Think Outside with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation – Details, episodes & analysis

Welcome to Think Outside with the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation!

Think Outside is your guide to outdoor opportunities, nature exploration, and wellness. Discover expert tips, inspiring stories, and new ways to connect with the great outdoors for a healthier, happier life.

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel

📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram

🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau

📱 Follow PPFF on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• MeetUp

“Starting and ending can depend on where your journey begins”

Stretching just over 70 miles, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail winds through four Pennsylvania counties, crossing ridgelines, game lands, and private forests. Starting in Ohiopyle State Park, the trail climbs north through Somerset, Westmoreland, and Cambria, offering dramatic views, deep solitude, and hard-won miles. Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Division Manager Mike Mumau about this beautiful area.

It's not easy terrain—steep, rocky, and carved from the Appalachian Plateau—but that's part of the draw. As Mike puts it, the trail offers something rare: real quiet. Winter hikes are his favorite, when the forest is still and snow muffles every sound but your footsteps—and maybe a dog’s, too, since pets are welcome.

Shelters appear every 8–10 miles, each with five Adirondack-style structures, two privies, and a primitive water source (bring a filter). In colder months, firewood is stocked to keep hikers warm. Maintenance is handled by the Laurel Hill Complex, supported by passionate volunteers like the Ridge Runners, many of whom began by training for the Laurel Highlands Ultra—a 70-mile trail race that requires entrants to give back with volunteer hours.

Behind the scenes, partnerships with organizations like the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy helped secure key land parcels, and some original trail builders still return to help. The trail’s 50th anniversary marks not just its endurance, but the care and vision that shaped it through the years.

Want to hike it? Call the Laurel Hill Complex. Staff know the trail and can suggest ideal sections based on your goals. For prep tips, check out Dane Cramer’s site and his book Romancing the Trail.

This is more than a trail—it’s a shared legacy. One that challenges, welcomes, and rewards those who walk it.

Key Topics:

• About Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (00:00)
• How the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Came to Be (06:23)
• What is a “Shelter Area”? (08:46)
• Long-Distance Trail Runs at Laurel Highlands (13:52)
• Reserving a Shelter (18:18)
• Learn More About Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (21:01)

Resources:

• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail
• How to Support the Trail: Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Fund
• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT) Facebook Group
• Dane’s Place (website)
• Romancing the Trail (book)
• Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Facebook page

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify,

Nestled in Tioga County between Mansfield and Wellsboro, Hills Creek State Park offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by farmland. Unlike other regional parks, it’s bordered by private land, giving it a quiet, remote feel—yet it's conveniently close to town. Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with Division Manager Ben Stone about this beautiful area.

A key feature is its 137-acre warm-water lake, great for year-round fishing, especially bass and panfish. In winter, it’s one of the first to freeze, with over a foot of ice this past season. For ice safety, 4 inches of clear ice is ideal, and it’s always best to go with a buddy and carry safety gear.

Open year-round, Hills Creek features cabins, yurts, and 83 campsites, including full hookups and basic sites for tents. The yurts, perched by the lake, are upgraded with real windows, kitchenettes, and offer stunning views. The campground is family-friendly, with pet sites and low-speed roads perfect for kids on bikes.

There are several scenic hiking trails, including parts of the Mid-State Trail and interpretive walks like Yellow Birch Trail. The park is also popular for wildlife and bird watching, especially during spring migrations and beaver activity around the lake.

Maple syruping is a seasonal highlight. Visitors can watch traditional tapping and learn about syrup production—40 gallons of sap make one gallon of syrup! Hills Creek has even won friendly syrup-making competitions among state parks.

The park is maintained by a dedicated team, including office staff, maintenance workers, educators, and rangers. They work year-round to keep facilities running and assist visitors. Career paths in the park system range from internships to full-time roles in law enforcement and environmental education.

As part of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Hills Creek is surrounded by state forests and trails, including the Pine Creek Rail Trail. Whether you're camping, hiking, or birding, it's a perfect spot to enjoy nature. Always plan ahead, let someone know your route, and enjoy all the park has to offer—safely.

Key Topics:

• About Hills Creek State Park (00:00)
• Cabins and Campgrounds at Hills Creek (06:16)
• The Lakeside Trail and Other Recreational Amenities (11:24)
• Wildlife at the Park (14:14)
• Maple Syruping at Hills Creek (16:07)
• Employment Opportunities at the Park (20:29)

Resources:

• Hills Creek State Park
• Virtual tour of Hills Creek State Park

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉 Sign up for our weekly...

Presque Isle State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most visited and ecologically diverse parks—an ever-changing landscape shaped by wind, water, and time.

Today our host Marci Mowery chats with Matt Greene, Park Manager of Presque Isle and nearby Erie Bluffs, to explore what makes this peninsula on Lake Erie so unique.

Presque Isle (meaning “almost island” in French) is home to a rare Great Lakes ecosystem, with more threatened and endangered species than any other similarly sized area in the state. With seven and a half miles of sandy shoreline, it offers not only guarded beaches and scenic trails but also opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and fishing. Its 13-mile multipurpose trail loops the park, revealing diverse views—from downtown Erie to quiet bays filled with migrating birds.

Presque Isle’s dynamic nature sets it apart. Water levels and wind constantly reshape the shoreline, influencing erosion patterns and altering habitats. In one season, parts of the park may flood or recede, creating a landscape that looks entirely different from year to year. This constant motion feeds vibrant ecosystems and creates a haven for wildlife, including over 300 bird species. Warblers, purple martins, and gulls flock here, especially during key migration periods.

Nearby Erie Bluffs offers a wilder experience—an undeveloped shoreline with prime beach glass hunting and fewer crowds. While Presque Isle is carefully maintained, including beach nourishment, the Bluffs present nature untouched.

The park’s rich history includes the 1921 establishment of Presque Isle, its lighthouse-turned-museum, and even a D-Day reenactment on Beach 11.

Matt believes that what makes the park special is how it changes—and how those changes leave lasting memories. Whether you’re spotting rare birds, catching bass, or simply walking the beach, no two visits are ever the same!

Key Topics:

• What Makes Presque Isle a Must-Visit Destination? (00:00)
• Visitors Activities (01:47)
• Bird Life on Presque Isle (05:30)
• About Erie Bluffs (12:38)
• Other Presque Isle Activities (15:42)
• The Park’s History (19:52)
• What Matt Loves About Working in Presque Isle (27:08)

Resources:

• DCNR Website
• Presque Isle State Park
• Erie Bluffs State Park
• Presque Isle State Park on Facebook

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉

What do a legacy of conservation, a changing climate, and your own backyard have in common?

As it turns out—everything. Our host, Marci Mowery is joined by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn to discuss how public lands, local stewardship, and the wisdom of the past are shaping a greener future.

Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests weren’t always the thriving natural havens they are today. In the late 1800s, widespread deforestation and environmental degradation inspired early conservationists like Joseph T. Rothrock and Mira Lloyd Dock to push for reform. Their efforts laid the groundwork for a movement that, decades later, would lead to the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps, which helped restore much of the landscape and built key infrastructure still in use today.

Today, the work continues. With increasing threats from climate change, invasive species, and urbanization, conservation is more urgent—and more community-driven—than ever. A proposed 125th park may soon join the park system and the 2.2 million acres of state forests lands are managed with long-term sustainability in mind. 

Everyone can play a role. Whether it’s showing up to a park program, planting a native tree, or simply taking a new trail, active engagement matters. Nature doesn’t just belong to us—it’s part of us. And in preserving it, we’re preserving something far greater than scenery: we’re preserving our future.

Key Topics:

• The DCNR’s Vision-Mission (00:00)
• The Creation of State Parks (06:53)
• Cindy’s Role in Preserving Water Quality (13:31)
• How Citizens Can Consider the Broader Subject of Conservation (18:13)
• Lawn to Meadow: Replacing Invasive with Native Plants (23:34)
• DCNR’s Current and Future Initiatives (28:37)

Resources:

• DCNR Website
• “Ramblings” at Penn-Roosevelt: A Look at African American CCC Camp S-62
• Penn-Roosevelt Quintet: Music and Entertainment at Camp S-62
• Education at Camp S-62
• The Unsung Contributions of CCC Company 303-C at Clearfield Nursery
• The “Maroon Devils” of Company 361-C: Sports at Camp S-62
• Volunteerism with Friends Groups

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Think Outside! Marci Mowery and Pam Metzger kick things off with an introduction to the podcast and the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF). They also reflect on some of their favorite outdoor adventures!

In Pennsylvania, the outdoors offer more than recreation—they offer renewal. Whether through hiking, cycling, photography, or simply sitting quietly under a tree, Marci and Pam believe that time spent in nature is a boon to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

While the mission of the Foundation is to inspire stewardship of state parks and forests, a goal is toto ensure a place and an experience for everyone in the outdoors. As a nonprofit partner to the state’s parks and forests, PPFF empowers people to get involved through volunteering, advocacy, or simply showing up. With 46 Friends Groups across the state, they help protect public lands and make them more accessible for future generations.

