The Bucktail Overlook, also known as the Top of the World Overlook, and the Mason Hill Overlook, is a pretty incredible spot that provides 360 degree views of the Sinnemahoning Creek Valley and the area of the Elk Herd in Elk State Forest.  It is named after the heroic 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (13th Reserves) and the subsequent 149th and 150th Pennsylvania Regiments of the Union Army, helping guide our nation to winning the Civil War.  The regiment's nickname is the Bucktails and they are renowned for their bravery and service in fighting off the Confederacy and preserv ..read more

I always love stopping at fish hatcheries, and the Heath Township Sportsmens Club Co-Op Trout Nursery is no exception. From they have tiny fish all the way up to trophy sized large fish. They have fish food available for purchase with a donation, and it is always entertaining to feed them. The pups also had a blast looking at the fish in action.  The club raises fish for a youth fishing tournament every year at nearby Clear Creek State Park.  We stumbled upon the nursery while driving up the Clarion River on a scenic drive during a stay in the beautiful cabins at Clear Creek Stat ..read more

I am deeply passionate about expanding access to nature for as many people as possible. In the field I work in, I often see families that are unable to take their children with exceptionalities out to experience nature because often there is little to no focus in public planning when it comes to this. These are families that need this kind of escape as much as anyone else. In recent years, there has been a great emphasis upon expanding access to nature for all. My two favorite examples of this within the state have been in Erie at Asbury Woods, where they have created an entire boardwalk throu ..read more

For us, one of the first places we ever went to in Erie on a beautiful day at the beach and riding the great rides at Waldameer Park was Sara's Restaurant in Erie. It is home to delicious and affordable food and is the epitome of Americana for us. Best of all, the outdoor seating is dog friendly and they even make ice cream sundaes specifically for the pups. Sara's serves classic drive-in style food, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, zucchini fries, milkshakes, ice cream, and more.  For 42 years, visitors to Erie and Presque Isle State Park have gone to this restaurant and it seems to ..read more

Buttonwood Covered Bridge in Lycoming County is a cute little span in a rugged rural spot. A lumber operation runs adjacent to it, showcasing the heritage that led to the bridge getting built in the first place. The symbolism is not lost on me. Often times, the mill or commercial activity around the bridge  I understand the importance of the so called "headache bars" for ensuring people follow the height requirement. Aesthetically displeasing, but sadly necessary. Either way though, this is a neat span. It is 74 feet long and crosses Blockhouse Creek.  It has Queen Post Construct ..read more

Just about the last place you would expect to find an authentic Philly cheesesteak is in the middle of the woods, about 3 hours from the city, but that is the case at Big Mike's Steaks and Hoagies at the historic Forksville General Store building, just outside of the Worlds End State Park boundary in one of the most scenic and remote areas of the state. They have ample space indoors, and a beautiful grove outdoors that overlooks beautiful Loyalsock Creek and the large and historic Forksville Covered Bridge. Additionally, the outdoor grove dining area is dog friendly, which is perfect for us ..read more

The Highland Park Dam Overlook in Pittsburgh gives of a view of one of the lock and dams that allows the Allegheny River to be navigable by boats. It also gives a view of two neat bridges that have been critical to the infrastructure of the city, the Highland Park Bridge, and the Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge. The Highland Park Bridge's completion dates back to 1939 and it is the key road bridge link that takes people out of Pittsburgh city limits to the north and northwest.  The Brilliant Branch Railroad Bridge, dating back to 1904, is seldom used these days, and I believe its days ..read more

Saxonburg Borough is a relatively small borough, but it celebrates its history extremely well. It was founded by Friedrich and John Roebling, brothers who emigrated from Germany to seek freedom from oppression in Germany. They founded Saxonburg as a farming community, and once they were settled in, John returned to his core passion of engineering. In Saxonburg, John A. Roebling created the innovation of wire rope, a technology that made the creation of easier to build and stronger bridges. Roebling would go on to create a series of critical bridges, for which Pittsburgh was the testing ground ..read more

Logan Mills Covered Bridge is a relatively small, but pretty span that retains its agricultural character around it. The farms around it are still extant, and there is even a large mill that still remains adjacent to it. Many covered bridges retain their names from when they served mills, but the mills are often long gone. That is not the case with Logan Mills Covered Bridge.  It is a cool place to check out if you happen to be in the area. The bridge is the last remaining covered bridge within Clinton County. It measures in at 55 feet long and utilizes Queen post truss construction ..read more

For a county of its size, Indiana County has a wonderful county parks system. It rivals that of counties that are much larger. Lots of space for the public health and economic benefits that public parks provide. Most of the tracts came from old and abandoned industrial tracts, such as through coal companies and railroads. They redeveloped many of these large properties into places for the benefit of the public good.  Pine Ridge Park, near Blairsville, is a fine example of this. The land was largely owned by the R&P coal company. The rocky lands did not lend themselves well to farmin ..read more