Lizard Adventure Blog
Plan a Festive Holiday Outdoor Adventure for the Whole Family
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.
Read more
Mountain biking at Herrington Manor State Park, Deep Creek MD
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.
Read more
Find Your Way Back—Beyond the Blue Dot
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.
Read more
Oct 26, 2025
Spooky Hikes with Purple Lizard Maps
Feeling spooky this time of year? Check out these ideas for Halloween themed outdoor adventures that just might get your blood boiling...
Read more
Explore a 15-mile Hiking and Running Loop Around Slate Run, PA
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.
Read more
Oct 13, 2025
Fall Camping and Hiking in Shenandoah National Park with Purple Lizard Maps
Shenandoah National Park is a camper's paradise, offering a variety of campgrounds, each with its unique charm - and fall is the perfect time to explore the grandure of this gorgeous national treasure. Don't wait – grab your camping gear, your Purple Lizard Maps, and immerse yourself in the beauty of Shenandoah this fall. Your adventure awaits!
Read more
Oct 13, 2025
Hiking, Biking, and Running, Oh My! How to Stay Safe on Public Lands During Hunting Season
The season that most hikers, cyclists, and runners are concerned about is firearm deer season, which typically lasts around two weeks. Hunters are out enjoying the woods in much greater numbers than in other seasons, and blaze orange attire is required to stay safe.
Read more
The Ultimate Fall Foliage Adventure Guide to Pennsylvania
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.
Read more
Fall Colors, Endless Trails: Your Lizard Map Adventure Guide
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.
Read more
Sep 8, 2025
Prime Time For Elk: PA Elk Scenic Drive and A Quehanna Wild Area Adventure
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.
Read more
Visit Mount Davis: the Highest Point in Pennsylvania
Mount Davis, at 3,213 feet elevation, is the highest point in Pennsylvania. Peak baggers from across the country visit this roadside spot east of Ohiopyle State Park in Forbes State Forest to notch their highest point belt, or whatever it is one does to lay claim to reaching the highest point (on a natural feature) in Pennsylvania. And then they get a little higher by climbing the observation tower.
Read more
Aug 27, 2025
Exploring the Northern Frontier of Bald Eagle State Forest: Millheim to Mile Run, PA
Purple Lizard takes you on a drive through the backroads of Bald Eagle State Forest, one of the most remote forests in Pennsylvania.
Read more
