Holiday Reflections from Purple Lizard
Spending time outdoors is fundamental for human happiness, health and well-being. As our modern lives present constant opportunities for distraction you realize that as we unplug from our screens and plug into the outdoors we are creating a powerful connection for ourselves, our communities and our planet. Your commitment to spending time in our beautiful public lands and enjoying real-world experiences is what makes our work special. Thank you for being a part of that connection and for sharing your love of the outdoors with Purple Lizard.
Go Wild: National Wilderness Areas and Purple Lizard Maps
We added a new designation to our mapping repertoire in 2018: US Wilderness Area. In typical Lizard fashion, we didn't add this phrase to our maps for just any old Wilderness. We tackled some of the most serious (and seriously popular) wilderness areas in West Virginia: Dolly Sods, Laurel Fork North, Laurel Fork South, Otter Creek, and Roaring Plains West. Below, we provide a sample taste of what each of the wildness areas we mapped this year offer...
unPAved Pennsylvania: A Group Gravel Grinding Adventure
Our Trail Guru discusses his completion of the first annual unPAved Pennsylvania gravel riding event, and how it has inspired him to ride more. "The rewarding feelings from this event are immeasurable and inspiring in so many ways: My friends and I sat around the evening after the event discussing winter bike gear needed to be able to prep for more events in 2019...especially the full 120-mile unPAved route."
Otter Creek Wilderness: Go Wild In West Virginia
Otter Creek Wilderness Area hosts over 40 miles of hiking trails for those willing to tackle the challenge. Managed as a Wilderness Area, this is truly a wild place. No roads or other infrastructure may exist. Bikes, wheels, motors, and other machines are also prohibited. Trails are well established, but signs, blazes, and other interpretive media are almost completely absent.
Green Monster Loop Trail System: The Best Unknown Trail System in PA
The Green Monster Loop includes almost 32 miles of exciting trails and additional side trails in this corner of Tioga State Forest. Features for trails in this area include wide single and double track paths with solid dirt treadways. The notorious rock gardens found in many other parts of 'Rocksylvania' are less common here. Almost all of the trails in this part of the forest are open to bicycles; riders and runners will enjoy these smooth and fast trails! Dozens of loop options exist in this part of Tioga State Forest, but today we'll give an example of this area by following the 50K loop in the same direction as the annual Green Monster Challenge. Pull out your Pine Creek Lizard Map and follow along with us today, then go out and discover this area for yourself!
Exploring Allegheny Trail Along Glady Fork River, WV
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
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
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.
Bear Tracks, Bushwhacks, and Purple Lizards along the Allegheny Trail in WV
At 330 miles, the Allegheny Trail (ALT) is West Virginia’s longest hiking trail and one of its least traveled. In September 2017, my husband and I thru-hiked the ALT as a celebration of our 5-year wedding anniversary and to explore the Mountain State we call home. In three weeks, we discovered scenic back roads, lesser known recreation areas, hidden history, and endless solitude. This three-part blog series highlights the 40-mile section of the ALT that winds its way across the new Dolly Sods & Seneca Rocks Lizard Map.
Purple Lizard's Pine Creek Rail Trail Ice Cream Tour
Recently, we enjoyed the perfect blend of summer fun - eating ice cream and riding bike on the Pine Creek Rail Trail in North Central Pennsylvania!
Seneca Rocks West Virginia: Great Views, No Climbing Gear Needed
Experience Seneca Rocks without any climbing gear along a 1.5-mile hiking trail leading to an awesome observation tower.
Car Camping and Singletrack Adventures in Gandy Creek, WV
Free dispersed camping along with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and driving adventures near Gandy Creek West Virginia.
Finding Purple Lizards in Davis and Thomas, West Virginia
Discover an array of outdoor recreation in and around Davis and Thomas West Virginia!
Purple Lizard Cartography: Getting Lost in Michaux State Forest, PA
Purple Lizard Maps gives some insight on what it takes to create a recreational map of the highest quality.
Our Latest Mapping Tool: the BH Easy Motion Rebel eBike
We have a new tool in our mapping kit, and it's quickly becoming our favorite. BH Easy Motion Bicycles asked us to test one of their Mountain e-bikes this season. We didn't know anything about e-bikes, but we use several types of bicycles in our field work, so this was a perfect opportunity to learn about this new ride in the world of cycling.
Bikepacking in Tiadaghton State Forest, Pennsylvania
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.
Tiadaghton Trail Part One: Ramsey To Waterville along Pine Creek, PA
The Lizard Department of Adventure offers yet another great hike suggestion for those who want to discover the beauty of Northcentral PA: Tiadaghton Trail!
In beautiful Pine Creek Valley on the Pine Creek Lizard Map lies a long forgotten trail simply called the Tiadaghton Trail. It has been recently reopened by DCNR and a small group of dedicated volunteers. The southern half of this trail, now better than ever, consists of a very steep climb along a narrow ridge, followed by a beautiful ridgetop hike, concluding with a fantastic descent into a canyon that drains to Pine Creek by Waterville. It is a strenuous hike, but one that offers many rewards!
Charcoal Hearth Trail: A 3-mile Historical Hiking Loop in Caledonia State Park, PA
Hikers and runners looking for a quick adventure near Route 30 need look no further than Charcoal Hearth Trail in Caledonia State Park. This trail offers various hiking surfaces, some climbing and descending, and historical significance, all bundled in a slightly less than 3-mile loop.
A Taste of Michaux Forest, PA: Cabin Camping, Climbing, Cycling, Hiking All In One Weekend
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!
Quehanna Trail: 75 Miles of Backpacking PA Wilds
The Quehanna Trail in Moshannon and Elk State Forests, PA is an amazing 75-mile backpacking loop. The QT is a remote trail, with minimal cell reception and minimal use. The Quehanna Wild Area is outstanding and well-known, but the rest of this route is an unknown adventure! It includes a good amount of elevation change and tons of wildlife, including elk. Plenty of trailhead parking areas, including a few PA state parks, allow for easy access to this trail system. The QT never disappoints!
A Hiker and Biker Guide to Hunting Season: How to Stay Safe (and still enjoy public land!)
As fall arrives, the weather cools, the bugs and the obvious presence of snakes diminish, and outdoor enthusiasts flock to the woods on the weekends to enjoy beautiful environments. In some areas of Pennsylvania, certain hunting seasons officially begin in September. While there are several publications to sift through regarding hunting regulations, we know you probably won't go out of your way to read those. Once fall arrives, it's a good idea to assume hunters will be sharing the woods with you while you are engaged in your outdoor adventures (except on Sundays!). Since Purple Lizard Maps wants everyone to enjoy the woods and safely, we thought a quick public service announcement regarding general risk mitigation practices during hunting season might be helpful.
West Rim Trail: A Nationally Renowned Backpacking Trail in The PA Grand Canyon
The West Rim Trail is an outstanding 30-mile backpacking trail along the western side of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The trail is fairly well known, having been highlighted in multiple national outdoor recreation publications throughout the years. Overall the elevation change is moderate, campsites are plentiful, and the vistas are truly unmatched!
Buffalo Valley Rail Trail: 9 Miles of Pennsylvania Agricultural and Industrial History
Rail Trail riding is an outdoor activity worth exploring! Pennsylvania's industrial history built a well organized network of railroad grades across the state. Today, in many communities, those same railways connecting small towns have been transformed to one of the state's best recreational resource. One that is well worth exploring is the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail near Lewisburg, PA.
Group Outdoor Adventures in Central PA ~ Rides, Runs, Paddles and more!
Since it can be difficult to find new trails or find friends available and willing to explore the outdoors, Purple Lizard Maps has compiled a list of many of the weekly group events in the Central PA region that will keep you as busy as you want to be enjoying the fantastic outdoor recreation in the region.
Allegheny Front Trail - A 42 Mile Long Distance Hiking Trail in Central PA
The Allegheny Front Trail (AFT) is a well designed and well built 42 mile trail that encircles Black Moshannon State Park just north of the geographic center of PA.
A Perfect Hike In Black Moshannon, PA: Moss-Hanne Trail
Black Moshannon State Park is 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands within the more than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest. The Moss-Hanne Trail is a year-round favorite that is open to hikers and cross-country skiers, but summer is the perfect time to try it for the first time! The linear trail is yellow blazed and includes helpful signage and mile markers, reminding hikers how far they've gone and the distances ahead
Rothrock's Newest Trail in Central Pennsylvania
2017: PFBC land just adjacent to Rothrock State Forest has a new trail, and it is ready for you to hike, run, bike, or even horseback ride!
Reflections of a Trail Running Cartographer
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!
Lion’s Valley Vista and the Huckleberry Loop: Hike Musser Gap in State College, PA
Looking for a new vista close to State College in Rothrock State Forest that you can reach after work before dark?
Hot off the Press: Second Edition Raystown Lizard Map!
This all new edition of the Raystown Lizard map includes lots of great new info: latest trail additions, updated lake and visitor information, and the Lizard’s latest graphic style making it the most comprehensive, easiest to read and most action packed map ever made of the Raystown region.
