Hemlocks to Hellbenders

Since the 1930s, generations of birders have made their way to Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch, a 125-acre rocky outcrop perched atop the Kittatinny Ridge. Waggoner’s Gap is the second-oldest hawk watch in the United States and one of the premier places on the East Coast to spot these magnificent birds.

With binoculars in hand and eyes turned toward the sky, they gather to witness one of nature’s great migrations. Sixteen species of hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures, along with more than 150 species of songbirds, pass through these skies as they journey south for the winter.

Straddling Cumberland and Perry Counties, Waggoner’s Gap is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

At Waggoner’s Gap, the landscape itself becomes a guide. Rising warm air creates invisible currents called thermals, allowing birds of prey to catch the wind and soar across the ridges with barely a flap of their wings.

Each autumn, an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 raptors pass over Waggoner’s Gap. Sharp-shinned, Broad-winged, Cooper’s and Red-tailed hawks sweep overhead. Northern Harriers skim the landscape, while Turkey vultures ride the rising air. And Bald Eagles, symbols of strength and freedom, trace their paths across the horizon.

But among the many birds that travel this ancient corridor, few inspire quite the same sense of wonder as the Golden Eagle.

With dark plumage touched by golden-brown feathers and wingspans reaching six feet, Golden Eagles possess a presence that can stop a conversation in its tracks.

Yet Waggoner’s Gap is about more than the birds. It’s also about the people who return, season after season, to witness their passage.

Spend a day on these rocks, and you’ll discover a community bound together by a shared fascination. For five months each year, volunteers gather on the ridge to identify, count and record the birds moving south. Between sightings, they catch up on the lives unfolding around them. They talk about recent trips, weddings, births and deaths. They celebrate graduations, admire a new camera and share the little milestones that make up a life.

Some have been doing this for decades. They return not only because the birds are extraordinary, but because the people beside them have become friends.

For more than 30 years, my guest has returned to Waggoner’s Gap to be part of that effort. And when asked why he continues to do it, his answer was beautifully simple: “the birds.”

On this episode, I speak with David Grove. Dave is the site coordinator at Waggoner’s Gap Hawk Watch.

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
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There’s something about a good ghost story that stays with you. Maybe you heard your first one around a campfire, with the flames popping and crackling while someone swore they knew somebody who knew somebody who actually saw the ghost.

Maybe it was a story your grandparents told you. Or something an older kid whispered on the school bus. Maybe you grew up hearing about a haunted house down the road, a strange light in the woods, a creature that lived in a nearby lake, or some mysterious person who supposedly wandered the roads late at night.

And when you were a kid, you believed it. Or at least… you wanted to believe it. Because there’s something wonderful about being a kid and realizing that the world might be just a little stranger than adults let on.

That dark patch of woods behind your house wasn’t just a bunch of trees. Maybe something lived back there. That strange noise you heard at night wasn’t necessarily the wind. Maybe it was something else.

And that old abandoned building everyone told you to stay away from? Well, obviously, it was haunted. As we get older, we tend to become a little more skeptical. We learn about science. We learn how easily our eyes and ears can fool us.

But I don't think we ever completely lose that sense of wonder. Especially here in Pennsylvania. We live in a place with deep forests, towering mountains, winding rivers, isolated roads, abandoned towns, old taverns and centuries of history.

And wherever you have places like that, you’re going to have stories. Stories about ghosts. Stories about mysterious creatures. Stories about people who disappeared. Stories about strange lights in the sky. Stories about things seen in the woods that nobody could quite explain.

And some of those stories have been passed down for generations. You may have heard some of them yourself. The Bigfoot. The Squonk. The Albatwitch. Maybe you heard about a lake monster in Lake Erie. Or maybe there was a particular haunted road, bridge, cemetery or house in your hometown that everyone seemed to know about.

Those stories are more than just Halloween entertainment. They’re part of the folklore of a place. They tell us something about the landscape around us, about the people who lived here before us, and about the things that we still don't completely understand.

And honestly, I think there’s something pretty special about sitting around and telling these stories. Because whether you believe in ghosts and cryptids or not, there’s a moment when you're listening to a really good story when you start thinking… What if?

What if that really happened? What if somebody actually saw something out there? What if there really is something in those Pennsylvania woods that we haven't found yet?

