Outdoor Recreation

August 16, 2023

Benefits of a morning paddle

For the average person, starting your day can be a struggle. Many of us turn to caffeine or other means of boosting our energy levels, but did you know that paddling provides a host of benefits that start your day off right? Lucky for us, the Susquehanna River offers a close-to-home outlet for those seeking to hit the water for an early morning paddle. Whether you prefer to kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard, here are some great incentives to roll out of bed and into a boat to kick off your day. It might just make you a morning person!

August 10, 2023

Outfitting the PA Wilds: Rich Port Adventure Company

Rich Port Adventure Company’s history teaches the power of adapting, going with the flow, and finding the beauty in everything. Located in Muncy, just east of Williamsport in Lycoming County in the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds, Rich Port Adventure Company helps travelers explore the many wonderful waterways and other outdoor rec experiences.

August 9, 2023

Allegheny National Forest Centennial Celebration planned for September 24 at Twin Lakes

The USDA Forest Service is inviting the public to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Allegheny National Forest’s establishment on Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Wilcox, Elk County. Admission is free for this family-friendly event. Planned festivities include live music, guest speakers, kids' activities, commemorative giveaways, interpretive hikes, an expo of organizations, history displays, food trucks, and beverage vendors.

August 4, 2023

2023 PA Wilds Champions receive awards at July 27 dinner

On July 27, the eleven recipients of the 2023 Champions of the Pennsylvania Wilds Awards were recognized for their efforts to help grow and sustainably develop the region’s outdoor recreation economy and nature tourism.  Approximately 200 people from across the 13-county PA Wilds region and Harrisburg gathered to celebrate the award winners during the 2023 PA Wilds Dinner & Awards, held at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Jefferson County. The event is organized by the PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, Inc. (PA Wilds Center) and the PA Wilds Planning Team, and the theme for this year’s dinner was “Celebrating Decades of Conservation and Innovation.”

August 3, 2023

Outfitting the PA Wilds: Pine Creek Outfitters

More than just rentals, Pine Creek Outfitters offers local knowledge, equipment and experience while exploring the Pine Creek Valley and the PA Grand Canyon landscape of the PA Wilds. Looking to enjoy a safe and memorable trip? Whether you’re going rafting, hiking or biking, the professional team at Pine Creek Outfitters can help. With rentals and advice for everything from a leisurely bike ride on the beautiful Pine Creek Rail Trail or a group of friends going river rafting, Pine Creek Outfitters is able to provide what you need.

July 31, 2023

BIRD LORE: Backyard birding

Bruce Buckle and his wife live on a quarter acre lot in the East End of Williamsport. Like all neighborhoods  there are lawn mowers and leaf blowers and kids playing, but otherwise their block is quiet. So they have ample opportunity to enjoy the bird song and bird life in our yard.  

July 21, 2023

Fly fishing the streams of Potter County in the PA Wilds

The recurring Memorial Weekend gathering at Bob Hallowell’s Camp in Cross Fork, PA brings fly fishers together, with a focus on fishing, intent on landing the beautiful trout of Potter County’s streams. Bob and the Cross Fork crew don’t miss a beat on anything – memorable meals, camaraderie, Bourbon and great cigars. 

July 20, 2023

Outfitting the PA Wilds: Mudbeard’s Bikes and Boards

When exploring the Clarion River or the Little-Toby Rail Trail near Ridgway in the Elk Country landscape of the PA Wilds, Mudbeard’s Bikes and Boards can help you with all of the equipment you might need for your adventures… including even skateboards!

July 17, 2023

The Goat Fort: Indoor climbing adventures for all ages

Founded out of a passion for the art of climbing, The Goat Fort is an indoor rock climbing gym located in Warren that specializes in bouldering. Bouldering, a form of rock climbing that emphasizes movement and navigating routes, typically is completed by climbers without ropes. While traditional rock climbing often puts attention on height, bouldering instead focuses on the sequences of moves – called “problems” – by looking at how to navigate balance, technique, flexibility, and the ability to problem-solve.

July 13, 2023

Outfitting the PA Wilds: Deep Green Journey

The Pennsylvania Wilds is vast and beautiful, and it invites us into that space to explore and to become our most authentic selves. Deep Green Journey, a specialized field guide based in Williamsport along the I-80 Frontier landscape of the PA Wilds, offers to “create space in the Wild to find healing, wholeness and delight.”