Access matters. Nature is not a luxury; it’s public good. And everyone, regardless of background or ability, should have the chance to benefit from it. PPFF champions that belief through everything from infrastructure improvements to educational resources like park guides and fact sheets. Whether you're seeking solitude, family-friendly trails, or a chance to give back, there’s an entry point for all stages of life.

In a time when so much demands our attention, the outdoors remains a constant—a place to reset, reflect, and reconnect. And thanks to organizations like PPFF, these spaces continue to belong to all of us. Protected. Preserved. And always open.

Key Topics:

• The Vision-Mission of the PPFF (01:47)
• Take 5 Fridays with Pam (04:06)
• About Marci Mowery and Pam Metzger (07:21)
• Favorite Outdoor Adventures (15:45)

Resources:

• Sign up for Take Five, Fridays with Pam
• Download the Guide to Wild and Natural Areas

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel

📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram

🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau

📱 Follow PPFF on:

“It’s embracing the solitude of the forest that I think brings the most amount of reward to people.”

Nestled in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, Loyalsock State Forest spans 115,000 acres across Sullivan, Bradford, and Lycoming counties. Our host, Marci Mowery, talks with District Forester Rich Glinski, who calls Loyalsock “rugged, pristine, and beautiful”—an apt summary for a forest full of remote waterfalls, cliff overlooks, and legacy trails like the 59-mile Loyalsock Trail and the historic Old Loggers Path.

Named 2025’s Forest of the Year, Loyalsock is more than scenic; it's a dynamic landscape balancing recreation with energy development, timber management, and environmental conservation. Visitors hike, rock climb, fish, paddle, hunt, and drive along 130 miles of well-maintained forest roads. Popular sites include the Haystacks, Angel Falls, and High Knob Overlook, while lesser-known gems like Yellow Dog Falls reward the adventurous.

Rich makes sure to highlight the deep-rooted human connection to the forest. Generations of families return here, often aided by decades of stewardship from volunteers like the Alpine Club of Williamsport. Rich histories, including Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy sites and Indigenous trails such as the Sheshequin and Towanda Paths, quietly shape the terrain.

Floods, wild weather, and even the occasional llama on a trail are all part of the forester’s unpredictable job. Still, seeing visitors having the time of their lives as they experience Loyalsock makes it all worth it for Rich. He urges newcomers to come prepared: maps over phones, water in the pack, and a plan shared with friends.

Key Topics:

• Hidden Gems and Trails at Loyalsock State Forest (01:41)
• Forest of the Year and Resource Management (03:31)
• Historic Flooding and Climate Challenges (06:35)
• Loyal Sock and Old Loggers Path Trails (08:00)
• CCC History and Local Culture (14:36)
• Careers in Forestry (17:58)
• Volunteerism and Trail Clubs (25:39)
• Safety and Map Reading Tips (29:05)
• Recreation Opportunities (36:13)

Resources:

• Loyalsock State Forest
• Alpine Club of Williamsport
• Loyalsock State Forest Facebook
• Loyalsock Trail
• State Forest Hiking Trail Maps
• Song mentioned: Let’s Work Together - Canned Heat

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Pennsylvania is home to one of the most accessible state park systems in the nation. With 124 parks—and a 125th on the way—the state offers free admission and parking, a rarity in the U.S. This isn’t just policy; it’s principle. Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with the Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, John Hallas, who states, these parks are 'democratizing spaces,' open to all, regardless of income or background.

Each park reflects the state's natural and cultural diversity, from the historic battlegrounds of Valley Forge to the quiet trails of Boyd Big Tree Preserve. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or exploring Revolutionary War sites, the experience is intentionally broad. It’s about meeting people where they are—physically, emotionally, and recreationally.

During the pandemic, visitation to state parks jumped 27%, highlighting just how vital these spaces are for public health and well-being. Even as life returns to normal, use remains high. The state is responding with forward-thinking projects like expanded trail access, diverse overnight options including yurts and “great gathering” family sites, and the development of its first underground park, Laurel Caverns.

These efforts are guided by the Penn’s Parks for All plan, a strategic blueprint focused on accessibility, infrastructure, and conservation. The state is also reinvesting in its aging facilities—many built during the Civilian Conservation Corps era—while adapting to modern recreation trends like e-bikes and paddleboards.

