Pennsylvania

Trip Report: Spring In Pine Creek Pennsylvania

March 02, 2023 6 min read

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.

A Weekend in Cook Forest

January 18, 2023 4 min read

The Forest Cathedral, brings back memories of childhood camping in the Sierras. The Cathedral, found in the heart of Cook Forest State Park, is Pennsylvania’s largest and is a registered national natural landmark. Multiple different species of trees reside here, reaching 150 years old.

Prime Time For Elk: PA Elk Scenic Drive and A Quehanna Wild Area Adventure

January 18, 2023 4 min read

Elk are truly majestic animals, and they're really big! Cows weigh about 500 lbs and Bulls can weigh up to 700 lbs.Since elk populations move frequently, the best ways to find elk are to drive or hike throughout their range. Purple Lizard's newest map,Moshannon-Quehanna, highlights hundreds of miles of roads and trails in the heart of elk country.

Caught In The Hook: Pennsylvania's Largest Natural Area

November 20, 2022 5 min read

What exactly is a designated Natural Area? The goal is to allow nature to take its course as it would without human interruption. Rather than being managed by humans, the State allows these lands to mature and regenerate naturally. To support this goal only exploring on foot is permitted: there is no camping, campfires, bicycles or horses allowed in a designated Natural Area. All motorized vehicles are restricted to the borders and roads around the area. Only day hikers can explore within the borders. The Hook Natural Area, found on ourBald Eagle Lizard Map, is PA's largest Natural Area and offers many opportunities for a great adventure.

Explore Loyalsock State Forest in the PA Wilds

November 04, 2022 3 min read

Loyalsock State Forest, located in the heart of the PA Wilds has just about everything that an outdoors lover could want. Waterfalls, vistas, trails, forest roads, swimming holes, historical relics, camping sites; this forest has it all!

Exploring the Northern Frontier of Bald Eagle State Forest: Millheim to Mile Run, PA

October 04, 2022 10 min read

Purple Lizard takes you on a drive through the backroads of Bald Eagle State Forest, one of the most remote forests in Pennsylvania.

Rothrock State Forest: Peace and Serenity Only 5 Miles From Downtown State College, PA

October 04, 2022 6 min read

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!

10-mile Gentle Hiking Loop in Prime Elk Habitat: Quehanna Wild Area, PA

October 04, 2022 3 min read

Follow along with us on a gentle, but remote 10-mile hike through prime elk habitat in Central PA. Besides a section of State Game Lands, this lovely loop is completely within the nearly 50,000 acre Quehanna Wild Area. This is the largest Wild Area in Pennsylvania, and is home to all of the best wildlife that PA has to offer: bear, deer, elk, bobcat, coyote, rattlesnakes, fishers and more. The two short climbs on this loop only gain about 100 feet of elevation and the classic Central PA rocks are non-existent.

Gravel is Good! Gravel Cycling Near Black Moshannon State Park, PA

October 04, 2022 3 min read

Gravel riding is a popular pastime for the right reasons: Cyclists can enjoy an outdoor adventure on roadways without terrifying traffic or distracted drivers. Black Moshannon State Park and Moshannon State Forest offer rewarding rides for those looking challenging loops! This area is also a fantastic place for beginner riders to sharpen their skills.

Sinking into Summer in Loyalsock

August 29, 2022 5 min read

Loyalsock is one of our go-to choices when we are looking for somewhere to unwind away from the world. There is something magical about this forest. Perhaps it is the fact that "Worlds End" is literally a place name in this forest, or perhaps it's the fact that in the era of overstimulation with technology and news and. . . well everything, this is one of those increasingly rare, beautiful places where for the most part you won't have cell service.

Exploring the Hidden Center of Bald Eagle State Forest: Millheim to Weikert, PA

August 05, 2022 10 min read