And maybe that’s why these stories never really disappear. The details change. The names change. The stories get passed from one generation to another. But the feeling stays the same. That little bit of uncertainty. That little bit of fear. And that little bit of excitement that comes from wondering what might be waiting just beyond the edge of the firelight.

On this episode, I speak with Brendon Perry and Nic Pennsylvania. They are the hosts of The Ghost Furnace Podcast and 2024 Hellie Award Winners of Favorite Episode.

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Wouldn’t it be nice to just get away from the crowds? To visit a park that’s not crammed with people, with their music, and their yapping dogs and all their other stuff. To experience some damn peace and quiet.

Since the pandemic, outdoor spaces have become incredibly popular. Cabins and campsites are booked months in advance. Beaches are crowded with families in the summer. And trails are seeing more visitors than ever.

So where can we go to get away from it? The answer is state forests. But, not everyone wants a wilderness experience. They want to spend time in the outdoors while still being close to a bathroom and their car. It’s a sentiment I share. So are there any state parks that are not crowded?

Yes, there is. They’re not hidden gems per se. But they are quiet refuges. Crowds never get too big. Parking lots never get too full. And there’s still an opportunity to hike, mountain bike, picnic, fish and stay overnight without feeling like you’re being smothered by people.

One such quiet refuge is Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County.

Located on the western edge of the Allegheny Mountains, Yellow Creek State Park is a quiet escape surrounded by rolling hills. At less than 3,000 acres, the park is small but not too small.

The centerpiece of the park is Yellow Creek Lake. Any time spent at the park should be at or in the lake. You can fish, paddle, swim or just relax on the beach.

Can’t you imagine having a perfect lazy morning here, watching the fog roll off the hills with a cup of warm coffee in your hand.

Reading a book at the beach before going for a swim. Having a picnic while watching the migrating birds. Taking a hike without the noise of a ceaseless world. Don’t you need that? Don’t you deserve that? I think you do. And Yellow Creek State Park is the perfect place to unwind.

On this episode, I speak with James Tweardy. James is the manager of Yellow Creek State Park.

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Pennsylvania is home to lot of interesting and unique habitats. We have old growth forests, meadows, grasslands, lowlands, highlands, rivers, lakes, creeks, mountains, hills and glaciated plateaus.

And it’s not difficult to find these habitats, as they’re spread across the Commonwealth. One habitat, however, is not so easy to find. One is home to unique plants, animals and conditions that cannot be found with a short drive.

And that habitat is a bog.

Developed over thousands of years, bogs are rare in Pennsylvania. A lot of things must happen just right for a bog to be created in Pennsylvania. The water must be acidic, but not too acidic, and low, but not too low, in nutrients. Decayed plants must form soft, spongy peat at the bottom.

And even if that occurs, the bogs must remain undisturbed from development, deforestation and environmental degradation. It’s not easy being a bog. But it is important.

Bogs play a critical role in our connected environment. Bogs – and in general wetlands - are important for biodiversity, carbon sequestration, water regulation, soil health and plenty more.

And if none of that matters to you, bogs are just cool. They’re mysterious. They’re rare. And they’re beautiful. Coming upon a bog brings about feelings of ancient creation. Of deep, deep history. Of life and death. A sanctum sanctorum.

But there aren’t many places in Pennsylvania to explore bogs. They’re not found in most state parks and forests, making the few publicly available sites even more special to visitors.

On this episode, I speak with Dr. Mary Ann Furedi. Mary Ann is an ecologist and the ecological assessment manager at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

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Here’s a trivia question for you. What is the largest edible fruit tree native to North America? It’s not the persimmon. Or the wild apple. And it’s not the cherry tree.

It’s a little-known, misunderstood tree that’s fruit was consumed by Native Americans, European settlers and colonists for hundreds of years before all-but-disappearing from American consciousness.

It’s the pawpaw tree which produces the pawpaw fruit. The greenish-yellow, kidney-shaped fruits ripen in late summer to early fall. The fruit has a creamy, custard-like texture and a flavor reminiscent of banana, mango and vanilla.

It’s been called the “poor-man’s banana” and the “Appalachian banana.”

