Outdoor Recreation

December 19, 2023

Rain can’t spoil the fun: A leaf-peeping overnighter to Wellsboro

As the leaves were changing in the Pine Creek Valley in the PA Wilds, Helen Kotala and her group of biking friends were heading north. The plan was to park at Hyner Run State Park and ride up to Wellsboro, stay in a hotel, then ride back the next day. It was rainy, but that didn't hold them back. The route spanned Sproul, Tioga, and Tiadaghton State Forests, about 145 miles in total. It included some new-to-Helena territory linking the Cross Fork area and the Pine Creek Gorge area, filling in another gap in her north-central PA map.

December 14, 2023

Down Life’s Crazy Road: Our own winter wonderland 

The PA Wilds transforms into a winter wonderland January through March, with breathtaking snowy landscapes and frozen waterfalls creating a truly magical atmosphere. The scenery is simply stunning and offers a unique experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.

December 8, 2023

Allegheny River nominated for River of the Year again, voting open now

Voting is open online for the 2024 Pennsylvania River of the Year, with the National Wild & Scenic Allegheny River in the Pennsylvania Wilds being one of the three waterways nominated throughout the state. Although the Allegheny River was the 2017 River of the Year, it's in the running again... proving its worth as a place to paddle, fish, photograph and enjoy.

November 30, 2023

What to do when… A guide to being prepared and handling outdoor situations

Many PA Wilds travelers have stories of observing wildlife up close or seeing sunrises and sunsets. But there are some things that don’t get talked about much. “Where do I go to the bathroom? Are there snakes I need to worry about? Will bears come looking to steal my dinner?” You should be relaxing in the great outdoors, not worrying. Here are some tips to help you navigate some worst-case scenarios out in the woods.

November 22, 2023

BIRD LORE: The wild turkey

Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and it is time to acknowledge the splendor, as well as the goofiness, of the central character of the feast! Wild turkeys are very large and heavy game birds, native to North America.  This is probably part of what made them so attractive for the first Thanksgiving.

November 14, 2023

Down Life’s Crazy Road: Trails and tales

Last time, I wrote about my planned round trip bike ride in late October from Kane to Warren and back through the Allegheny National Forest and Kinzua Recreation Area. Turns out the overnight ride was cancelled as it rained the day of the return trip from Warren back to Kane. But while it temporarily put those plans on hold, it allowed me the opportunity to take a closer look at the planned routes I was to take. I did this by taking a day trip last month by car.

November 9, 2023

State parks along the West Branch Susquehanna River

Did you know that some of state parks in the Pennsylvania Wilds are within the Susquehanna Greenway, the area around the Susquehanna River? The PA Wilds section of the Susquehanna Green includes the West Branch Susquehanna River, which flows 228 miles total and is one of two principal branches of the mighty Susquehanna.

November 2, 2023

Donut Hole Trail: 90 miles along the West Branch Susquehanna River

Donut Hole Trail is a 90-mile route that parallels the Susquehanna River and passes through Sproul State Forest, amidst some of the thickest wooded areas in Pennsylvania. It provides an amazing backpacking trip for an overnight experience within PA’s premier wilderness, and also can be divided into some great options for day-hikers. From point-to-point, the Donut Hole Trail runs between Jericho and Farrandsville, PA, mostly running within Clinton County, except for 5-miles in Jericho, where the trail enters Cameron County.  

October 24, 2023

It’s never too late to get into shape on the trails in Warren County

Being a lifelong resident of Warren County, I thought that I knew every corner of it. I was soooo wrong! I have always enjoyed taking leisurely walks around the county, especially in the woods, but I had never truly payed attention to all of my options. With Warren County being surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, there are many. I think there are many like me who may not be in prime physical condition but still want to explore their nearby trails.

October 19, 2023

Class 1 e-bikes now allowed on Trails at Jakes Rocks

The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announced that District Ranger Rich Hatfield signed the decision notice for the Class 1 E-bikes Trails at Jakes Rocks Project, officially allowing these e-bikes onto the Trails at Jakes Rocks in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds.