Lizard Adventure Blog Tagged "Guest Blog"

Winter Wonderland: Dolly Sods Wilderness, West Virginia

January 10, 2020

Lizard seeker Eriks Perkons recently completed an overnight winter backpacking trip in Dollys Sods Wilderness Area, West Virginia. This was his first time exploring this area. Even though winter clouds and an oncoming winter storm blocked the vistas, he still had a great time! Read about his trip below.

Trip Report: Bikepacking in Pine Creek Pennsylvania

July 09, 2019

Follow along as Lizard Seeker Mike Patten gives us the low-down on his 2019 summer solstice bikepacking ride in Pine Creek Pennsylvania!

Exploring Backcountry Trails in Tioga State Forest, PA

March 09, 2019

I had two seriously long days in the woods planned, for an estimated total of 44 miles of backpacking. My plan was to follow a slew of lesser-known trails to create a loop that incorporates both Black Forest Trail and West Rim Trail. I picked this route after studying the Pine Creek Lizard Map. There are countless trails on this excellent map, but some of them are old, neglected, and untravelled. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Winter is a great time to do this kind of exploring. There are no rattlesnakes, nettles, or ticks. Streams are easy to follow, and the cold temperatures can dress up the stream banks with ice sculptures. The lack of leaves creates winter vistas where in the summer there is only endless green. So off I went.

Trip Report: Spring In Pine Creek Pennsylvania

February 26, 2019

Having the Purple Lizard Map of Pine Creek really did allow us to plan and make our own adventure in Pine Creek. Even though we only had three days and got to explore a small portion of what Pine Creek has to offer.

Exploring Allegheny Trail Along Glady Fork River, WV

October 09, 2018

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

October 09, 2018

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

September 25, 2018

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.

Bikepacking in Tiadaghton State Forest, Pennsylvania

May 17, 2018

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.

Reflections of a Trail Running Cartographer

May 25, 2017

My idea of fun is running through the woods on a sweet singletrack trail. Most of the time, I’m alone, but a few times a year I love to participate in a long distance trail race with hundreds of other likeminded folks. It feels awesome to push your limits, take in the beauty of the forest, and of course the after-party with BBQ, beer, and good company isn’t too shabby!

"A Perfect Day in The Woods" Guest Blog by female Winner of the 2015 Tussey Mountainback Ultra Marathon

October 31, 2015

The thing about running the same ultramarathon course over again is that you know exactly what to expect. There are no questions about what waits around the next bend, the steepness of that next hill, or what that downhill is gonna do to your quads. Oh no, the pain receptors remember the last time- it’s tatooed on them like the Chinese symbol on your back. The other thing about running the same ultramarathon course over again is that, in addition to knowing exactly what to expect, there are also expectations: gotta run it faster, gotta place higher, gotta avoid that mental breakdown at Mile 35