PA on Pause

07/12/2024

🚨🚨🚨

Falls Trail Winter Closure: As of today 12/6/24 the entire Falls Trail system will be under its annual winter closure due to ice and snow conditions being present. Only visitors who have signed in with the park office and have the required minimum amount of safety equipment (crampons *not micro-spikes*, an ice axe, and rope) are permitted into the trail system at this time. The trail system will be closed until spring when things begin to thaw out, which is usually sometime in March.

27/11/2024

27/11/2024

❄️ Winter is coming—but that doesn’t mean hiking season is over! Soon, the scenes will look like these we found in Hocking Hills last year!

Now’s the perfect time to prep for cold-weather adventures. Higher elevations, like up in the Adirondacks, are already blanketed. There's some in the forecast for us here along the Great Lakes this weekend!

Here are 3 ways to get ready:
1️⃣ Add layers: Invest in a good base layer and insulated outerwear.
2️⃣ Update your footwear: Traction devices (love our Kahtoolas!) or winter hiking boots are key.
3️⃣ Pack for warmth: Carry hand warmers and an emergency blanket.

Are you ready to hike through winter? What’s your favorite winter trail?

24/11/2024

It’s “stick season”—that in-between time after the leaves have fallen but before the snow blankets everything. ❄️

While the trails might look bare, stick season offers:
🍂 Unobstructed Views: See landscapes and vistas that have been hidden away by summer and fall foliage.
🥶 Cooler Temps: Perfect for longer hikes without breaking as much of a sweat.
🌟 Less Crowded Trails: Fewer crowds mean more peaceful adventures.

Grab your layers, your orange gear, and hit the trails this weekend! What’s your favorite thing about hiking this time of year?

22/11/2024

Looking for a safer place to explore during hunting season? 🥾 Here are a few fantastic spots where hunting isn’t allowed so you can enjoy the great outdoors with peace of mind:

🌳 Ricketts Glen State Park: Explore nearly 2 dozen waterfalls along the Falls Trail.
🌿 Presque Isle State Park: A lakeside paradise perfect for a scenic stroll.
🌟 Local Urban Nature Preserves: Often overlooked but perfect for peaceful hikes!

Late fall is a great time to hit the trails. We'd still recommend wearing fluorescent orange if you're out and exploring, just to be on the safe side.
Where’s your go-to spot for a safe, scenic hike during this season? Share your favorites below! 👇

22/11/2024

🚨 Reminder for Hikers: Stay Safe During Hunting Season! 🚨

Did you know the next couple of Sundays are open for hunting in Pennsylvania? As we head into the heart of deer hunting season, it’s extra important to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.

Here are a few quick tips to keep you and your furry friends safe on the trails:

🧡 Wear bright orange! Hats, vests, and jackets for you—and don’t forget an orange vest for your dog. Visibility is key.
⏰ Avoid peak hunting times. Plan your hikes for midday, when hunters are less active.
📍 Choose your trails strategically. Opt for state park areas, urban trails, or other areas where hunting isn’t permitted.
🚶‍♀️ Stay on marked trails. Stick to well-traveled paths to avoid wandering into active hunting zones.

The trails are still calling, and with these precautions, you can safely enjoy the peace and beauty of late fall! Consider exploring new places where hunting isn’t allowed or revisiting some of your favorite hiking spots.

What are your favorite trails to hike during hunting season? Share them below! 👇

Stay safe and happy hiking! 🥾

21/11/2024

Great reminders from National Recycling Day last week!

Today is ! While you may think you know everything there is about recycling, it’s good check to make sure you are recycling right! ♻🍃

Did you know that one wrong item in a recycling bin can contaminate an entire bin of good materials? Check out these tips to recycle better!

Learn more ➡ http://bit.ly/2QuAOkf

17/11/2024

Have you started planning your travel for 2025 yet?

I'm getting excited looking at all of the possibilities, and have my eye on a few destinations if there are any sales over the next few weeks.

If you want to make the most of your 2025 holidays, check out my post on how to maximize all those PTO days!

Link in the comments 👇🏻:

15/11/2024

🔥✨ Make Your Own Fire Starters – Quick, Easy, and Budget-Friendly!

Heading out for a camping trip or planning to enjoy a cozy evening around a fire? Don’t spend extra 💵💵 on store-bought fire starters when you can make them at home with items you already have!

Here are a few simple DIY firestarter ideas:

Cotton Balls and Petroleum Jelly: Coat cotton balls in petroleum jelly and store them in a small resealable bag or container. When it’s time to start a fire, pull one out, fluff it slightly, and watch it burn for up to 5 minutes – perfect for getting your kindling going. We often use this method to start campfires while backpacking.

Dryer Lint and Toilet Paper Rolls: Save the lint from your dryer and stuff it inside empty toilet paper rolls. These are lightweight, burn easily, and make a great use of what would otherwise be waste. Sometimes, I'll even pour in some natural wax to help burn longer. This works great when trying to start a fire with wood that isn't necessarily 100% dry.

Egg Carton Fire Starters: Fill the compartments of a cardboard egg carton with dryer lint or sawdust. Pour melted wax over each section and let it harden. Tear off a section when needed for a long-lasting fire starter that lights up quickly.

Orange Peels: Let orange peels dry out, and use them as natural fire starters. Not only do they catch fire easily, but they also release a pleasant citrus aroma while burning!

⛺ Tip: Pack a few of these homemade fire starters in a waterproof container, and they’re ready to use anytime, anywhere.

Have a favorite DIY fire starter recipe? Share your go-to method in the comments below! 🔥

13/11/2024

🌍✨ Happy World Kindness Day!

Today, we’re reminded that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. As outdoor lovers, we have a unique opportunity to spread positivity and create a welcoming environment for everyone on the trails.
Here are a few simple ways to show kindness on World Kindness Day and beyond:

🥾Trail Etiquette:

➡️Yield with a Smile: Give way to others on the trail when appropriate, and share a friendly smile or greeting. Hikers traveling uphill typically have the right-of-way if they want it! Let them choose if they want to maintain momentum or take a breather!
➡️Pack Out More Than You Pack In: If you see trash on the trail, consider picking it up and carrying it out. Have a small trash bag available in your pack. Your small action helps keep our outdoor spaces clean and inviting.
➡️Respect Personal Space: With trails sometimes bustling, remember to give space to fellow adventurers, especially in narrow or busy sections. This also goes for loud music and shouting on the trail!
➡️Support Local Outdoor Businesses: Show kindness by supporting local outfitters, cafes, and guides in your favorite trail towns. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee at a local shop before a hike or renting gear from a community-run store, your support helps keep these small businesses thriving.
➡️Spread the Word: Share your favorite local spots with friends or post a review online to give them a boost. Your recommendation could encourage others to explore and support local as well.

🌳 Let’s take today as a reminder to spread kindness not just on the trails but wherever our daily life takes us.

How do you show kindness in the great outdoors? Share your ideas or stories in the comments!

11/11/2024

🔔Honoring Veterans This Veteran’s Day

Today, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all who have served our country. Your courage and sacrifice allow us to enjoy the freedoms that make outdoor adventures and small-town life so special.

🌳 Pause and Reflect: If you’re out exploring a trail or visiting a local park today, take a moment to honor our veterans. Many small towns feature memorials or quiet spots perfect for reflection and appreciation.

💰Support Veteran-Owned Businesses: Show kindness by supporting local veteran-owned shops and cafes.

Thank you to all veterans and active military members. We salute you today and every day.

09/11/2024

🌲✨It doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to get outside.

Who says outdoor adventures need to be expensive? With the right resources, you can plan incredible trips and experiences without breaking the bank. Here are some of my go-to free tools to make the most of your time in nature:

Free Apps and Websites for Navigation:
➡️AllTrails (Basic Version): Perfect for finding new trails and tracking your hikes. The free version includes trail maps, reviews, and essential trail details.
➡️Gaia GPS (Basic): Offers reliable maps for hiking and backpacking with offline capabilities.
➡️Google Maps Offline: Download maps of your destination ahead of time to navigate even when there’s no cell service.

Community-Sourced Trail Info:
➡️Check local park websites and regional hiking group forums for trail updates, tips, and free PDF maps that you can print out or save to your phone.
➡️Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/Backpacking and r/CampingGear are gold mines for trail advice, tips, and budget hacks.

Free Entry Days at Parks:
➡️Plan your visit around free entry days at national and state parks. These special days are announced on park websites and social media accounts.
Tip: Local parks often have no fees and provide unique, less crowded experiences.

Public Libraries:
➡️Borrow guidebooks, nature field guides, and even passes for some local parks and attractions. Libraries often have travel and outdoor adventure sections that can be a treasure trove for planning.

Local Meetups and Outdoor Groups:
➡️Join community groups that organize free hikes and nature walks. It’s a great way to explore new areas, meet fellow nature lovers, and swap stories.

Do you have a favorite app or hack that makes exploring nature easier? Drop it in the comments and help fellow outdoor lovers discover it!

06/11/2024

Fires are prohibited until further notice in Pennsylvania state parks and forests. 🔥

Recent dry conditions, paired with sunny days, unseasonably warm temperatures, and low humidity, have heightened wildfire risk. Remember, a single spark can ignite a wildfire, risking your safety and that of others.

As Smokey Bear says, “Only YOU can prevent wildfires!” 🌳

Check daily fire danger maps and current burn bans across the Commonwealth here ➡ http://bit.ly/2J131jx.

06/11/2024

🍂❄️ Stay Warm Without Breaking the Bank! As the temperatures drop, your outdoor adventures don’t have to stop. Here are some budget-friendly hacks to help you stay cozy during your fall and winter adventures:

🔥Hot Water Bottle Trick: Boil water on your camp stove and fill a sturdy, reusable water bottle (like a Nalgene). Slip it into your sleeping bag or under your jacket to stay warm on chilly nights. Instant heat that lasts for hours!

🔥Layer Smartly: No need to splurge on all the expensive gear! Look for basic thermal shirts and fleece layers at discount stores or thrift shops. Layering with budget-friendly items can be just as effective (and more eco-friendly!) as high-end options.

🔥DIY Hand Warmers: Fill small cloth pouches with uncooked rice, sew them shut, and heat them up before heading out. Tuck these into your gloves or pockets for a homemade heat source.

🏕️ Have any personal hacks or budget-friendly tips that keep you warm?
Share them in the comments!
Let’s help each other stay toasty while we explore this winter.

10/10/2024

You can also follow on Instagram to see more exciting photos and get all the tips we share!

09/10/2024

We've visited many of the state parks in Pennsylvania. These 5 state parks often get overlooked, but we think you should definitely plan a visit soon!

👇🏻Link in the comments👇🏻

22/08/2024

The Delaware Water Gap isn’t just for hardcore adventurers—it’s also the perfect place for a family day out! From easy hikes to picnic spots, there’s something for your family, regardless of age or skill level.
What’s your favorite family activity here?

21/08/2024

Nature is at its best in the Delaware Water Gap. 🌿 From wildlife sightings to the vibrant plant life, there is a chance to connect with the natural world on every visit.

We didn't even have to get out on a trail. A mama black bear and her two cubs crossed the road in front of us while we were driving through early in the morning once!

What’s the most memorable wildlife encounter you’ve had here?