Rothrock State Forest Lizard Map
The map that started it all.
First published in 1997 and now in its 8th edition, the Rothrock State Forest Lizard Map is the original Purple Lizard Map. . . and still one of our most popular maps.
This one will bring a smile to any Lizard Map fan or anyone who loves the outdoors.
The Rothrock Lizard Map is your trail-tested guide to the rugged ridges, lush hollows, winding gravel forest roads and outstanding trails of Rothrock State Forest, one of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian gems.
Located in Central Pennsylvania, just minutes from State College, PA, home of Penn State University, Rothrock State Forest has truly become a destination forest. People come from all over the Mid-Atlantic region and the U.S. to mountain bike, gravel bike, hike and explore Rothrock State Forest.
Whether you’re planning a mountain biking weekend, a gravel ride, a hike, a Mid State Trail adventure, a trip to State College, or simply looking for a place to get lost and find your way again on a forest road, Rothrock has enough trails, backroads, ridges, valleys, lakes and special places to keep you coming back for years.
What Lizard Map Customers Say
“These maps are AMAZING! They make trip planning for bikepacking so easy. I am a customer and fan for life — thank you!”
— Brad from PA
Why You Want This Map
A real map for real world adventure.
This beautifully designed, easy-to-read topographic map features contour lines, elevation data, shaded relief and all the key details you need to plan your adventures: backroads and trails, trail use designations, road surfaces, parking access, campsites, public lands, historic sites and more.
Highlights
- Beautiful, accurate shaded relief and elevation data
- Backroads and trails with use designations
- Road surfaces including paved, gravel and 4WD roads
- Gate information
- Campsites, parking, scenic overlooks and public lands
Built for Real World Adventure
Lizard Maps are durable, waterproof, and give you the big picture. The map opens to 24” x 36” and folds easily to 4” x 8” to fit in your back pocket.
Scale: 1:39,419 (1 inch = 0.6 mile)
Includes both lat./lon. and UTM coordinate systems.
What’s on the Map?
Public Land
Over 90,000 acres of Rothrock State Forest, part of Bald Eagle State Forest, as well as Greenwood Furnace, Whipple Dam and Penn Roosevelt State Parks, the Penn State Stone Valley Forest, Mount Nittany Conservancy Trail System and Preserve and parts of State Game Lands 112, 118 and 322.
Special Destinations
Special destinations in this forest include Alan Seeger Natural Area, which has a stand of old growth hemlock, and Bear Meadows Natural Area, which is among the largest freshwater bogs in the northeast — and many more.
Roads
All Lizard Maps show which roads are paved, dirt/gravel or 4WD roads, as well as which are gated. Perfect for bicyclists, dual sport riders and overlanders looking to put together a remote backcountry route across public lands.
Major Hiking Trails
The Rothrock section of the 323-mile Mid State Trail is shown from the MST tunnel under Route 322 at Seven Mountains to Water Street, PA. The MST continues on the Purple Lizard Bald Eagle and Raystown Lizard Maps.
The 84-mile Standing Stone Trail is shown from Game Lands 112 to its northern terminus with the Mid State Trail at Detweiler Run.
The Mount Nittany Conservancy trails are a local favorite offering outstanding views of the town of State College and surrounding valleys.
Major Biking Trails
The 36-mile nationally recognized IMBA Epic Ride, the trails of Musser and Shingletown Gap, and the 27-mile Coopers Gap route are all mapped and offer some of the very best technical singletrack riding in the Northeast.
Even More Trails
Lizard Maps highlight and designate public trails and paths including hiking, biking and rail trails managed by federal, state and local authorities.
Colyer Lake features a 2.5-mile trail around it built for mountain biking and running.
Juniata College in Huntingdon has a network of walking paths and hiking trails around an environmental art installation by Maya Lin.
A network of bicycle paths surround the town of State College and connect to Rothrock State Forest.
The northern end of the Lower Rail Trail is shown at Water Street.
Points of Interest
Campgrounds, picnic areas, climbing areas, reservable car camping sites, scenic overlooks, observation towers and, of course, many many Lizard spots.
Natural Areas and Special Designated Areas
Alan Seeger Natural Area, Bear Meadows Natural Area, Detweiler Run Natural Area, Little Juniata Natural Area, Rocky Ridge Natural Area, Thickhead Wild Area, Colyer Lake and the Penn State Stone Valley Forest.
Towns
State College, Boalsburg, Huntingdon, Lemont, McAlevy’s Fort, Milroy, Potters Mills, Reedsville, Spruce Creek.
Chase Some Lizards!
The little purple Lizards you’ll find scattered on all Purple Lizard Maps were born here in Rothrock.
They signify an interesting spot to check out. The legend says:
“This Could Mean Anything: cool place, sweet view, local legend.”
Closer Than You Think
Minutes from State College PA, and just a few hours from Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, New York and Pittsburgh, Rothrock State Forest offers many adventures worth the trip.
Now in its 8th printing, Rothrock boasts some of the best hiking and mountain biking trails in the country. Outdoor enthusiasts will find an amazing network of backroads, stunning ridge and valley topography, beautiful State Park lakes and campgrounds for every speed of adventurer.
Grab yours and start planning your adventures today.
2025 8th printing
ISBN: 9798350751802
Ready to Explore Rothrock?
Get inspired with Rothrock Adventure Blogs.
Health Warning
Continued use of Purple Lizard Maps may result in an inability to stay indoors and a sudden criticism of traffic. Your skin may become covered with dust and dirt. Mild confusion will make it difficult to relate time and distance, which may alter your definition of weather. There is a potential for all of these side effects to occur simultaneously and without warning.
That’s why we are warning you now.
Flat Map Option
All Purple Lizard Maps are available flat, rolled up and unfolded, suitable for framing in your living room or just nailing to a cabin wall.
The map cost is the same, but shipping varies. Email info@purplelizard.com for specifics.
1% For The Planet
We are a proud member of 1% For The Planet.
1% for the Planet was founded on the idea that a company has a responsibility to give back for use of our planet’s resources.
What Lizard Map Customers Say:
"Thank you for making such amazing, thought provoking, and humorous maps. (Who’d ever think you could say these things about a map?!) Purple Lizard maps take adventuring to the next level!"
Lisa
"Got my map today in time to plan our biking/hiking/rafting trip to Ohiopyle State Park next week. This map is so frigging detailed I told my wife we don’t even need to take the trip – we can just find endless adventures simply gazing at the map!"
Gordon in NC
I am finding more and more value in your maps primarily because you have updated trails, and have added new trails, that may not show on even the latest USGS 7.5 Minute topos ... and of course there are many new roads that have been put in over the last 20-30 years that again, are not on many of the latest USGS topos."