After generations in the dark, the pawpaw has been making a resurgence in recent years. Breweries have begun making beer out of the fruit. You can find pawpaws used in ice cream. And there’s even a festival hosted by Horn Farm Center in York County that celebrates the tree and fruit every year in September.

But, what’s the reason for this revival? Is it because people are learning more about native plants? Is it that the tree has increased its growing range? Is it that more people are spending time outdoors and are now discovering the forgotten fruit?

While this episode will address these questions, it’ll also take an in-depth look at the pawpaw. The tree, the fruit and much more.

On this episode, I speak with Dr. Eric Burkhart. Eric is a botanist, ethnobotanist, and agroforester as well as a professor at Penn State University.

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In 1608, English explorer and soldier of fortune John Smith left Jamestown, Virginia, on a mission to chart the upper Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries - including the Susquehanna River. He became the first European to find out that the Susquehanna is non-navigable.

That’s because of the many, many obstacles in the mighty Susquehanna. There are countless natural barriers such as rapids and waterfalls. Also, the Susquehanna is famously a mile wide and a foot deep. These are just some of the factors that have prevented development of a continuous commercial waterway.

But that wouldn’t stop generations of people from trying. However, no matter how much they tried, no matter how much money they spent, they couldn’t do it. Then, utility companies came calling.

If they couldn’t navigate the river, they would dam it and use it to produce electricity.

But that created its own problems. Obstructions blocked the paths of fish that needed to swim upriver to get to their spawning grounds. Native species such as American shad and eels were dying at historic numbers.

Solutions had to be developed to keep these important populations alive. But nothing has made a serious difference. One dam has a fish elevator that transports fish over the dam. Then, they the fish have to be trucked further up river.

Fish passages were created, but older designs have not been incredibly helpful with guiding fish upstream. A new way of thinking was needed. A new kind of passageway was needed.

In 2025, Shikellamy State Park became home to one of the largest and most naturalistic fishways on the East Coast. Located at the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River, this new naturalistic fish passage would help aquatic life go around the park’s inflatable dam.

Let’s learn more about this incredible project.

On this episode, I speak with Gabriel Martin and Ben Bender. Gabe is a project civil engineer at Kleinschmidt Group and Ben is the Park Manager at Shikellamy State Park.

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There’s something about a trail map that just makes me excited for an adventure. The contour lines, the roads, the trails, the bodies of water, the towns. Trail maps – when made well – keep you safely on the trail.

Maps have always been incredibly important - whether you were crossing oceans or just crossing town. But, as technology improved, maps became used less and less.

Now, most people rely on their phones to get from place to place. And that works most of the time. But what happens if you don’t have signal or run out of power? You’re stranded in a forest with a useless phone.

Not ideal. For generations, hikers have been urged to carry a map with them when they hit the trails. The universally accepted list of the 10 essential items when hiking includes navigation.

And I would argue a well-made, locally created map is the best option. The number one reason to carry a map is for safety. When you have a map, you know where you’re going. That’s important when you’re surrounded by trees miles from the nearest town.

A well-designed map also builds confidence by making unfamiliar places feel accessible. Beginners are more likely to venture onto trails when they know where they are and where they're going. Experienced hikers use maps to plan longer or more challenging routes.

Navigation, safety and building confidence are important. Critical. But, one my favorite aspects of maps is that they encourage exploration. And when a real artist designs one, they guide you on adventures.

The author Mark Jenkins once wrote, “Maps encourage boldness. They're like cryptic love letters. They make anything seem possible.” I like that. I really like that.

Looking at a map inspires people to discover trails, features, structures, historical places and locations they never knew existed. I can’t help but ask “what is that?,” “how can I see that,” “where does this lead” when looking at a map.

Maps are possibilities and possibilities are adventures. And there is no better example of maps leading you on adventures than Purple Lizard Maps.

Purple Lizard Maps has set the gold standard for outdoor recreation maps in Pennsylvania and beyond. They combine exceptional cartographic accuracy with a genuine passion for exploration, creating maps that are as beautiful as they are practical.

Every edition reflects countless hours of fieldwork, research and thoughtful design, giving hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts the confidence to venture farther and discover places they might otherwise miss.

What truly sets Purple Lizard Maps apart is their ability to tell the story of a landscape. They don't simply mark trails — they reveal scenic overlooks, hidden natural features, historic sites, campsites, public lands, and countless opportunities for adventure.

These maps inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a deeper appreciation for the forests, mountains, rivers, and communities that make each region unique. They have become trusted companions for everyone from first-time hikers to seasoned backpackers, proving that in an age of digital navigation, a thoughtfully crafted paper map remains one of the most valuable tools an explorer can carry.

On this episode, I speak with Mike Hermann. Mike is the founder of Purple Lizard Maps.

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There’s no law or policy that requires Pennsylvania to keep creating new state parks. Over the history of the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – and its various other names through the years – new state parks have been added and subtracted.

There have been times when we added dozens of new state parks. Under Dr. Maurice K. Goddard, the Department of Parks and Forests – as it was called then - added 45 new state parks and 130,000 acres of land between 1955 and 1979. Dr. Goddard proposed building a state park within 25 miles of every resident of Pennsylvania.

But growth to the state park system slowed down in the 1980s and 90s. The commonwealth entered a phase of improvement – focusing more on upgrading facilities than adding many more parks.

We’ve also been in possession of a number of state parks that we eventually relinquished control to another entity. Such as Valley Forge, Independence Mall, Fort Necessity and Brandywine Battlefield.

That’s the thing. Depending on state leadership, availability of funds, the economy, political priorities, availability of lands and which governor is in charge, there is no guarantee that we will get new state parks.

So when we get a new state park, it’s important that we celebrate. Enter Laural Caverns State Park – Pennsylvania’s 125th state park and its first subterranean park.

What started out as a tourist attraction in the southwestern part of the state, is now a state park giving visitors a chance to explore 4 miles of underground passageways. Laurel Caverns is the largest sandstone cave in the world and one of the world’s steepest caves.

Guided tours provide visitors with the opportunity to walk or crawl through incredible geologic features. Most of the passage ceilings in the underground labyrinth are between ten and twenty feet high and many as high as 50 feet.

This makes it the largest cave in Pennsylvania. And it now belongs to the people of Pennsylvania. How amazing is that?!

On this episode I speak with Corie Eckman. Carie is the manager Laurel Caverns State Park.

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CORRECTION: The Loyalsock Trail and the Old Loggers Path is maintained by the Alpine Club of Williamsport.

When people find out that I’ve visited every state park, I often get asked the same question. What’s my favorite? And consistently I give the same answer, Worlds End State Park.

It’s an easy answer for me since I fell in love with the park the first time I walked into the s-shaped gorge to see it surrounded by tree-covered mountains and boulders. But when it comes to state forests, I haven’t always had an answer. And that’s because I just haven’t spent enough time in them to give an educated answer.

That was until 2024. In September of that year, I went on a Slack Pack with the Keystone Trails Association. Slack Packs allow you to get dropped off and picked up at the trial every day while leaving the majority of your gear and meals back at the campsite. Hence, having a slack pack.

Over the course of few days, we hiked about 20 miles on the Loyalsock Trail through Loyalsock State Forest. The state forest – which surrounds Worlds End – provided me with everything I wanted. Mountains. Views. Waterfalls. Big beautiful tress.

It was the most time I’d ever spent in a Pennsylvania state forest. And, still, the best time.

I contend that if you can’t find something unique or special or breathtaking over Loyalsock State Forest’s nearly 115,000 acres, then buddy, you ain’t trying. Loyalsock simply has it all. And all of it is splendid.

From the cool rushing waters of Loyalsock Creek, to the beautiful nightsky at High Knob Astronomy Area, there is a lot to take in on the forest. And since it covers three counties in northcentral Pennsylvania, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore new places and find new things to fall in love with.

On this episode, I speak with Eric Probert to the podcast. Eric is the district manager at Loyalsock State Forest.

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What’s the best gift you’ve been given? It’s a tough question. I’ve been fortunate to have received a lot of great gifts over the years. The minibike from my parents. The engraved knife from my brother. The souvenir medal from my wife. And countless others.

They’re awesome and they each hold a special place in my heart.

But when I learned of the recent gift that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania received, it stopped me in my tracks. In 2026, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced it had been given and has added Bilgers Rocks to the Moshannon State Forest.

Some of you may be thinking, “Who cares about a bunch of dusty old rocks. That’s not a great gift.” But listen here, you have no idea how amazing this place is. It’s the definition of a hidden gem.

