PA on Pause

04/02/2025

Did you know that in Voyageurs National Park, the lakes can freeze so solid in winter that they turn into actual roads? That’s right—you can drive across the ice on designated ice roads, making it one of the most unique ways to explore a national park!

And if you’re up for an even bigger adventure? ❄️ Snowmobiling in Voyageurs is next-level amazing. With miles of groomed trails winding through frozen lakes and snowy forests, it’s one of the best ways to experience the park in winter.

🏞️ Drive the ice roads for a surreal winter experience
🚀 Hop on a snowmobile for an epic backcountry ride
🔥 Warm up at a cozy lakeside cabin after a day of adventure

Current Conditions: https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Would you rather drive across a frozen lake or explore on a snowmobile? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

Winter Trails Report: January 15th, 2025 Conditions are improving throughout the park! The ice roads on both Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake have been opened. The road on Kabetogama now extended from Kabetogama Visitor Center to the Ash River visitor center, and the Rainy Lake Ice Road has been plowe...

31/01/2025

🐾 Groundhog Day is almost here! Will we get more winter or an early spring? 🌞❄️

February 2 is almost here, when all eyes turn to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where the legendary Punxsutawney Phil makes his big prediction. It’s one of the quirkiest traditions, and whether you believe in Phil’s forecasting skills or not, it’s a fun way to celebrate the changing seasons!

🌿 If Phil doesn’t see his shadow → Spring is coming early! Time to start planning those hiking and camping trips! (Not like we need an excuse!)
❄️ If Phil does see his shadow → Six more weeks of winter! Sounds like more time for snowy adventures like skiing, snowshoeing, and frozen waterfall hikes.

No matter what Phil predicts, there’s always an adventure waiting! Do you enjoying this winter weather or are you ready for spring? Drop your vote below! ⬇️

30/01/2025

Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitor Center has updated hours of operation for 2025. As a reminder that while the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk is undergoing a restoration and preservation project, the Visitor Center, Skywalk Overlook, and the PA Wilds Conservation Shop remain OPEN. Only foot traffic on the Skywalk and the trail underneath remain closed until August 8, 2025.

January 1 to February 28 -- Open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M., closed on Sundays and New Year's Day.
March 1 to March 31 -- Open 7 days-a-week, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
April 1 to October 31 -- Open 7 days-a-week, 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
November 1 to December 31 -- Open 7 days-a-week, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

30/01/2025

Sometimes, even the most dedicated hikers need to give their legs a break… so on our trip to Sedona last winter, we switched things up and rented a Jeep to explore some of the trails! And let me tell you—it was a blast!

From bouncing over rocky terrain to stopping at jaw-dropping overlooks, this off-road adventure gave us even more views of Sedona. Plus, it was a lot of fun tackling those famous red rock trails without breaking a sweat!

We'll definitely do it again when we get back to Sedona because we were only just able to scratch the surface exploring those trails.

Have you ever rented a Jeep or an ATV and gone off-roading on your travels? Or are you all about exploring on foot?

29/01/2025

🌍✨ Where to Travel in February for Outdoor Adventure! ✨🌍

February might be the shortest month, but that doesn't mean you can't pack it with adventure—whether you love winter landscapes or are itching for an early taste of spring. Here are a few amazing February destinations to add to your travel list:

🏔️ Upper Peninsula, Michigan – Frozen waterfalls, epic snowshoeing and sledding, plus the chance to see iced-over Lake Superior!

❄️ Hocking Hills, Ohio – Winter transforms the caves and waterfalls into a frozen wonderland, making it one of the best times to visit.

❄️ Adirondacks, NY – Perfect for winter hiking, cozy cabin getaways, and maybe even some snowshoeing at some of the lower elevations.

🌵 Arizona – A great escape from the cold! February is perfect for hiking in places like Sedona or Saguaro and Petrified Forest National Parks, with cooler temps and sunny skies. Maybe you'll luck into a "Snowdona" experience!

Do you prefer chasing winter adventures or escaping to milder destinations in February? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

29/01/2025

❄️ Easy Winter Hikes That Are Totally Worth It! ❄️

Not all winter hikes have to be epic backcountry treks—sometimes, the best views come with easy walks! Frozen waterfalls, snow-covered forests, and peaceful trails make winter hiking magical.

Some of my favorite easy winter hikes include:
🥾 Brandywine Falls (OH) – A quick walk to a stunning frozen waterfall in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
🥾 Taughannock Falls (NY) – The ice formations here are unreal, and it's one of the easiest Finger Lakes waterfalls to access in winter.
🥾 Munising Falls (MI) – A short, easy walk leads to this gorgeous frozen waterfall—and if the conditions are right, you might even spot people ice climbing!

Do you have a go-to winter hike that’s easy but still delivers big on scenery? Drop your favorites in the comments! ⬇️

27/01/2025

Happy National Chocolate Cake Day! 🍫🎂

I'm not a huge fan of chocolate cake, but I do occasionally indulge in a really great slice. Whether it was a rich, velvety slice from a cozy café or a decadent dessert shared after a long day of exploring, chocolate cake can definitely hit the spot after an adventure.

My flaming pineapple and chocolate lava dessert in the Azores certainly sticks out in my mind. What’s the best chocolate dessert you’ve ever had on your adventures? Let me know—I’m always looking for new spots to indulge!