Ultimately, Pennsylvania’s parks aren’t just green space. They’re public assets with cultural, economic, and environmental value. And in an era where so much comes at a cost, they remain free—on purpose.

Key Topics:

• Defining “Conservation Area” (00:00)
• Why It’s Important to Have a Diversity of State Parks (04:04)
• Historic Sites in Pennsylvania’s State Parks (07:00)
• Why Free Admission to State Parks is a Right (11:24)
• About the Upcoming Underground State Park (14:44)
• Keeping Trails Well-Maintained (20:15)
• About the Penn’s Parks for All Plan (25:17)

Resources:

• Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks
• Penn’s Parks for All
• Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉 Sign up for our...

From primitive campsites deep in the woods to full-hookup RV spots and cozy yurts, Pennsylvania offers a wide spectrum of overnight options for every outdoor adventurer!

Joined by our host Marci Mowery to discuss these camping and lodging options are Matt Crosbie, Non-motorized Recreation Specialist at the Bureau of Forestry, and Beth Grove, Park Operations Manager at the Bureau of State Parks.

Matt breaks down the rustic side: 2.2 million acres of state forest provide opportunities for backpackers, roadside campers, and water trail explorers. Minimal amenities mean packing in—and out—is essential, but the payoff is solitude, waterfalls, and vast trail systems. Meanwhile, Beth showcases the more developed side, with over 6,000 campsites and 400 roofed facilities ranging from rustic cabins to the hotel-like Nature Inn.

They also share a handful of pro tips: use the reservation system’s alert feature, check for permit rules, and always be a good steward. Whether you're an equestrian camper, a Scout group leader, or a first-timer trying out a modern cabin, there’s a fit for you.

Start with a yurt, graduate to a trail, or settle into a lodge—Pennsylvania’s parks and forests meet you where you are!

Key Topics:

• A Wide Range of Overnight Options (01:39)
• State Park Lodging: From Cabins to Yurts (05:22)
• Group and Family Campgrounds (10:05)
• Permits and Trailside Camping Tips (12:40)
• Reservation System Features (15:50)
• Equestrian Camping (20:12)
• Stewardship and Safety in the Outdoors (25:25)
• Best Spots for New Campers (32:28)

Resources:

• Bureau of Forestry Camping Brochure, which gives an overview of camping types and the guidelines/rules
• Bureau of Forestry’s interactive map that shows all reservable state forest campsites. It provides the ability to view all at once, rather than district by district. It does then direct to the reservation system
• Motorized Roadside Camping
• Primitive Camping in State Forests and Parks
• Bureau of Forestry
• Bureau of State Parks
• DCNR Events
• PPFF Events
• State Park Reservations
• Cabins and Campsites and Yurts, Oh My! Article
• Camping Etiquette
• Trailside Camping and State Forest Hiking...

Tucked into the mountains of south-central Pennsylvania, Prince Gallitzin State Park is a scenic haven where lake recreation meets forest solitude. Our host, Marci Mowery, is joined by Park Manager Jess Lavelua, who paints a vivid picture of this 6,000-acre park anchored by Glendale Lake and its 1,600 acres of water.

Whether you’re casting a line from a kayak, relaxing in a modern cabin with lake views, or attending one of the Friends Group’s massive fall events, Prince Gallitzin has something for everyone.

There are 35 miles of underutilized trails, a thriving Friends group that powers festivals like Apple Cider Fest and Trunk or Treats, and a range of wildlife from bald eagles to mischievous beavers. For Jess, stewardship means everything—from planting trees to helping rescue an injured eagle. Prince Gallitzin is also a leader in sustainability with a large solar array feeding clean energy back into the park system.

Come for the lake views, stay for the quiet moments—Prince Gallitzin is where nature makes you feel at home.

Key Topics:

• Overview of Prince Gallitzin State Park’s Features (01:44)
• Camping, Cabins, and Boat Access (04:01)
• Trail System and Scenic Overlooks (05:52)
• Friends Group and Seasonal Events (07:21)
• Sustainability and Solar Power (10:27)
• Wildlife Encounters and Birding (16:31)
• Volunteer Opportunities and Programs (20:26)
• Quick-Fire Questions About the Park (25:02)
• Loaner Gear and First-Time Visitor Tips (28:44)

Resources:

• Prince Gallitzin State Park
• Prince Gallitzin State Park Facebook
• Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park
• Friends of Prince Gallitzin State Park Facebook
• DCNR Calendar of Events
• Cambria County

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

👉 Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter

🎥 Watch outdoor tips and stories on our YouTube channel

📸 Follow the podcast on Instagram

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