Bilgers Rocks is centered around a multi-acre rock formation that brings visitors through a stunning rock city. With little in the way of handrails and safety features, you can walk through towering sandstone blocks, crawl in rock rooms, squeeze between ancient boulders and explore carvings from visitors past.

I was in awe the first time I stood on top of and in between these giant walls of rock. It feels like you’re exploring a prehistoric city. Like you’re Indiana Jones searching for treasure. It’s otherworldly and outstanding. And now, a part of our state forest system.

So, before we get to the interviews, I want to thank the Bilgers Rocks Association -- for its dedication to preservation, for its steadfast stewardship and for its one-of-a-kind gift.

Knowing that Bilgers Rocks will be protected for generations of Pennsylvanians to come makes me and many others so happy. Thank you, so much.

On this episode, I speak with John Hecker, Gary Gilmore and Mariah Dunsmore to the podcast. John is the District Manager of the Moshannon State Forest and Gary and Mariah are with the Bilgers Rocks Association.

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For every Pennsylvanian that grew up stomping through creeks, wandering through the woods and exploring our magnificent forests, there’s many more that are just discovering the outdoors.

Maybe they grew up in a city. Or they mostly played sports. Or their families didn’t have an outdoor background. But now, they’ve found the beauty and splendor of our wonderful public lands.

That’s so great to see. New people from different backgrounds finding joy in the outdoors. However, not everyone is automatically comfortable in the outdoors. Maybe they’re afraid of bears or snakes or strangers or getting lost.

They don’t know where they can learn in a welcoming environment and how to develop community. And they don’t know where to start.

That’s where Centred Outdoors comes in. Based in Central Pennsylvania, Centered Outdoors invites everyone, of every age, background, or fitness level, to explore and enjoy outdoor recreation destinations throughout Centre and surrounding counties.

They host various programs and activities that cost nothing to participate in and are always open to the public. Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned hiker, there’s always a place for you at a Centred Outdoors event.

And their events include everything from guided hikes and yoga to campfire gatherings and art workshops. There really is something for everyone at Centred Outdoors.

I am always jealous of the people that live in and around Centre County, because they have access to these awesome activities and programs. It’s just a little too far from me here in Cumberland County to go up every weekend. And that’s about how often I wish I could participate in their events.

But even if you don’t live in Central Pennsylvania, the activities and programs hosted by Centred Outdoors are worth the trip. And the region will definitely keep you busy if you decided to do so.

On this episode, I speak with Olivia Stas to the podcast. Olivia is the program coordinator for Centred Outdoors.

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The more time I’ve spent outdoors, the more I’ve learned about the threats our trees face here in Pennsylvania. It seems like every other day I’m finding out about a new disease or invasive plant or insect that’s come to our shores and is devastating our trees.

It’s sad to see our forests choked by kudzu vines. To see our trees impacted by the emerald ash borer, spongy moth and hemlock woolly adelgid. To see the once mighty American Chestnut tree wiped out by blight.

And lets not forget about other issues like over foresting, wildfires and climate change. All taking a bite from our forests. One tree at a time.

We will never have the forests that our ancestors would have seen. Old growth trees are limited to a few areas in the Commonwealth. And development has sliced most of our forests into bite-sized pieces.

But that doesn’t mean we just give up. No way.

A dedicated group of scientists and foresters are working to address these issues, protect our forests and stay ahead of the future threats that may try to take even more trees from our landscape.

They are testing out new methods and processes that could save the trees that we have and, hopefully, prevent more species from being taken from us. But it’s not easy work. They are constantly having to adapt to new threats present in an ever-connected world.

It’s incredibly important work. Anyone who cares for the outdoors – whether you’re a hunter or a hiker – needs to know about what each of us can do to address these threats on our property and help these scientists protect our forests.

On this episode, I speak with Rosa Yoo. Rosa is a Forest Health Manager with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry.

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Little Buffalo State Park is the place that kicked off my love for Pennsylvania’s state parks. I’ve told this story many times, but I’ll do it quickly here right now.

In 2020, my wife Abby and I were looking for something to do after brunch. The world was beginning to open up during the COVID 19 pandemic and we didn’t want to spend any more time cooped up in our house.

