Not one but TWO reasons to turn around today
I visited Roaring Run for the first time today and was planning to do the Painter Rock Trail buuuut we had to bail.
1️⃣ My rule is if the dog tries to turn around 3 times, we turn around. Animals are intuitive and he might know something I don’t or he might just have having a bad experience and I don’t want to make it worse by forcing a hike.
2️⃣ The trail was super overgrown and I didn’t wear pants. I can’t believe I wore shorts in prime tick and poison ivy season! I know better!!
So today’s hike was supposed to be five miles and it was just over two. Ya win some, ya lose some 🤷♀️
Have you bailed on a planned hike before? Why did you do it? Let me know ⬇️
#hikingfail #hikingwithdogs #tickseason #pennsylvaniahikes #roaringrun #laurelhighlands
Brand new gear?? In THIS economy??
One of the reasons I didn’t try backpacking for so long?
I was so intimidated by how expensive the gear was. I didn’t want to drop a lot of money and then decide I actually didn’t like doing this.
Ways to Get Gear on a Budget
1️⃣ buy nothing groups – these groups are a longshot because it depends on what other people have, but I’ve seen people score some really cool things from their local buy nothing group
2️⃣ shop consignment – I have always loved a thrift store, but scoring a sweet outdoor find is a new level of adrenaline as an adult. I visit @3riversoutdoorco usually twice a month to see what their ever changing consignment section has on sale
3️⃣ Rent gear - a lot of outdoor stores allow you to rent gear for a trip which helps you see if the gear is right for you
4️⃣ borrow gear – this helps if you have outdoorsy friends! Shout out to all the besties who have let me borrow gear over the years until I got my own esp @_clairebuoyant @dbrovloski and @wrenontherock. Can’t wait to pay this forward!
5️⃣ Sell old gear for store credit or cash - as I grow some of my older gear, I have put it up for consignment, which helps me get store credit towards new gear
How are you saving money on gear this year?!
#backpackinggear #backpackinglife #hikinggear #budgetgear
This may be a controversial take 🤷♀️
I know some people can’t stand the shelters but I LOVE them. I find it so much easier to get organized bc I can spread out all my gear. And the shelters are SO MUCH BETTER when it’s raining - you can actually stay dry!
Oh, and it’s easier to play a competitive game of @uno in a shelter than a tent
I do like my tent but if I have a choice, I pick shelters.
PA state parks with reservable shelters ⬇️
🌲 Moraine
🌲 Laurel Ridge
🌲 Raccoon Creek
🌲 Oil Creek
⚠️When adventuring, be sure to pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, practice fire safety, and generally follow all principles of leave no trace ⚠️
🔗 if you’re looking for a backpacking trip this summer, check out my guide to the best backpacking in western PA on the site!
Are you team shelter 🏠 or team tent ⛺️?
#pennsylvaniabackpacking #backpacking #pennsylvaniahikes #backpackingtips
I will never take for granted being able to be outside and do what I love
Tag your friend who loves hiking this much!
#hikinghumor #hikinglife #optoutside🌲
Raccoon Creek has been MEMORABLE for me 🫢
On my backpacking trip there, we went in March and it was FREEZING. It also rained our entire second day and I also slept for 13 hours, setting my all time sleep record. But in better conditions this loop would be amazing!
Then last spring on a training hike, Hannah and I found a lost cat, who we returned to the park office. That was an adventure (and I still think about that cute lil guy!)
⬇️Details on Raccoon Creek Loop⬇️
🥾~22 miles for the whole thing but there are shorter options
📍Beaver County, PA
🎟️Permits required for overnight stays and must be picked up at the park office.
❌Skip if recent rain – some of these trails become streams
⛺️Campsites have shelters and tent sites, a critter hang, and potable water
🗓️Great for a one night, two day trip!
⚠️Remember to pack out all trash, stay on trail, and generally follow all principles of leave no trace!⚠️
For more details, check out my blog with a guide to backpacking at Raccoon Creek (no promises that you’ll find a cat tho).
What’s the weirdest thing that has happened to you on a hike?!
#raccooncreekstatepark #backpackpennsylvania #pahikes #westernpa #beavercounty #paparksandforests
You have aesthetic packing videos and then you have….me
I’m more of a chaotic packer than an ~*~aesthetic packer~*~ but I do know how to fit everything into a carry on!
🧳 PNW Bachelorette Packing List 🧳
@athleta dress from @thredup
@target swimsuit
@teva from @publiclandspgh
@americaneagle jorts
@stitchfix top & @prana top via @alpine_sisters
Flannels from the thrift store (green) and @publiclandsshoppgh
@smartwool and @stio (gifted) sun hoodies
@kuhl green shorts & beige pants
@patagonia travelers pants purchased at @3riversoutdoorco
@outdoorvoices hiking skirt
@seadon.co (gifted) hiking shirt & shirt from my first half marathon in 2014 #vintage
@stitchfix work tops
@webers_resupply sweatshirt
@stio rain jacket (gifted)
@patagonia puffy
@branwyn bras
And then I packed five pairs of underwear for a five day trip like a normal person and not the rest of you who think you’re going to 💩 your pants 3x a day.
