Conserve.
Protect.
Enhance.

A big thank you to @crawriter for taking over the PPFF account today in celebration of #NationalPublicLandsDay! 👏🏼

We are feeling so inspired! How about you?! Which of PA’s 121 state parks will you visit first?

To stay up to date on PA park and forest news, learn about volunteer opportunities and events, and read upcoming blog posts from Christian and fellow PPFF guest bloggers, click the link in our bio and sign-up to receive our weekly e-blast!

#paparksandforests #getoutdoors #patrailsmonth #outdooradventures ...

Pennsylvania State Parks offer endless opportunities to explore and have adventures. If you’ve never been to a state park, I implore you to go. You will develop a new appreciation of this big, beautiful #commonwealth.

I plan to spend the rest of my life seeing just how much these parks have to offer. I hope to see you out there.

@CRAwriter @DCNR #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #appreciation #naturalworld #nature #naturalbeauty #scenicviews #paparksandforests #runnersmotivation #getoutdoors #happyhiker #happyrunner #trailrunner #getoutdoors #outdooradventure ...

There are forests and meadows, beaches and lakes, rivers and creeks. Some of the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets can be seen in #PennsylvaniaStateParks.

@CRAwriter @DCNR #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #appreciation #naturalworld #nature #naturalbeauty #scenicviews #paparksandforests #runnersmotivation #getoutdoors #happyhiker #happyrunner #trailrunner #getoutdoors #outdooradventure ...

The #COVID-19 pandemic brought record numbers of visitors to Pennsylvania State Parks, many of which for their first time. It opened the eyes of many of us to the splendor and wonder of what we have right here in our own backyard.

Visiting every state park created a fundamental shift in how I think about traveling. No longer do I think that I have to leave the country to go on vacation. No longer do I think 10-hour flights were necessary to get away. Pennsylvania has something for everyone.

@CRAwriter @DCNR #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #appreciation #naturalworld #nature #naturalbeauty #scenicviews #paparksandforests #runnersmotivation #getoutdoors #happyhiker #happyrunner #trailrunner #getoutdoors #outdooradventure ...

If you’re missing your city runs and want to stay off trails for a little while, no problem. The #PointStatePark in #Pittsburgh is a great option. Located at the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle,” The Point is at the confluence of three rivers. It offers beautiful views without ever leaving the city.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #cityrunner #GoldenTriangle #scenicviews ...

I was fortunate to stumble onto beautiful views while I was running my miles. The most spectacular, in my opinion, was at #HynerViewStatePark. While light on easy running trails, Hyner View offers stunning views of the valley below. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a paraglider taking off from the top.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #paragliding #paraglider #hanggliding #views #scenicviews ...

You ever want to run along boulders next to a waterfall?!
Well strap on your shoes and head out to Ohiopyle State Park. The Ferncliff Trail offers spectacular views for those that dare to brave the slippery, rocky path. Be careful!

@CRAwriter @friendsofOhiopyle #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #waterfall #views #outdooradventure ...

On paper, there’s not much to McCalls Dam State Park. A rustic restroom and picnic benches in the middle of nowhere. But the moment you hit the trail, you’re in for something special. The entire forest floor is covered in big, luscious ferns as far as the eye can see. Incredible beauty that mostly goes ignored.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #ferns #PaFerns #florafauna #naturalworld #nature ...

Speaking of animal encounters, be sure you are always paying attention to your surroundings. Take your headphones out and watch where you’re stepping. I spotted a sign warning of timber rattlesnakes before heading out on a trail in Big Pocono State Park. You better believe I was watching where I was stepping in between soaking in the stunning views!

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #rattlesnakes #animalencounters #KnowBeforeYouGo ...

While I experienced few animal encounters during my 121 In 21 Challenge, a brief jaunt along the Delaware Canal brought a lot of memories. While running with my friend Adam - who joined me for 26 parks -- we spotted a family of turtles sunbathing on a log and a giant heron taking off overhead.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #DelawareCanal #paparksandforests #PaWildlife #wildlife #florafauna #turtles ...

Take a friend! While running alone has its merits, I recommend bringing someone along. My friends, Adam Bricker and Wes Robinson, and my wife, Abby Rhoad, separately joined me for more than half of my park visits. Sharing the views, nature and experiences only create more stewards of the park system.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #stewardship #steward #hikingbuddies #PaParksAndForests ...

Located along the southern border, #WhiteClayCreekStatePark offers a very unique experience. Take the Creek Trail and you’ll be able to run over the border between Pennsylvania and Delaware.

@CRAwriter @whiteclaycreekfriends #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #Delaware #Pennsylvania #trailrunner ...

#Evansburg is an unassuming state park that offers incredible trail running. The smooth but technical terrain on the Skippack Trail provided a fun, challenging run. Clear signage makes this a great beginner trail.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #trail #trailrunner ...

#CookForestStatePark had my favorite trail of my 121 In 21 Challenge. Take the Birch Trail into the Forest Cathedral and find yourself surrounded by unbelievably beautiful nature.

@CRAwriter @FriendsofCookForest #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #ForestCathedral #naturalbeauty #naturalworld #PaForests #trails ...

One of the most beautiful runs in the state is along the Loyalsock Creek at Worlds End State Park. The terrain is soft and secure with little elevation changes. Go first thing in the morning and you’ll be treated to fog covered mountains.

@CRAwriter @FriendsofWorldsEnd #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #LoyalsockCreek #WorldsEndStatePark #mountainrunner #terrain #PaGeology ...

During my 121 In 21 Challenge, I was fortunate to run through forests, over waterfalls and along mountaintops. #Pennsylvania has a #park for everyone, no matter if you want to run, camp, hike, fish or kayak. Now that you’re ready to hit the trails, here are some places to check out...

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests ...

Know the signs... I learned this lesson when I headed out for a run at #BigSpringStatePark in the winter. Not knowing or understanding the trail markings, I quickly became lost in knee-deep snow. While I was able to find my way back to the path, I could have avoided the scary moment all together had I been more prepared.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #snow #trailrunner #KnowBeforeYouGo ...

Know the signs: If it’s your first time on #trails, you may feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry. Trails are marked with signs -- often painted on trees. Find out what these #signs mean and the directions they offer.

@CRAwriter #KnowBeforeYouGo #blazes #happyhiker #happyrunner #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #trailrunners #hiking #trails #PaTrails ...

Pack your supplies: Depending on the length of your run, make sure you pack some #supplies. That includes lots of water, some snacks and trail #runningshoes. If you’re running alone, tell a friend or loved one where you’ll be running.

@CRAwriter #hydrate #KnowBeforeYouGo #outdooradventures #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #trailrunner ...

Plan your trip... I learned this the hard way when I decided to not look at the elevation charts before heading out to #KingsGapStatePark on the first day of my 121 In 21 Challenge. Lets just say I spent my mile huffing and puffing uphill barely making it to the top to finish. Check your #elevations.

@CRAwriter #NationalPublicLandsDay #PaTrailsMonth #paparksandforests #KnowBeforeYouGo ...