So, we went for a drive through Perry County and happened upon Little Buffalo State Park. On this beautiful day we were treated to majestic scenery. The trees and mountains reflecting off Holman Lake.

In a time of such uncertainty, it felt like heaven. Like – for a moment – we were the only ones being treated to this spectacular nature. My unexpected visit to Little Buffalo that afternoon would lead me onto my journey where I would run a mile in all 121 state parks in Pennsylvania in 2021.

And after 224 days, the last park in that journey was Little Buffalo. It was only fitting. That #121In21 Challenge led me to volunteering for outdoor organizations, serving on boards and committees, speaking to groups, starting this podcast and advocating for public lands. It all started with Little Buffalo State Park.

We’ll be going deep into the park on this episode - from its historic buildings and hiking opportunities, to its yearly events and popular community pool.

On this episode, I speak with Jim Eckert and Mindy Wilt. Jim is the manager and Mindy is the educator at Little Buffalo State Park.

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What does it mean for a place to be truly quiet? It’s a question I’ve been pondering over the last several months following a webinar from the Keystone Trails Association and Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation.

They had a discussion with Quiet Parks International – a nonprofit committed to saving quiet for the benefit of all life. Saving the quiet. What does that mean?

Quiet’s not something I’ve ever thought much about. Growing up with my loud family, noisy traffic, ringing cell phones and roaring air conditioning, quiet was never an option.

But, I’ve certainly experienced quiet on hiking trails. Right? Wrong. There’s always some sort of noise. If it’s not airplanes above or nearby cars and trucks, it’s a speaker from a selfish hiker or the hum of a factory or data center.

Man, I don’t think I’ve ever experienced real quiet. But what does it matter? How bad can a little noise be. Actually, it can be really bad.

It can lead to hearing loss, stress, anxiety, sleep disturbance, cardiovascular damage and more. But not only does noise affect us, it can affect the wildlife around us. Noise can disrupt wildlife behavior, migration patterns and communication.

So what can we do and where can we go to experience quiet? Is it even possible?

That’s what this episode’s guest is trying to find out.

On this episode, I speak with Matthew Mikkelsen. Matt is an award-winning sound designer, field recordist, filmmaker, conservationist and chairperson for Quiet Parks International’s Board of Directors.

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
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There’s a lot of thoughts that float through our minds when we’re out on the trails hiking. Am I in the right career? Is that snake poisonous? Look at that beautiful view! Did I leave the oven on? I need a bathroom, quick!

Whatever we’re thinking about – whether it’s the joy we feel on a hike or working through some of our problems – it tends to center on ourselves. Our problems. Our joy. Our experience. Our views.

The very thing below our feet – the trail – tends to be forgotten almost entirely. Little if any attention is paid to the magnificent pathway under our boots that’s allowing us to have these thoughts and experiences.

We don’t think about how it was built, who built it, when it was built or who paid for it. The trail is there, so we hike it. The end. But, that’s nowhere near the end.

The story of any trail is fascinating. From conception to completion it takes years even decades to finish. First, comes the idea - typically from a dedicated group of Pennsylvanians that want a trail in their community. That idea is followed by countless public hearings, community discussions and planning meetings. All the while they’re working to get approvals from everyone from the railroad to the bureau of forests.

It’s a long, long process. And expensive. Groups spend years trying to raise money through donations and grants. And even if the money is raised and the approvals are given, then you gotta build the bloody thing.

It’s honestly amazing that we even have trails. The amount of work it takes for everyone – from the organizing group to the hands-on builder – is spectacular. It’s mind boggling.

So much so, that I wanted to learn how trails are built here in Pennsylvania. How does one shape an unbroken forest into a beautiful trail? How long does it take? How much does it cost?

Luckily, I got to see first-hand how natural surface trails are made as a member of the PA Trails Advisory Committee. I met this episode’s guest riding a machine, cutting a brand new trail in Rothrock State Forest. It was an experience that reshaped my thinking on trails and made me appreciate how much work goes into the trails we hike.

On this episode, I speak with Zachary Adams. Zach is the founder of Appalachian Dirt.

Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
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Driving down Route 44 from Lycoming County to Montgomery County, you may be able to spot a brief break in the trees and rhododendrons. It’s so quick that if you blink, you’ll miss it.

