Lizard Adventure Blog

Michaux State Forest, less than 3 hours from Philly, Pittsburgh, D.C., and 2 hours from Baltimore, MD and State College, PA, offers something for everyone: Over 85,000 acres of public land loaded with biking and hiking trails (over 300 miles of hiking and over 250 miles of shared use), great climbing crags, cross country ski trails, 40 miles of the Appalachian Trail, plus Caledonia, Mont Alto, Kings Gap, Pine Grove Furnace State Parks. Michaux is just waiting for you to explore!

There are plenty of waterfalls to see in and around Ohiopyle State Park. We've listed four of these waterfalls below (plus a few post-hike bonus waterfalls), all of which are accessible via a nice 5-mile hiking loop.

Rincón Puerto Rico is the perfect romantic getaway!  Just enough off the beaten path with everything you and your lover need to make memories to last a lifetime.  Beaches, sunsets, romantic dinners, and all the adventure options you desire.

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.

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. 

Re-published for winter inspiration (Dec 2025) c. Purple Lizard Maps

We’ve all been there before: You got a late start, the kids fell asleep in the car, lunches are somehow insufficient and the kids are still hungry, and now you’re in the middle of the weather you planned to miss by leaving early. It happens to the best of us!

The winter holidays invite a pause. In this year’s Holiday Greetings, Mike and Justine reflect on a year of thoughtful mapping, deep connections to landscape, adventures big and small (including with Loki the trail dog), and the Purple Lizard community that makes it all possible—plus a look ahead to exciting new maps and collaborations coming in 2026.

Find meaningful, fun, affordable gifts for hikers, bikers, campers, and outdoor adventurers. Shop Purple Lizard Maps for holiday gifts that bring joy all year long! Handcrafted best in class recreation maps, cozy hats, gear, and more — all from an award winning family-run cartography studio in Pennsylvania.

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.

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...