Fall Colors, Endless Trails: Your Lizard Map Adventure Guide

Fall is one of our favorite times to explore the outdoors. The air is crisp, the mountains light up with color, and the forests and parks transform into inspiring new landscapes.

It is also a really short season in most of the areas we map, which makes it a perfect excuse to make a plan and just get out there. This blog will hopefully help you get inspired to do just that!

Pick a favorite destination, find a backroad you have never driven, try a new trail, or plan a whole weekend around somewhere you have been meaning to explore. And of course, your Purple Lizard Maps are here to help you make that plan, see what is out there, connect the dots, get the big picture, and make the absolute most of your fall adventures.

Join us as we preview some fall adventure options in three breathtaking areas covered by our map packs: Shenandoah National Park and Valley 2 Pack, Pennsylvania Lizard Adventure Pack, and West Virginia's Two Pack, or grab our first Maryland title Deep Creek - Savage State Forest.

Shenandoah National Park: A Symphony of Fall Colors

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah National Park offers an unparalleled display of fall foliage. The Shenandoah National Park 2 Pack Maps are your keys to exploring this breathtaking landscape, boasting over 500 miles of trails and numerous campsites.

Shenandoah National Park (fee area pass/permit required) boasts a vast network of trails, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas. With Purple Lizard Maps in hand, you're not just navigating; you're embarking on a journey of discovery. These expertly crafted maps provide more than just directions; they offer an intimate connection with the land, unveiling the hidden gems of Shenandoah.

Check out the Virginia Fall Foliage Report here.

Fall foliage on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is always spectacular! 2025 Photo by Wandering Out Yonder.

• Hiking: Discover trails like Old Rag Mountain and Hawksbill Summit, and check out all the fantastic trails featured on your Purple Lizard Map, many offering gorgeous views and stunning fall colors.
• Vistas: Shenandoah National Park's Skyline Drive offers sweeping views along its entire route, plan some vista time or take a day trip to enjoy this special road.
• Camping: Set up camp amidst the vibrant forests, serenaded by the rustling leaves and crisp mountain air.
• Exploring: With Purple Lizard Maps in hand, you'll find waterfalls, secluded meadows, and endless opportunities to connect with nature.

The Shenandoah 2 Pack also covers a vast landscape in the Shenandoah Valley surrounding the map, from Front Royal in the north to Waynesboro and Crozet in the south, the South Fork Shenandoah River, Page Valley, Shenandoah Valley and portions of the George Washington National Forest to the west. It includes the towns of Front Royal, Luray, Sperryville, Shenandoah, Elkton, Waynesboro and Crozet, Virginia, all lovely places to explore on your fall adventures.

Michaux State Forest has many amazing lizard spots waiting for you to find!

Pennsylvania: Where Nature and Adventure Unite

The Pennsylvania mountains feature some of the best outdoor recreation available anywhere, with 2.2 million acres of State Forest and 300,000 acres of State Parks featuring thousands of miles of trails. And bonus: much of it is far less utilized than in other areas of the region - giving you the opportunity to explore without crowds. Purple Lizard Maps, which calls Pennsylvania home, has mapped many of the most beautiful areas in the state.

Want to do a PA road trip and catch all that fall has to offer in this beautiful state? Grab the Purple Lizard Statewide Outdoor Recreation Map, and plan your PA Fall roadtrip throughout Pennsylvania's outstanding public lands. Get the big picture of outdoor recreation across Pennsylvania and start dreaming up your next adventure. Our bestselling statewide map brings together Pennsylvania’s state and national forests, state parks, game lands, rail trails and bikeways, long-distance hiking trails, mountain biking destinations, water trails, ski areas, public lakes, and more. It is the perfect tool for planning fall road trips, connecting destinations, and discovering places you may never have known were there.

The Purple Lizard PA Adventure Pack  opens up a treasure trove of outdoor experiences with 11 Lizard Maps covering some of Pennsylvania’s most spectacular public lands, including our new Dark Skies / Susquehannock State Forest Lizard Map, created in partnership with the PA Wilds Center, plus the Pennsylvania Statewide Outdoor Recreation Map and detailed destination maps across the state. Our PA destination specific titles include:

• NEW! Dark Skies/Susequehannock State Forest  Explore one of the darkest and wildest corners of Pennsylvania. Created in partnership with the PA Wilds Center, this brand new map covers the entire 265,000-acre Susquehannock State Forest, portions of Sproul and Elk State Forests, 12 state parks including Cherry Springs, remote gravel roads, backcountry campsites, wild areas, and long-distance trails including the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System. Come for the spectacular fall colors and outdoor adventures, then stay for some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States.
• Pine Creek: Explore, bike, hike, camp and enjoy the wonderland that is the Pine Creek Gorge. Also known as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," this area is especially stunning in the fall, as the season paints the landscape with vibrant colors.
• Moshannon-Quehanna: Hike through the stunning Quehanna Wild Area or explore the Moshannon State Forest's serene beauty, both adorned with fall's vibrant palette.
• The Ohiopyle-Laurel Highlands region features a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities, including kayaking, rafting (seasonal), world-class hiking and biking trails, rock climbing and more!
• Cook Forest-Clear Creek: Experience the towering ancient hemlocks of Cook Forest, a magical setting amidst fall's splendor.
• Rothrock: Explore the rugged terrain of Rothrock State Forest, with a tapestry of fall colors creating an enchanting atmosphere and miles of mountain biking, gravel riding, and hiking trails to explore and lots of great camping spots (check out Greenwood Furnace and Penn Roosevelt State Parks). 
• Raystown: Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Raystown Lake and the surrounding state forest as autumn takes hold.
• Bald Eagle: Discover the lush landscapes of Bald Eagle State Forest, a haven for hikers, mountain bikers, and campers in the fall. We especially love Bald Eagle's remote camping opportunities (reservations available through DCNR).
• Tuscarora: Traverse the Tuscarora State Forest and witness the transformation of its scenic landscapes during autumn. This special forest has lots of secrets to reveal to those willing to discover them - grab your Lizard Map and go!
• Michaux: Navigate the diverse terrains of Michaux State Forest, a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and explorers in the fall and all year long.
• Loyalsock-Worlds End State Forest: Explore the picturesque Loyalsock Creek and discover the World's End State Park with its breathtaking overlooks.

Explore more outdoors this fall and plan your  best adventure with Lizard Maps.

• Hiking: Explore the endless trails in PA from gentle strolls in State Parks to the more challenging classic Pennsylvania rocky hikes in many of the PA State Forests, immerse yourself in the rich fall colors.
• Mountain Biking Cycling & Gravel Riding: Pennsylvania stands out for its outstanding mountain biking and gravel riding and backroad cycling opportunities - a great way to experience the beauty of fall on two wheels.  
• Camping: Find your perfect campsite beneath the canopy of autumn leaves in one of PA's beautiful state parks or forests. Plan your camping trip and get more info about reservations and state park and forest camping at DCNR.
• Overlanding: Chart your own course through Pennsylvania's wild landscapes, with maps like Cook Forest-Clear Creek guiding your way.

Check out the latest fall foliage updates for PA State forest at the DCNR website here.

West Virginia: Wilderness Awaits

Dolly Sods - Seneca Rocks & Elkins 0tter Creek, WV: Just 3 hours  from DC or Pittsburgh, our West Virginia 2-Pack will open the door to some of the East Coast's best wilderness areas and outdoor recreation playgrounds. Dolly Sods-Seneca Rocks and Elkins-Otter Creek are known for their rugged beauty, mountain vistas, and fall splendor.  You have to see it to understand the gifts this area offers the outdoor enthusiasts. Get ready to drop out of your busy life, and drop into outdoor adventure using the Lizard West Virginia 2-Pack.

• Hiking: So many great routes to choose from - you can't go wrong with iconic spots like Seneca Rocks.
• Mountain Biking or Gravel Riding: Experience the challenging terrain of local mountain biking trails in the Canaan Valley, or meander on the twisty backroads surrounded by fall's grandeur.
• Camping: Spend your nights under a canopy of stars, and your days exploring the wilderness.
• Exploring: From the unique rock formations of Dolly Sods to the serene silence of Otter Creek, every corner of these maps holds the promise of adventure.

Check out the WV Fall Foliage Live Leaf Map here.

Deep Creek - Savage River State Forest Maryland

As fall colors take over, it's the perfect time to grab the  Deep Creek Lake - Savage River State Forest Lizard Map and explore all this beautiful region has to offer.  This is the perfect map to start finding some fantastic Lizard spots in MD. From peaceful hikes to thrilling bike rides, this map has you covered. Highlights include 54,000 acres of public land, stunning views of Deep Creek Lake, and access to the diverse trails of Savage River State Forest. Whether you're kayaking, hiking, or discovering hidden gems like New Germany State Park, this map will guide you through the best fall adventures!

Enjoy your Fall Outdoor Adventures.

Fall is short, so get out there while you can. Pick a place you already love, or use your Lizard Map to find somewhere you have never been. Take a hike, follow an interesting backroad, stop at an overlook, wander into a small town, or add an extra day to your trip and see where it takes you.

Whether you choose one destination to enjoy this fall or plan a rolling tour to take it all in, we wish you fantastic adventures. And we would love to see where your Lizard Maps take you. Tag us on Instagram @purplelizardmaps and use #purplelizardmaps so we can follow along and share in the adventure.

See you out there!

The forestry roads of Bald Eagle State Forest are magical in fall!

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Updated Sept.2026