24/01/2025

While winter has its own beauty, I can’t help but dream of warmer weather sometimes. 🌞

🌿 The smell of fresh cut grass.
🏞️ Hiking to waterfalls without ice.
🏕️ Nights under the stars without freezing temps.

Here are a few places you should be eyeing this spring/summer:
1️⃣ the Adirondacks, NY.
2️⃣ Shenandoah, VA.
3️⃣ Dolly Sods, WV.
4️⃣ Minnesota North Shore

What’s on your list? I could use a little extra inspiration right now!

23/01/2025

Before you head out into the bitter cold, here’s a quick winter hiking checklist to keep you safe:

✅ Dress in layers (don’t forget your hands + feet!).
✅ Bring extra food and water (don’t let it freeze!).
✅ Carry microspikes for icy trails.
✅ Check the weather forecast and trail conditions.
✅ Always tell someone your plans.

Winter hiking can be magically peaceful, but safety first! What’s the one item you NEVER hike without in the winter?

22/01/2025

This is a great trail!

22/01/2025

Sometimes the best adventure is staying cozy indoors. 🏠❄️ Bitter cold and icy conditions can be dangerous for even the most experienced hikers.

Here are a few reasons to stay home when it’s too cold:
⚠️ Risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
⚠️ Icy trails can be treacherous without the right gear.
⚠️ Wildlife and weather don’t always play nice.

Instead, I’m using days like this to plan future hikes. Spring and summer are just around the corner! 🌸🌞 How are you making the most of this winter downtime?

21/01/2025

Brrr, it’s COLD out there! 🥶 Winter hiking in bitter temperatures can be beautiful but also challenging. I certainly don't love these below zero temps, but here are my go-to tips for staying warm in these conditions:
🧦 Wool socks and insulated boots. (I LOVE my alpaca wool socks...)
🧥 Layer up with a moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer,& windproof outer shell.
🧤 Layer gloves, a hat, and even a balaclava/ski mask for extra protection.

What’s the coldest temperature you’ve ever hiked in? For me, it was an early morning hike in Hocking Hills a couple years ago. My fingers were frozen before I even made it a mile.
How about you? Let me know in the comments!"

20/01/2025

🧀 Happy National Cheese Day! 🧀

Today, we’re celebrating one of life’s greatest pleasures: cheese!. Here are some of my favorite cheese sampling places from the last few years:

🧀 Madison, WI – The cheese curds here are legendary. If you haven’t tried squeaky fresh curds, you’re missing out! Bonus: pair them with a local craft beer for the full Wisconsin experience. 🍻

🧀 Finger Lakes, NY – Not only is this region known for wine, but it’s also home to some incredible artisanal cheeses. A wine and cheese pairing along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail? A cheese and ice cream sampler flight? Yes, please! 🍷

🧀 São Miguel, Azores – The butter cheese served at breakfast in the Azores blew me away. Still, one of my favorite ever cheeses. It was rich, creamy, and paired so well with the local bread and other breakfast options. 🏝️

Where’s the best place you’ve ever sampled cheese?

17/01/2025

We’ve been sharing a lot about winter hiking/adventures lately.
Great advice from Shenandoah!

17/01/2025

Check out these views from Ricketts Glen!
And remember to follow the restrictions/have the necessary equipment if you’re heading up to explore the falls trail.

14/01/2025

‼️‼️‼️

Please stay off ice less than 4 inches thick and enjoy winter fun in PA's Great Outdoors region.

13/01/2025

Have you heard of skijoring? 🐕🎿

I just learned about this today, and it sounds like an incredible way to combine winter adventure with your love for dogs. Here's what I'm talking about: You’re cross-country skiing, and your pup is helping to pull you along the snowy trails. It’s like mushing meets skiing!

Here’s what I’ve discovered so far:
✨ Skijoring is perfect for energetic dogs that love running in the snow.
✨ You’ll need a special harness for your dog, a belt for yourself, and a bungee line to connect the two.
✨ It’s a great way to keep both you and your dog active during the winter months.

I’d love to know:

Have you tried skijoring before?
If you haven’t, does it sound like something you’d want to try?
Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag someone who’d love to try this winter adventure with their pup! 🐾❄️

10/01/2025

Winter transforms waterfalls into incredible works of art—frozen cascades and shimmering icicles that look like something out of a fairytale. ❄️

While some of our region's most iconic spots, like Ricketts Glen in Pennsylvania and Watkins Glen in New York, are closed to most hikers during the winter for safety, there are still plenty of breathtaking waterfalls you can explore this season.

Two of my favorite winter waterfall adventures have been:
🌨️ Hocking Hills, Ohio – The frozen waterfalls here are pure magic, and the trails are perfect for winter hiking.
🌨️ Brandywine Falls, Ohio – This beauty in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a must-see when the falls freeze over. The boardwalk makes it an accessible winter gem.
🌨️Tioga State Forest - You can find some hidden greats tucked away, but the access roads can be treacherous! Use caution.

If you’re planning a winter waterfall hike, don’t forget:

Bring microspikes or traction gear for icy trails.
Check park rules and trail conditions before heading out.
Layer up—it’s cold out there but so worth it!
Have you visited any frozen waterfalls this winter? Share your favorite spots below or tag me in your photos—I’d love to see them! 📸