Let me know – how many pairs of underwear would YOU pack for a five day trip?
#packingvideo #hikingoutfit #outdoorsybacheloretteparty
Clarification ⬇️
By weight, I mean PACK weight not my weight, which is something I almost never measure.
While it’s a more expensive option than making my own food, I love the ease of dehydrated meals. And they are SO light, which helps when you’re someone who packs a lot.
🏅Best Veg Meal: Backpacker Pantry Pad Thai
🏅Best Meat Meal: Peak Refuel Chicken Coconut Curry
🏅 Best Meal for to pack out for the first night on trail: @sheetz made to order turkey sandwich pepper jack cheese, banana peppers, jalepenos and boom boom sauce on a pretzel roll
I got a @jetboil for Christmas this year (thanks Mum!) and I love how quickly it boils water for dehydrated meals like this!
What’s your fav meal on trail??
#backpackingmeals #backpacking #backpackingtips
SAVE for the next time you’re in the Cumberland Valley!
📍Pole Steeple
🥾 1.4-1.7 miles depending on your steepness choice or 4.2 miles for a longer loop that uses some of the AT
🌲parking lot is in Pine Grove Furnace State Park, but the hike itself is in Michaux State Forest
❗️this hike has decent elevation on the steep option and the rocks can be very slipppery when wet. Use your best judgement!
⚠️ Please follow the principles of leave no trace on this beautiful hike by packing up your trash and staying on trail.
🌲🌲🌲
I did this hike with some awesome content creators who I’d really been looking forward to meeting as part of the PA Outdoor Content Creator Meetup this past weekend.
Thanks to @keystonetrails @cumberlandvalleypa and @visit_hersheyharrisburg for sponsoring the event and EXTRA SPECIAL THANKS to @hemlockstohellbenders for planning and executing on such a great time.
Are you adding this hike to your list?!
##PAOCC24 #founditintheCV #visithersheyharrisburg #keystonetrailsassociation #polesteeple #michauxstateforest #pinegrovefurnacestatepark
I’ll tell you a secret…
I was super scared about doing ALL of these things before I did them!
I get really nervous about new things. I always want to bail. Sometimes I do 😬
In January, I made a list of new things I want to try this year to keep myself accountable!
✅ backpacking in a new state on @visitcatalinaisland
✅ first mountain bike tour with @hermosatours
✅ first snowshoe in @visitparkcity
✅ hiking on a very scary ledge at Devil’s Arch
✅ went to a conference knowing only one person attending
✅ photoshoot in a dress (!) at bonneville salt flats
✅ sauna & cold plunge at @signalsauna
What do YOU want to try this year that is making you nervous?? Put it in the comments and commit to me and yourself that 2024 is your year!!
🎥Thanks to @harborsandhavens @thetravelinglucie & @wherekatieis for their excellent film work on some of these clips
#timeforadventure #tryingnewthings #2024goalsetting
*prepares for battle in comments*
I’ve hiked over 200 miles in this park and I’m here to tell you to give it a second chance!
Guess the park and LMK how you REALLY feel in the comments!!
#nationalparkweek #nationalparklove #visitnationalparks #usnationalparks
SAVE for planning your trip ⬇️
I’m obsessed with Ohiopyle and I can never get enough of this amazing small town.
Some of my favorite things to do!
📍Visit Cucumber Falls
📍Bike the GAP
📍Whitewater raft with @wildernessvoyageurs (hosted)
📍Hike the LHHT up to the Yough River overlook!
📍Eat at @fallsmarket
Want more? Check out my blog post on the Best Ohiopyle Weekend Itinerary!
Who’s coming to visit?!
(📸: Water jumping shot courtesy of either @lostwithlydia or @mindyonthemove)
#westernpennsylvania #laurelhighlands #ohiopyle road trips from Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania road trips | small town
“1000 acres of therapy”
That’s how the Executive Director of Red Butte Garden refers to it and I can see why!
Red Butte Garden is one of the largest botanical gardens in the West and, together with the University of Utah, is the State Arboretum of Utah.
The Garden consists of over 21 (!) acres of developed gardens and five miles of hiking trails winding through an extensive natural area.
Pretty impressive to someone who can’t keep one single basil plant alive 🙋♀️
Our guide, Janice, was super knowledgeable about all of the plants and history of the gardens. This botanical garden was so fun to explore - I love finding nature within cities!
Add this to your list when visiting Salt Lake City! (and thanks to #WITSUtah for a great experience!!)
#witsutah #visitutah #redbuttegarden #saltlakecity
SAVE for when you’re planning your TCT hike!
I loved the TCT but there’s definitely some challenges in planning that hike. Flights AND ferries to get to the trail?!
Are you adding this hike to your backpacking bucket list?!
#transcatalinatrail #backpacking #californiahiking #catalinaisland California backpacking Catalina island #bucketlisthike
The last clip has me 💀
I love being outdoors in the winter but even I get too sick of the bad weather sometimes.
Here’s five things to SAVE for a cold rainy day!
1️⃣ bowling at @arsenalbowl
2️⃣ indoor mini golf at @puttshack
3️⃣ ice skating at the armory
4️⃣ dancing at @belvederesultradive
5️⃣ bounced around at @urbanairpittsburgheast
What are you trying first?!
#pittsburgh #pittsburghactivities #thingstodopittsburgh
Things I got during RCTC ⬇️
✅ The worst heat rash I’ve ever had in my life
✅ Massive foot blisters
✅ Stomach issues from mile 30 through to two days after the event
✅ Crippling imposter syndrome that I am not as athletic as I think I am
Would I do it again? Yeah, probably.
Registration for both the Half (18 miles) and Full (37 miles) is now open on the Rachel Carson Conservancy website.
Selection is done in rounds based on karma, which can be earned from completing previous challenges, volunteering for or donating to the Conservancy. Selection continues through June but the event always sells out so the earlier you sign up, the better!
Are you adding this Challenge to your bucket list? Let me know with a 🎉 or a 🫣!
#rachelcarsontrailchallenge #hikingchallenge #pahiking #rachelcarsontrail
SAVE when you’re like 🗣️ get me outta here
I love living in Pittsburgh but sometimes I just gotta get away. A lot of my PTO will be for three day weekends this year so figured I’d share some of my fav escapes from the past two years of living here!!
Where are you adding to your list first?!
#longweekends #escapethecity #pittsburghpa #longweekendsarethebest #pennsylvaniaweekend #paweekend
Tom definitely knows how to hi-five all by himself 😂
One of my favorite parts of visiting Ohiopyle is allllll the waterfalls! (SAVE this post to visit later)
1️⃣ Cucumber Falls
2️⃣ Meadow Run (Natural Waterslides)
3️⃣ Fechter Run Falls (on the Jonathan Run Falls Trail)
4️⃣ Ohiopyle Falls
Local tip: if you go two to three days after rain, the trails are dry enough to not cause damage but the waterfalls are bumpin!
This was how I spent my birthday back in December - outside living my best life with Hannah and Tom!!
⚠️ Please remember to leave no trace including staying on trail and packing out all trash when exploring our wonderful state! ⚠️
Which waterfall of the four are you adding to your bucket list - 1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣ or 4️⃣?
#waterfallwednesday #pennsylvaniawaterfalls #ohiopyle #waterfallhikes
Sometimes it doesn’t work out 🤷♀️
I tried two trails on Saturday at Laurel Hill State Park that didn’t pan out:
🌲Hemlock Trail was beautiful in the snow but I couldn’t see any of the roots or rocks and made it about .1 miles before deciding to turn around
🌲 Lake Loop trail was ok on the Copper Kettle trail side but once I got onto the Lake Trail I had the same issue - really poor footing and the snow was a little too deep for Tom
I feel like social media is too much of a highlight reel sometimes so have committed myself to sharing more of the real moments from my hikes including when I didn’t finish or had to turn around!
It is very much okay to bail on a hike and I’m glad I did. My bad leg was really bugging me and if I had powered through slippery terrain I think I would have been in a lot of pain today.
Despite not doing the trail I planned, I loved being out in the snow this weekend! Are y’all enjoying the snow ❄️ or are you team spring 🌸?
#snowhikes #laurelhighlands #laurelhillstatepark #westernpennsylvania #paadventures
Safety >>>>>>
I am BAD about remembering orange. I leave a hat in my car specifically for hiking and then oops! I took it off in the house and now I don’t have it at the trailhead and have to find somewhere else to hike.
So I LOVE that @hollowoaklandtrust has this at their trail head. This was also the first time I visited Montour Woods and thought it was a great place to hike! Will definitely be coming back.
Safety Vest Fashion model: @hikesandhopsblog
Are you team orange pinny 🧡 or team “I’ll find something more fashionable in orange”?!
#hikepennsylvania #hollowoaklandtrust #montourtrail #montourwoods #pittsburghhikes
Just happy to be out here, y’all!
This hike was short, local, and not particularly “pretty” but it was EXACTLY what I needed. Happy to be out here no matter the season or the hike!
How was everyone’s weekend?!
#hikelocal #pennsylvaniahiking #stickseasonhikes #winterhikes
