Outdoor Recreation

June 8, 2022

Celebrating our Partners: DCNR

The PA Wilds is spending the month of June, Great Outdoors Month, thanking the partners who help grow our outdoor recreation economy. The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, who manages so much of the public land in the PA Wilds, has been a critical investor in our outdoor rec industry cluster, as a funder and as a strategy partner.

June 7, 2022

Celebrating our Partners

To celebrate June being Great Outdoors Month, we are highlighting partners each day who are helping grow the outdoor recreation economy here in the PA Wilds to help revitalize rural communities. Our 13-county region is the only outdoor rec industry cluster to make it to the final round of the national Build Back Better Regional Challenge competition, where we are now competing for $50M in federal investment from the US Economic Development Administration. We couldn't have made it this far without our incredible partners!

June 3, 2022

Free sunscreen offered at state park beaches throughout PA

Don't get burnt! Free sunscreen is being offered in battery-operated dispensers for visitors at state park beaches and swimming pools throughout Pennsylvania, including Bald Eagle, Black Moshannon, Chapman and Hills Creek State Parks in the PA Wilds.

May 31, 2022

Runner discovers unmatched beauty of Pennsylvania Wilds

Before he decided to run one mile at all 121 Pennsylvania State Parks in 2021, Chris Alexandersen had never spent any meaningful time outdoors. Nowadays, he'll be the first to tell you... there is unmatched character and beauty in our parks and the small towns that surround them.

May 27, 2022

The science behind why nature makes us feel good

Have you ever noticed feeling lighter after spending the day outdoors? There is indeed a psychological explanation for nature’s benefits on our mind and moods.

May 26, 2022

Allegheny National Forest motorized trails open May 27 at 8 am

Riders, start your engines! The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service will open all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle (ATV/OHM) trails at 8 am on Friday, May 27 in the Allegheny National Forest for the summer riding season that runs through Sunday, September 25.

May 23, 2022

May is National Bike Month: Why bike in the PA Wilds?

From highway bicycling, to mountain biking, trail biking and even BMX, the Pennsylvania Wilds is paradise for those who love to pedal. With beautiful scenery surrounding, biking is one of the most popular activities in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.

May 20, 2022

ATV Regional Trail Connector to open May 27 in Potter/Tioga/Clinton/Lycoming

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) announced year two of the ATV Regional Trail Connector Pilot program in the northcentral region of the state that will provide opportunities for riding enthusiasts to traverse many miles of roads opened to all-terrain vehicle use and trails in Potter, Tioga, Clinton, and Lycoming counties.

May 9, 2022

A Family Trip: The Austin Dam Ruins

When Lou Bernard takes a family trip to the Austin Dam Ruins with his wife and 7-year-old son, they relive old memories and appreciate history together.

May 2, 2022

Nature provides perfect setting for achieving goals

We're nearly halfway through the year 2022. Think back to January 1, when you were determined to follow through with your New Year's Resolution. Be honest... how is it going? Are you sticking to your goals? The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has some tips! Here's how you can make achieving your goals a literal "walk in the park", pun fully intended. They share the story of one man, Christian, who achieved his goal in 2021 to run one mile in every PA state park!