Lizard Adventure Blog

Plan a simple, joyful holiday outdoor adventure for the whole family with these easy tips. Discover family-friendly trails, winter outing ideas, and how Purple Lizard Maps can help you explore more this season.

Mountain biking at Herrington Manor State Park in western Maryland feels like pedaling through a postcard. The seasons change and the trails “are just so beautiful today”... everyday. The appeal of riding here is how forgiving the terrain can be for beginners yet still fun for regulars; it’s perfect for a mixed crew to ride together and finish the day smiling. The trail system at Herrington Manor is our go-to for welcoming rides that are an absolute blast. It’s flowy singletrack with a few roots and rocks and perfect for the women’s ride vibe. You can scale it up or keep it mellow but it’s always a good time.

While I don’t necessarily remember thevery first time I picked up and actually read amap, I do know that I rely on maps regularly. There are too many places with unreliable cell reception to think our digital resources can guide us, unwaveringly. But, with a map in hand and a few other necessary supplies, we can be unstoppable. 

The blue dot can tell you where you are , but it can’t show you what you’re missing.

That’s why we still make maps the real way: by getting outside, walking the land, and exploring every trail, ridge, and backroad ourselves. Because adventure isn’t just about finding your way, it’s about finding your way back to what matters.

Feeling spooky this time of year? Check out these ideas for Halloween themed outdoor adventures that just might get your blood boiling...

Years ago, local trail legend Bob Webber would lead a rambling hike along official and unofficial trails throughout the forest near Algerine Wild Area and Slate Run, PA. One of these trails, which helps to create a loop hike from Slate Run, had been seemingly forgotten until a local trail running group, PA Trail Dogs, found this trail again and re-opened the trail for all to use. Follow along below for a rambling description of this loop, which is an ideal adventure for hikers, backpackers, and trail runners alike.

Fall is the best season to explore Pennsylvania! From the Grand Canyon of PA to the ridges of Rothrock, from elk country to old-growth forests, the colors of autumn light up every corner of the state. This guide highlights the best vistas, hikes, and drives across all Purple Lizard Map regions — plus the statewide Pennsylvania Outdoor Recreation Map to help you see the big picture.

As autumn fully arrives, outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers relish in the arrival of fall's vibrant colors, the crisp mountain air, and the sense of wonder and excitement that this season can bring.

To make the most of this magical (and often short!) time, look no further than Purple Lizard Maps and our specially curated map packs, designed to unlock the treasures of the great outdoors to make planning your adventures easy and fun.