But if you slow down, you’ll see that it’s one of the smallest state parks in all of Pennsylvania. As you pull into the gravel parking lot, you’ll notice a few things. You’ll see a couple picnic tables, a few signs and a quiet stream. Look all the way to the left and then all the way to the right. That’s it. That is Upper Pine Bottom State Park.

When I first visited the park in 2021, while I was running a mile in all then 121 state parks, a park ranger at Little Pine State Park asked if I was visiting Upper Pine Bottom next. “You’re going to run a mile at Upper Pine Bottom?” he asked with a smile. I answered, “Yeah, why?” And he just laughed and said “good luck.”

When I got to the park a few minutes later, I got the joke. This park is tiny. Not small. Tiny. A gentleman was fishing when I first arrived to run my mile. As it was 90-plus degrees, I took off my shirt and started running laps in the small parking lot to get my necessary mile.

The older man, seeing some crazy un-shirted man jogging laps, just packed up his gear and left. Leaving with a story he may still be telling to this day. I know I do.

So, why do an episode on this park if it’s so small. Because I firmly believe that all of our state parks matter. They may not all be great. But they all matter. Also, what better park to feature for our April Fools episode. I wanted to make this episode as short as the park is small.

On this episode, I speak with Haley Redmond. Haley is the manager of the Little Pine State Park Complex.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

If you’ve ever stood beside a cold mountain stream at first light — mist rising off the water, hemlocks towering overhead and the gentle sound of moving water— then you already understand the magic of Little Pine State Park.

Tucked deep in the rugged country of north-central Pennsylvania, this park is where brook trout still thrive, where the mountains become majestic green waves and where a simple weekend can feel like a full reset. Don’t we all deserve that?

At its heart flows Little Pine Creek, which eventually winds its way toward the legendary waters of Pine Creek and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. The warm and coldwaters of Little Pine Creek and Little Pine Lake make the park the perfect place to catch trout, smallmouth bass, pickerel, sunfishes, catfishes and perch.

But Little Pine is more than just a fishing destination. It’s a story of conservation, of Civilian Conservation Corps craftsmanship, of reclaimed forests and carefully managed waters.

It’s a place where families pitch tents beneath the stars, where kayaks glide across the lake and where generations return year after year to reconnect with something slower, steadier and deeply Pennsylvanian.

Heading into the valley, there’s just so much for visitors to explore. You can delve into the area’s fascinating history of native cultures, discover how conservation efforts rebuilt ancient forests, find out about the vast network of trails in and outside of the park and learn about the ways you can enjoy a day on the water.

Little Pine State Park is a quiet treasure. A special place. Completely surrounded by Tiadaghton State Forest, Little Pine offers the escape many of us crave.

If you ignored the modern roads, buildings and signs, it’s easy to see what this place looked like 200 years ago. A big, beautiful tract of forest that gets more wonderful every minute you spend in it.

Where your nostrils are filled with the sweet smell of the woods and not with car exhausts. Where your ears are filled with songbirds and not honking horns. Where you can get away but still feel right at home.

On this episode, I speak with Haley Redmond to the podcast. Haley is the manager of the Little Pine State Park Complex.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

It’s December 26th, 1776. Gen. George Washington has just successfully gotten 2,400 men from the Continental Army across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania into New Jersey.

The first year of the American Revolution has been a difficult one. The young United States has had few victories battling the highly skilled British army and their paid German mercenaries, the Hessians.

Washington has retreated from New York after sustaining significant losses during the Battle of Long Island. Morale is low. Supplies even lower. Men are deserting. And it seems like the American Experiment is doomed before it’s really gotten started.

It is bitterly cold. In fact, the other detachments of 3,000 American troops never make it across the freezing river. Washington’s troops that did make it across the dangerous river crossing arrived several hours later than planned. The element of surprise might be lost.

But none of that matters at this moment. At this moment, Washington is in Trenton leading his troops on a surprise attack. Then, the first shots ring out as the Americans caught the Hessians off guard.

The Battle of Trenton was not a grand, orderly clash of polished armies. It was desperate, freezing, chaotic and brutally human.

While the battle itself lasted less than an hour, the victory at Trenton revived the Revolution. It proved the Continental Army could beat professional soldiers. It convinced many whose enlistments were about to expire to stay.

