongside Laurel Fork of Cheat River through two wilderness areas. We explain and show the way through Trail #306 and side trails within these two wilderness areas, so you can plan your own adventure in this wonderful watershed!
Otter Creek Wilderness: Go Wild In West Virginia
Otter Creek Wilderness Area hosts over 40 miles of hiking trails for those willing to tackle the challenge. Managed as a Wilderness Area, this is truly a wild place. No roads or other infrastructure may exist. Bikes, wheels, motors, and other machines are also prohibited. Trails are well established, but signs, blazes, and other interpretive media are almost completely absent.
Ironstone Trail: Revisiting A Classic Hike In Rothrock State Forest, PA
The Ironstone Loop is a vintage route that was made popular by Tom Thwaites and other creators of the Mid State Trail. This loop is roughly 15 miles long and includes classic PA rocky ridge top walking with great views, a historic set of rock stairs that descend off a ridge and climb to the next ridge, a lake, swamps, streams, a newly renovated Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, an old iron furnace, and more! Primitive camping is allowed on state forest lands along this route, too! All of the trails in this area are included on the Rothrock Lizard Map, so grab yours and follow along on a somewhat forgotten loop hike in Rothrock State Forest.
Green Monster Loop Trail System: The Best Unknown Trail System in PA
The Green Monster Loop includes almost 32 miles of exciting trails and additional side trails in this corner of Tioga State Forest. Features for trails in this area include wide single and double track paths with solid dirt treadways. The notorious rock gardens found in many other parts of 'Rocksylvania' are less common here. Almost all of the trails in this part of the forest are open to bicycles; riders and runners will enjoy these smooth and fast trails! Dozens of loop options exist in this part of Tioga State Forest, but today we'll give an example of this area by following the 50K loop in the same direction as the annual Green Monster Challenge. Pull out your Pine Creek Lizard Map and follow along with us today, then go out and discover this area for yourself!
Choose Your Own Adventure with Lizard Adventure Lists
Lizard Adventure Lists are a great tool for diving deep into your Lizard Map: include brief descriptions of the trails organized in three sections: Trails, Special Designated Areas & Destinations, and State Parks, to help you explore all your Lizard Maps have to offer!
Exploring Allegheny Trail Along Glady Fork River, WV
The Allegheny Trail (ALT) hugs the isolated Glady Fork River for over 25 miles. This hike will introduce you to one of the most rugged and wild sections of the entire ALT, as well as some fantastic campsites accessible by car. I recommend exploring this section as a long day hike, with a car and camping gear waiting for you at the finish. To set up a shuttle, you’ll be happy to have the Dolly Sods-Seneca Rocks Lizard Map showing you how to access the remote Forest Service roads.
The Quieter Side of Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley State Parks, WV
Follow along as Lizard Seeker Emily Huguenin leads us along another great adventure on the Allegheny Trail in West Virginia
Shaver's Creek Environmental Center, PA: Stone Valley's Not-So-Hidden Gem
Since opening its doors in 1976, Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center has served as Penn State’s nature center and outdoor education field lab. The Creek has also become a mainstay within the community providing opportunities to connect with nature and each other through seasonal festivals, outreach programming, and a multi-faceted visitor experience. Additionally, Shaver’s Creek offers access to some amazing outdoor recreation opportunities for folks of all interests and ability levels.
Rothrock State Forest: Peace and Serenity Only 5 Miles From Downtown State College, PA
Every now and again we all need a break from the hustle and bustle of 21st Century America. Luckily, State College, PA, is surrounded by hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands that are waiting to embrace you with fresh air and natural light. Email, news, phone, school, snapchat, social media, text, traffic, tv, twitter, work...leave it all behind and head into the forest to rejuvenate!
Go For a Hike at Seven Mountain Rest Area Along Route 322 in Central PA
Travelers heading westbound on Route 322 over Seven Mountains are bound to run into traffic jams due to a $100 million PennDot road project that will widen the highway near General Potters Mills. Instead of getting frustrated sitting in traffic, we suggest pulling over at the Seven Mountain Roadside Rest Area and taking a quick hike to one of the best vistas along the 325 mile Mid State Trail!
Bear Tracks, Bushwhacks, and Purple Lizards along the Allegheny Trail in WV
At 330 miles, the Allegheny Trail (ALT) is West Virginia’s longest hiking trail and one of its least traveled. In September 2017, my husband and I thru-hiked the ALT as a celebration of our 5-year wedding anniversary and to explore the Mountain State we call home. In three weeks, we discovered scenic back roads, lesser known recreation areas, hidden history, and endless solitude. This three-part blog series highlights the 40-mile section of the ALT that winds its way across the new Dolly Sods & Seneca Rocks Lizard Map.
Exploring the Southern Frontier of Bald Eagle State Forest: Milroy to Millheim, PA
Purple Lizard takes you on a drive through the backroads of Bald Eagle State Forest, one of the most remote forests in Pennsylvania.
Exploring the Northern Frontier of Bald Eagle State Forest: Millheim to Mile Run, PA
Purple Lizard takes you on a drive through the backroads of Bald Eagle State Forest, one of the most remote forests in Pennsylvania.
Exploring the Hidden Center of Bald Eagle State Forest: Millheim to Weikert, PA
Purple Lizard takes you on a drive through the backroads of Bald Eagle State Forest, one of the most remote forests in Pennsylvania.
Purple Lizard's Pine Creek Rail Trail Ice Cream Tour 2018
Recently, we enjoyed the perfect blend of summer fun - eating ice cream and riding bike on the Pine Creek Rail Trail in North Central Pennsylvania!
Seneca Rocks West Virginia: Great Views, No Climbing Gear Needed
Experience Seneca Rocks without any climbing gear along a 1.5-mile hiking trail leading to an awesome observation tower.
