“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

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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!

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“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

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