PA on Pause

07/04/2025

Today is World Health Day, and we're thinking about how small changes can make a big difference. Spending time outside is one of the simplest ways to care for our health. Fresh air and movement can boost energy, clear our minds, and reduce stress.

It doesn’t have to take hours—maybe a short walk, a bike ride, or just sitting in the sun for a bit. Let’s remind ourselves that even little steps matter.

Are you getting outside today?

06/04/2025

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is perfect for a road trip, one of our favorites to date! Start by crossing the Mackinac Bridge—it’s a breathtaking introduction to the peninsula. From there, head to Tahquamenon Falls and check out the root beer colored waters. Make sure you stop by both the upper and lower falls. Each one has its own unique features.

Next, visit Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The colorful cliffs rising over Lake Superior are stunning. Take a hike or a boat tour (or both) to capture the views.

For the adventure seekers, the Porcupine Mountains are a must. Known as “The Porkies,” this expansive wilderness offers hiking trails and unmatched scenic overlooks. It’s a great spot to soak in the beauty of the peninsula and feel completely connected to nature.

Between stops, enjoy small-town diners, scenic drives, and peaceful beaches. The Upper Peninsula is a gem waiting to be explored. Have you planned your next getaway yet?

Our full road trip itinerary ➡️ https://paonpause.com/michigan-upper-peninsula-road-trip/

06/04/2025

Know before you go to Kinzua:

Trail Central with your Kinzua Bridge State Park Skywalk rehabilitation and preservation update. As of early March, the project is on track with the elapsed time of the project just over 20% complete and 6% of physical work being completed. Currently contractors are on site and are removing and replacing rivets along the bottom fl**ge of the superstructure.
Reminder the Kinzua Bridge State Park Visitors Center is open daily 8 am to 6 pm. The Skywalk will be open August 8 through October 31, 2025.
Did you know more than 275,000 people visited the Skywalk in 2024?

05/04/2025

Did you know that Pennsylvania has a Grand Canyon?!

Visiting the PA Grand Canyon is a must for adventure lovers! It’s a spot that works year-round, no matter the season. Some of the best times to visit are coming soon!

In spring and summer, the trails come alive with color. The colorful views are unbeatable in the fall, while winter shows off its quiet beauty, even though some areas close off.

Our guide covers everything you need, from the main trails to practical tips. Want to know which overlooks are best or how to plan for each season? It’s all laid out clearly. You’ll know where to park, what to pack, and what to do once you’re there.

If this trip’s on your list, this guide takes out the guesswork and helps you feel ready to explore.

➡️ https://paonpause.com/a-complete-guide-to-visiting-the-pa-grand-canyon-in-any-season/

04/04/2025

Isle Royale National Park is a hidden gem in the middle of Lake Superior. This remote island is perfect for backpack adventurers and nature lovers. With no cars or urban noise, it’s just you and the wild. Think towering pines, rugged trails, and the quiet call of loons.

You can hike across the island, paddle along its shores, or spend the day at the Rock Harbor Lodge. Wolves and moose roam here, creating a rare chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat (although you most likely won't see the wolves...). Whether you’re camping under the stars or exploring by kayak, every corner of Isle Royale feels untouched and unforgettable.

Ready to explore something truly wild? This park is waiting. ]
Our 3-day backpacking itinerary ➡️ https://paonpause.com/three-days-in-isle-royale-national-park/

03/04/2025

McConnells Mill State Park is a fantastic spot to spend a day outdoors in western PA. The park has beautiful hiking trails that take us through stunning views of a gorge, rocky cliffs, and waterfalls.

Slippery Rock Creek runs through the park, a great place for whitewater kayaking if you know what you're doing.

The historic gristmill is also worth a visit, one of the most photographed spots in the park.

Have you visited McConnells Mill?

02/04/2025

Ohiopyle State Park is calling, and now’s the perfect time to go. In southern Pennsylvania, this gem is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll ever see and one of the best small towns in America to visit.

Some waterfalls require more of a hike to reach them, while the namesake Ohiopyle Falls can be seen from a large parking lot and viewing decks. This is one of our favorite state parks to visit in the offseason!

Lace up your hiking boots, and pack plenty of snacks. Once you start exploring, you won't want to leave.

➡️https://paonpause.com/things-to-do-in-ohiopyle/

01/04/2025

Bushkill Falls is open, and it's the perfect time to visit!! We missed telling you this past weekend, and this is not an April Fools joke, either!

Entrance fees are required, and we wouldn't call it a cheap spot to explore, so make sure to check the pricing before heading out.

While the main boardwalk trails are beautiful, we find the real fun comes when you explore beyond them. The other trails give you a chance to see more of the waterfalls and landscape. They're a bit tougher in spots (and muddy, especially this time of year) but totally worth it.

(photos from our visit last summer)

31/03/2025

The beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will leave you speechless.

Towering cliffs, glowing with shades of orange, red, and green, rise above Lake Superior’s crystal-clear water. Waterfalls tumble over jagged cliff edges. The lake sparkles like a jewel, and the colors seem almost unreal.

Hike along trails, paddle in a kayak, or just take it all in from a boat while on a tour. Every angle offers something new.

Have you ever seen these rocks painted by nature itself?

21/03/2025

It's finally starting to feel like spring!
We can't wait for surroundings like #1 to turn to surroundings like #2 & #3.
Do you recognize any of these spots?

18/03/2025

We love road-tripping around the Finger Lakes. Check it out!

The Finger Lakes region is a short drive from many major cities on the east coast including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Toronto, which are all less than a half-day's drive.

17/03/2025

Did you know that you could celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Dublin without leaving the US?

🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ohio! 🍀

From the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade to traditional Irish music, food, and drinks, Dublin transforms into a sea of green every March. 🍀 Enjoy the lively atmosphere, explore the historic downtown, and join in the fun at one of the town’s many Irish pubs. 🍺🎶

It’s the perfect spot for a road trip with family, friends, or even solo travelers seeking a little Irish magic. 🌈💚

📍 Pro Tip: If you're not there celebrating now, don’t miss the Dublin Irish Festival on the first weekend in August. Experience Dublin’s Irish heritage year-round!

Have you ever been to Dublin, OH for St. Patrick’s Day?

13/03/2025

04/03/2025

FingerLakes.org is a membership-based organization with over 540 Partners, representing everything from accomodations, restaurants, services, and community services in our region. We collaborate with our partners to provide the best customer experience possible for all of our visitors and patrons. F...

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?