Seeking Purple Lizards At Smoke Hole, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob, WV
The Department of Adventure goes out to locate and map the most fun and unique locations surrounding Smoke Hole, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob, West Virginia.
Car Camping and Singletrack Adventures in Gandy Creek, WV
Free dispersed camping along with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and driving adventures near Gandy Creek West Virginia.
Hiking and Biking To Trail Shelters Near Blackwater Falls State Park, WV
Several wonderful trail loops exist just minutes from Thomas, Davis, and Blackwater Falls State Park. Three trail shelters can also be found along these trails. Load your backpacks and your panniers, and make a weekend trip to Blackwater Falls!
Finding Purple Lizards in Davis and Thomas, West Virginia
Discover an array of outdoor recreation in and around Davis and Thomas West Virginia.
Seneca Creek Trail: Amazing Adventures in West Virginia
Monongahela National Forest is filled with hidden pockets to explore. One of these pockets, Seneca Creek, is just a few miles past a paved road to the highest point in West Virginia. Explore this area with the new Dollys Sods-Seneca Rocks Lizard Map!
Purple Lizard Cartography: Getting Lost in Michaux State Forest, PA
Purple Lizard Maps gives some insight on what it takes to create a recreational map of the highest quality.
Gravel Grinding Along Ridges and Valleys in Bald Eagle State Forest, PA
Bald Eagle State Forest offers almost endless options for cyclists. Last week our Trail Guru used the Bald Eagle Lizard Map and a Surly Cross Check to explore some of the roads in this forest. Have a look at a handful of options to be found in Bald Eagle State Forest.
Spring Adventure in Quehanna Wild Area, PA: Mosquito Creek Trail Loop
Adventurers looking for a one or two day hike in Quehanna Area won’t be disappointed by this loop! It is relatively flat which makes for easy hiking, with fantastic vistas and beautiful stream along the way.
Our Latest Mapping Tool: the BH Easy Motion Rebel eBike
We have a new tool in our mapping kit, and it's quickly becoming our favorite. BH Easy Motion Bicycles asked us to test one of their Mountain e-bikes this season. We didn't know anything about e-bikes, but we use several types of bicycles in our field work, so this was a perfect opportunity to learn about this new ride in the world of cycling.
Bikepacking in Tiadaghton State Forest, Pennsylvania
As part of my training to attempt the Tour Divide mountain bike race in June, I planned on riding 215 miles from my home in Centre County, PA to several vistas overlooking the Pine Creek Gorge in the Tiadaghton State Forest, camping along the way. Combined with about 15,000 feet of climbing, this trip would closely match typical days on the Tour Divide.
Rock Run Trail System: Trail Running Near Black Moshannon State Park, PA
This trail system is a mix of small rocky tread, soft dirt tread, and bumpy old railroad grades. The trailhead lies on the top of the Allegheny Plateau, and so it is perfect for trail running! You will need to keep your eyes focused on the trail, but sights of plenty of wild plants along the trail such as trillium, mayflower, and ferns will keep your mind occupied. This is a beautiful, but remote trail, so you may want to run with a friend or group. If you're looking for some runnable yet adventurous terrain, these 8 or 13 mile loops are perfect. Beginners can enjoy this area too!
42 Miles in 24 Hours: Getting to Know Yourself on the Allegheny Front Trail in Pennsylvania
This isn’t about the fame. It’s about you. It's simply a personal challenge - a very personal challenge, and one that anyone can attempt. It's not impossible, but it's hard enough that even if you think you can do it, there is a good chance you will fail.
Spring Hunting Season in PA: How To Safely Enjoy Public Land
After a long, dark, and cold winter, outdoor enthusiasts are eager to get outside and adventure in the woods of Pennsylvania. Many folks eagerly await the opening of spring turkey gobbler season. It's a good idea to assume hunters will be sharing the woods with you while you are engaged in your outdoor adventures from pre-dawn to post-dusk Monday through Saturday. Everyone has the right to enjoy the woods safely, and there are some basic rules for risk mitigation during the spring hunting season that should be respected.
Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area: A National Natural Landmark in Bald Eagle Forest, PA
Once a state park that is now a National Natural Landmark, Snyder Middleswarth Natural Area is a truly delightful location to explore in Central PA. This area, which is adjacent to Tall Timbers Natural Area, is renowned for its old growth forest of hemlock, pine, and birch trees. This part of Bald Eagle State Forest is it within a 90 minute drive for most visitors from the State College, Lock Haven, Lewisburg, and Harrisburg areas.
The Icebox Incident: A Lesson in Deciding When to Go Home or Keep Going
As winter makes one last stand with a few more inches of snow and some blustery winds, we sit back to reflect on lessons learned from this season's outdoor adventures. One of these lessons is the methodology of deciding whether or not to cut a trip short. We experienced this scenario in real time during a two-day (planned as a three-day) weekend backpacking trip on the Black Forest Trail near Slate Run, Pennsylvania.Subscribe
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Recent
- Caught In The Hook: Pennsylvania's Largest Natural Area
- Holiday Reflections from Purple Lizard
- Winter Adventure Getaways in Moshannon State Forest, PA
- Go Wild: National Wilderness Areas and Purple Lizard Maps
- unPAved Pennsylvania: A Group Gravel Grinding Adventure
- Laurel River Trail #306: Traversing Two Wilderness Areas In Monongahela National Forest, WV
- Otter Creek Wilderness: Go Wild In West Virginia
- Ironstone Trail: Revisiting A Classic Hike In Rothrock State Forest, PA
- Green Monster Loop Trail System: The Best Unknown Trail System in PA
- Choose Your Own Adventure with Lizard Adventure Lists
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