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To list all of the features of Forbes State Forest would be pointless. That’s because it has so much to offer so many people. You want trails, it’s got it. You want overlooks, its got it. You want waterfalls, it’s got it. Forbes State Forest has some of the best land in Pennsylvania for everything from mountain biking and hiking to ATV riding and wildlife watching.

The forest is comprised of 15 tracts totaling almost 59,000 acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. You could spend decades exploring this wonderful forest and still discover new things every single day. Forbes State Forest is just special. Plain and simple.

The abundance of forest land over such a large portion of southwest Pennsylvania provides visitors with so many options. Maybe today I’ll check out Mt. Davis, the highest point in Pennsylvania. Or maybe I’ll see the wildflower blooms. Or perhaps I’ll explore the remnants of two Civilian Conservation Corps. Camps.

On any visit, you’ll find it difficult to pick any one thing you like most about Forbes State Forest. There’s just too many.

On this episode, I speak with Rachael Mahony. Rachael is the Environmental Education Specialist for Forbes State Forest.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

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Standing on the shore of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park, you’d never think the area was the site of massive deforestation, coal mining and gas drilling practices that scarred the landscape for decades. But it is.

In the 1800s, farmers cleared the forests and drained the swamps that would one day be Moraine State Park. Materials such as sand, gravel, limestone, clay and shale were mined and sold off. Later, oil and gas well were drilled. When they ran dray, they were abandoned.

As a result of these efforts, much of the park area lost its topsoil and many streams were polluted with abandoned mine drainage. Luckily, someone came to help.

Dr. Frank Preston formed the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy to purchase land to recreate the glacial landscape and preserve open space. The former Pennsylvania departments of Forests and Waters and Mines and Mineral Industries helped to reclaim the mistreated land.

To look at it now, you would have never thought that this stunning 16,725-acre park was in such bad shape less than 100 years ago.

On this episode, I interview Brian Flores. Brian is the Assistant Park Manager at Moraine State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis

Send us a Text Message.

There are few sights I enjoy as much as people having fun in Pennsylvania state parks. Children playing tag and hide-and-go-seek. Adults telling stories around a picnic table. Friends catching up while grilling.

And never have I see so many people having such a good time, then on Memorial Day weekend at Beltsville State Park.

Upon entering the park - located in the southern foothills of the Pocono Mountains – it was evident that this was a popular park. By midday, the parking lots leading to Beltzville Lake were nearly packed.

Thousands of people had set up spots with their families and friends. My afternoon at Beltzville reminded me of my summers spent on the Jersey Shore..

The wonderful, sights, sounds and smells instantly brought me back. Friends were playing dominos. Families shared the most amazing food. And kids were building sandcastles on the beach. In Beltsville Lake, boaters and jet skiers cruised around while soaking up the beautiful weather.

And while the lake and beach are the focal points of this energetic park, it’s got plenty for those looking to explore. Beltzville has trails for hiking and mountain biking, thousands of areas for birding and wildlife watching, a scenic covered bridge and so much more.

On this episode I speak with Diane Szwajkowski. Diane is the Chair of the Friends of Beltzville State Park.

Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:

Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.

Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.

Support the Show.

Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.

You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.

Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis