Got Lost on Purpose

Got Lost on Purpose I’m Tiffany, and you can find me exploring PA & beyond, one adventure at a time with my 4 year old GSD Freki.

I hope to inspire other women to get outdoors with confidence.

08/13/2026

Did you know that there is an entire wilderness area INSIDE the Allegheny River? Yep! IN the river.
[ The Pennsylvania Wilds | ]

In 1992, 87-miles of the Allegheny River were added to the National Wild & Scenic River System. Sprinkled along a 56-mile stretch of the river are 7 federally protected islands that make up the Allegheny Islands Wilderness.

Located in the Allegheny National Forest & Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds, the Allegheny Islands Wilderness offers a total of 372 acres, with the largest island being 96 acres and the smallest coming in around 10 acres. Fun fact: the islands are home to Pennsylvania’s tallest Sycamore tree! We also spotted multiple Bald Eagles on our trip.

The seven wilderness islands are open to exploration and dispersed camping. There are no reservations or designated campsites, so spots are first come, first serve.

*It’s important to do your research before launching. Not every island you pass on this stretch of river is part of the wilderness. Some are privately owned and are NOT open to camping or public access.

We started our day at Buckaloons and paddled toward Tidioute. This was such an easy and beautiful float, I’d recommend it to anyone interested in finding a new way to explore more of the Allegheny National Forest.

Don’t have your own kayak? Allegheny Outfitters ( Allegheny Outfitters ) in Warren offers kayak and canoe rentals AND shuttle services, which makes the logistics of a one-way paddle so much easier. The owner, Piper, has spent years exploring the river and has even created an incredibly detailed mile-by-mile map of the islands and river, which you can purchase in the shop.

And please remember, these islands are federally protected wilderness. There aren’t trash cans waiting for you at your campsite. Practice Leave No Trace, pack out everything you bring in, and leave the islands just as wild for the next adventurers.

Plan your paddling trip as part of the Great American Getaway in Pennsylvania! ( Visit PA | Pennsylvania Tourism Office )

08/12/2026

I’ve probably been to the New River Gorge area of West Virginia more times in the last 3 years than any other single place….and I NEVER knew this was there. 👀 [ Visit Southern West Virginia p a r t n e r ]

Rosa’s Speakeasy is located in the The MoHa House right in the center of Fayetteville.

Open Thursday-Sunday. 21+ to be admitted, reservations are recommended due to limited space. There is an extensive custom cocktail list, a small selection of charcuterie plates, and non-alcoholic spirits for anyone who wants the experience but not the liquor.

Built in 1902, the Historic Morris Harvey House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 2021 the home has been run as an inn by owners Natalie and Eric.

08/11/2026

I headed to the PA Wilds last month on a mission to paddle 30 miles of the Allegheny River.
[ The Pennsylvania Wilds | ]

The weather had something else in mind for day one. So we made a pivot and spent the day exploring the Allegheny National Forest Region in northwestern Pennsylvania. (And I wasn’t mad at all about it)

🥾Hike to the Rimrock Overlook. You can take a short 0.3 mile loop to the overlook, or if you are looking to get your steps in you can opt for a 2 mile hike along the Rimrock Overlook Trail. At the top you will find beautiful views of Kinzua Bay.

🥞Head into Bradford to grab breakfast at the John Williams European Pastry Shop. The menu is extensive and the pastry list is VERY impressive…but I had one mission. Pancakes. We tried the Cinnamon Bun Pancakes, Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes, and Glazed Streusel French Toast. Don’t ask me to pick a favorite (ok, it was the strawberry cheesecake pancakes) John Williams European Bakery

📍Stop by the Zippo/Case Museum for a free self-guided tour to learn about the history of these two iconic brands, and their significance in the region over the years. Zippo Manufacturing Company

🥾Hike the Marilla Bridges Trail. So, I’ve heard this trail is beautiful but I still wasn’t ready for just HOW pretty it is!!! I think I said “wow” every 30 steps. This hike is only a mile long with only 26’ of elevation gain, so it’s perfect for when you want low effort but high reward!

🍻Dinner stop: Table 105 in Kane. We ordered some Bent Run Brews (PA Wilds based business shoutout), the French Onion Burger, and a Monte Cristo on a French toast pretzel roll 🤤 Table 105 Bent Run Brewing Company

Where to stay: Cozy Embers Campground & Cabins
This former KOA campground was purchased last year by an amazing couple from Seattle who decided they wanted to change it up and move out east. They offer RV sites and cabins right in the middle of the Allegheny National Forest. Wanting to head to ANF this fall? They have extended their operating dates through December 13th!

alleghenynationalforest

On my quest to learn more about the York Trail Towns Initiative I spent some time in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania [ York C...
08/10/2026

On my quest to learn more about the York Trail Towns Initiative I spent some time in Wrightsville, Pennsylvania [ York County Trail Towns | a d ]

What is a Trail Town? A community adjacent to public trails that chooses to embrace the trail as an opportunity for economic growth and improved quality of life.

The York Trail Towns program connects trail users with trail-friendly businesses in 7 different regions of York County. Trail-friendly businesses offer explorers things like a place to use the restroom, refill water bottles, charge devices, etc.

Trail-Friendly Businesses (and a few hikes thrown in)

📍Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market: farm market and pick your own flowers/fruit (peach slushies?! Yes please!)

📍Flying Fibers Wool & Lavender: beautiful wool textiles set on a farm where you can interact with the sheep they come from 😍 Irina of Flying Fibers

📍Zimmerman Center for Heritage: run by the NPS, become a Junior Ranger, learn about the Susquehannock people, hike the Native Lands County Park, or take a ride in the River Discovery Boat Tour

📍Half Nuts Popcorn Co.: delicious gourmet popcorn (and a slushy for the hot days). This walk up stop is dog friendly! Half Nuts Popcorn Co. 🍿

📍Highpoint Scenic Vista: a 1 mile total trail that takes you up for 360° of the Susquehanna River and surrounding land. You can hop on the Mason-Dixon Trail here for extra mileage.

📍Burning Bridges Tavern: end your day here with a craft burger, a cold brew, and live music Burning Bridge Tavern

Would you sit here? Endless Wall, Diamond Point OverlookNew River Gorge, West Virginia
08/08/2026

Would you sit here?

Endless Wall, Diamond Point Overlook
New River Gorge, West Virginia

Cumberland Valley PA has a little bit of something for everyone. [ p a r t n e r ] In case you’re waiting to commit to b...
08/07/2026

Cumberland Valley PA has a little bit of something for everyone.
[ p a r t n e r ] In case you’re waiting to commit to booking that trip let me help you click submit ☺️

As someone who books trips that revolve around being outdoors, Cumberland is a natural fit with multiple state parks, 46 miles of the Appalachian Trail, floatable rivers/creeks… but when an unexpected heatwave came through I was happy that there was plenty for me to do inside when the hottest part of the day hit.

Where I stayed: Allenberry
This historic resort offers multiple lodging options, ranging from lodge rooms, to full cottages, to a mansion…all on the sprawling estate with exclusive access to a protected section of the Yellow Breeches Creek 🤩

What to do outdoors:
📍Hike at Pine Grove Furnace State Park
📍Hike the Pole Steeple Trail
📍Hike the Appalachian Trail to both the historic and the ceremonial midpoint markers
📍Bike the 13 mile Cumberland Valley Rail Trail
📍Hike Kings Gap State Park
📍Float or fly fish the Yellow Breeches Creek
📍Hike Michaux State Forest

What to do inside:
📍Explore the shops in Downtown Carlisle
📍Visit the Appalachian Trail Museum
📍Dinner at Cold Springs Inn Brewery and watch people float by
📍Visit REI in Mechanicsburg (2024 REI store of the year!)
📍Explore the Cumberland Valley Ice Cream Trail 🍦
📍Explore the Cumberland Valley Beer Trail 🍻

Follow along with me Tiffany | Hiking & Adventure as I explore the mid-Atlantic region and share my favorite trails, stays and adventures
Please be sure to always recreate responsibly, pack out what you pack in, and always clean up after yourself.

08/05/2026

York County, Pennsylvania has figured out that a great trail can only take you so far. [ York County Trail Towns 𝗉 𝖺 𝗋 𝗍 𝗇 𝖾 𝗋 ]

It’s just as important to give riders easy access to amazing places to stop, eat, shop, and recharge.

Sure, sometimes you just want to get the miles in, and the York Heritage Rail Trail has plenty to offer. With 27 miles of scenic riding, it’s easy to spend the day in the saddle. But what about when you want your ride to be more than just exercise?

To make exploring easier, York Trail Towns has created a network of Trail-Friendly Businesses. These businesses offer riders the little things like a safe place to lock up their bikes, refill their water bottles, charge their devices, and use the restroom. The designation is completely free for businesses. All they have to do is commit to being a welcoming stop for trail users.

There are seven designated York Trail Towns, and I spent my first day exploring York City’s Royal Square District. Designated bike lanes connect downtown directly to the Heritage Rail Trail, making it easy to hop off the trail and into the heart of the city. From there, I wandered colorful murals, browsed locally owned shops and art galleries, and refueled in the restaurants.

Where to stay:
The Yorktowne Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Where to eat/drink:
Collusion Tap Works
The Roaming Roast
Levant Mediterranean Cuisine

Where to shop:
In Between Pages
The Glass Turtle Studio
VENTURE | Art Gallery
Emily

08/04/2026

This is definitely the easiest fire tower to check off your list for the Catskills Fire Tower Challenge.

With just a short walk from the Catskills Visitor Center (less than 1/4 mile), the Upper Esopus fire tower is an easy stop to add to a day already packed with adventures.

Fun fact: this fire tower is from Florida ( wut? 🤔) It was relocated to the Catskills in 2019.

It’s nice that you can get up into the cab of this tower, some that we visited were locked.

Follow along with me Tiffany | Hiking & Adventure as I explore the mid-Atlantic region and share my favorite trails, stays and adventures

Please be sure to always recreate responsibly, and always pack out everything you bring in.

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Sheffield, PA
16239-4927

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