More than a battle, it was a turning point — a moment when a failing rebellion felt, for the first time in months, like it might survive.

Now, while there’s plenty of state parks in Pennsylvania that highlight important history, people, communities, industries, resources, flora, fauna, animals and more. There aren’t many that highlight one specific event.

Washington Crossing Historic Park does just that. This episode will go into detail about this all-important surprise attack, but we’ll also delve into much more than just that one moment in time.

As much as this park is meant to celebrate the brave actions of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, it also serves as a wonderful river-side escape for those looking to spend time outside.

On this episode, I speak with Kimberly McCarty. Kim is the museum curator at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
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Discover Clarion County

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Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

When I was on my journey of running one mile in all-then 121 Pennsylvania state parks in 2021, I took notes after every run. It was an effort to make sure I would remember my experiences. I’d take notes like, I spotted a fox here. Or I fell there. Or I want to hike the full trail here.

But one of the most important pieces of information I recorded was my overall feeling of the park. It’s difficult to get a sense of a natural landscape in just one mile, often running half a mile one way and then running half a mile back the same way. But some places just stand out and beg to be explored some more.

Here’s what I wrote about Trough Creek State Park on March 13, 2021. “Well, this place is incredible. I have to come back.” It only takes a few seconds at Trough Creek to realize it’s special. And that it deserves more time to be explored.

You even get that sense by just driving through the park. Traveling through the scenic gorge along the Great Trough Creek you see signs for Balanced Rock, Rainbow Falls, Ice Mine, Copperas Rocks, Paradise Furnace Cemetery and the suspension bridge.

Your mind can’t help but get excited by the idea of what the heck all these things are and how you can go see them. For outdoors people it feels like entering a theme park. What ride do I go on first?

And with so many of these wonderful features, you’d expect it to be huge. Some place you’d need a week to explore. But that isn’t the case. At less than 600 acres with only 12 miles of hiking trails, you can see most if not all of it in a weekend.

But this isn’t a one and done sort of park. Once you visit Trough Creek, it sinks its hooks into you. Its trails, its views, it’s features beckon you for many more visits.

Despite the fact that Trough Creek is more than two hours from me, I’ve been there multiple times while passing other great state parks along the way. It is just that damn cool. And no matter how many times I’ve been there, I want to keep going back.

And that’s about the biggest complement I can give to a state park.

On this episode, I speak with Michael Garbinsky. Michael is the environmental education specialist at Trough Creek State Park.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association

Purple Lizard Maps

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Sisters' Sunflowers

Discover Clarion County

Go Laurel Highlands

Support the show

Support the show

Visit our websiteto learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Metato stay connected.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Pymatuning State Park is big in every sense of the word. It is the largest state park in Pennsylvania. Its Pymatuning Reservoir is the largest lake in Pennsylvania. And it’s one of the most visited state parks with more than three and a half million visitors a year.

But just because it has these big qualities does not mean you’ll be unable to find your own peaceful spot at Pymatuning. For every space taken up by a family BBQing, there are nooks and crannies that allow you to explore the park that straddles the Ohio and Pennsylvania state lines.

And while there are plenty of great ways to discover the park on land, like by hiking or biking or even playing disc golf, this park needs to be explored by the water. The park’s crowning jewel is it’s 17,088-acre reservoir.

The Reservoir plays the perfect host for sailboats, motorboats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. The park has three marinas and three concession areas where you can rent a boat for the day. There’re also numerous boat launches located in both Ohio and Pennsylvania to get you on to the water safely.

While in the water, you have the opportunity to explore the stunning beauty that this park has to offer. You can cast out lines and fish all day or simply paddle between the numerous islands.

I can just imagine waking up early, and getting my kayak on the water. Silently paddling between islands as I take in the sounds of the birds and swaying trees around me. A perfect peaceful paddle.

And you may be thinking at this point, “Christian, why haven’t you talked about the most well-known feature of Pymatuning State Park? Where the ducks walk on the backs of fish.” Don’t worry, we’re getting there.

On this episode, I speak with Jared McGary. Jared is the environmental education specialist at Pymatuning State Park.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association

Purple Lizard Maps

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Sisters' Sunflowers

Discover Clarion County

Go Laurel Highlands

Support the show

Visit our websiteto learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Metato stay connected.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis