Hemlocks to Hellbenders

The best part about having 124 state parks to explore in Pennsylvania is the variety. Each park is special in its own way. Each park offers a natural feature, a trail, a view, a piece of local history, or something that makes it stand out from others. 

You’ve got the old growth forests at Cook Forest State Park. The waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park. The fly fishing at Poe Paddy State Park. Every single park offers a bit of variety. A bit of magic. A bit of splendor. A bit of something special that makes every visit to a state park worthwhile.

So, what makes Susquehannock State Park special? What is the bit of magic they do better than any of the other state parks?

For me, it’s the breathtaking panoramic views of the Lower Susquehanna River. The Susquehannock State Park Complex is made up of three separate properties, each offering incredible views of the river. 

From the overlooks, you can take in the river as it winds through steep, forested hills and dramatic cliffs. These overlooks provide stunning vantage points where you can gaze out over the wide expanse of water, dotted with rocky islands and framed by lush greenery.

On a clear day, you might catch a glimpse of bald eagles and hawks soaring overhead or boats gliding along the river below. The mix of dense woodlands, open meadows, and the ever-changing colors of the river make this park the perfect place to enjoy the magnificence of the Commonwealth.

Don’t get me wrong, I love every state park. But Susquehannock State Park has that little something extra. That little shimmer of gold. That little magic that makes the park special in its own wonderful way. And I’m thrilled to share that with you, right now. 

On this episode, I speak with Kelly Ford. Kelly is the Environmental Education Specialist at Susquehannock State Park Complex. 

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

In the heart of Central Pennsylvania lies a true outdoor recreation paradise. If you're looking for adventure, Huntingdon County delivers—hiking, biking, paddling, and breathtaking views at every turn. 

Whether you’re trekking through Rothrock State Forest, paddling on Raystown Lake or taking in the stunning views from the Standing Stone Trail, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the wild beauty of this region. 

Huntingdon County is home to a vast network of trails that cater to every kind of adventurer. Looking for a challenging hike with wonderful overlooks? You’ll want to check out the Thousand Steps, a historic and leg-burning climb that rewards hikers with unforgettable views. Prefer a scenic and relaxing ride?

The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake are considered some of the best mountain biking trails on the East Coast. And if you’re someone who enjoys time on the water, the Juniata River offers miles of beautiful shoreline, perfect for kayaking, fishing, or just soaking in nature.

On this episode, sponsored by the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, we’ll talk with trail experts and outdoor enthusiasts who know this landscape inside and out.

They’ll share the best spots to explore, the history behind some of these iconic trails, and why Huntingdon County has become a must-visit destination for hikers, bikers, paddlers, and nature lovers alike.

In fact, they’re hosting the Keystone Trail Association’s Spring Hiking Weekend from April 25 to 27 at Lake Raystown Resort. The weekend will showcase local  hikes, environmental stewardship activities, bike rides, guest speakers, dog-friendly activities and more. 

So whether you’re looking for a new trail to conquer, a weekend getaway packed with adventure, or just some inspiration to get outside, stick around—because we’re about to dive deep into all the outdoor recreation Huntingdon County has to offer.

On this episode, I speak with Matt Price and George Conrad. Matt is the executive director of the Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau. George is the president of the Standing Stone Trail Club.

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

Tucked away just outside of Hollidaysburg, Canoe Creek State Park is underrated treasure. It’s got a little bit of everything to keep visitors busy, interested and engaged. 

It’s location also makes it the perfect homebase for weekends visiting Altoona, Holidaysburg and so much more.

I’m looking forward to getting back to Canoe Creek State Park with friends to explore even more of the Ridge and Valley Province of southern Pennsylvania.

On this episode, I speak with Heidi Mullendore. Heidi is the environmental education specialist at Canoe Creek State Park. 

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

For generations, Pennsylvanians have been at the forefront of conservation movements that have shaped the United States. Pennsylvanians like Gifford Pinchot, Joseph Rothrock, J Horace McFarland and Rachel Carson have had immeasurable impacts on our natural world. 

They’ve helped protect our forests, create state parks, beautify our cities and warn against the devastating affects of pesticides. Others like Ralph Brock and Mira Lloyd Dock have often been left out of the history books, due to discrimination. But finally, they voices and work are being raised up.

From the indigenous tribes that inhabited the lands we now call Pennsylvania, to the activists that helped pass the environmental rights amendment to our constitution, Pennsylvania has a long and storied history of conservation. 

I find that the more time I spend outside enjoying our incredible public lands, the more I want to learn more about our history of conservation. But where’s a good place to start? Where can I learn a lot without getting bogged down in timelines and jargon.

For me, there’s been no better guidebook, than Allen Dieterich-Ward’s "Cradle of Conservation: An Environmental History of Pennsylvania."

Released in 2024, this book is a comprehensive study of Pennsylvania’s environmental history in less than 150 pages. This concise book unpacks the people, policies and pivotal moments that turned Pennsylvania into a leader in conservation. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just someone who enjoys a good story about the great outdoors, this book is for you.

On this episode, I speak with Allen Dieterich-Ward. Allen is a professor of history and director of The Graduate School at Shippensburg University and the author of Cradle of Conservation. 

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

When taking a hike, people don’t often think about everything it takes to keep trails operational. The bridge building, the trail restoration, the habitat enhancement, the invasive species management and so on. The work often goes unseen. 

And if you don’t spend much time thinking about the work that takes place, even less time is spent thinking about the people that do the work. The image of burly guys in flannel with hardhats and chainsaws come to mind. Rough and tough individuals who would have been lumberjacks or coal miners in previous generations. Now, wearing safety orange they tend to the land for the benefit of all Pennsylvanians. 

Yeah. That’s just not the case. While many of those guys and gals are still out there performing the work, often time projects are being done by kids. Well not kids, kids but young adults ages 15 to 25. 

Members of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps take on projects across dozens of state parks and forests every year through programs lasting 6 weeks to nine months. Mentored by older individuals, these crews complete tens of thousands of hours of work on improvement projects while also receiving training and education and developing team building and career opportunities.

The Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps was created by DCNR Sec. Cindy Adams Dunn to connect youth and young adults with job opportunities relating to the outdoors and the environment. 

On this episode, we’re going to be exploring the work they do, their service to the Commonwealth and the careers that come from working in the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

On this episode, I speak with Michael Piaskowski. Mike is the manger of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

It’s 1910 and Anthony Wayne Cook has just inherited his family’s land. Over the last 80 years, the Cook family had made their money off the land. It started with his grandfather John Cook - who purchased the land in 1828. He built a sawmill on the property to process the timber he was harvesting from the forest. 

Andrew Cook – Anthony’s father - would go on to build three sawmills, one flouring mill, one planning mill, a boat scaffold, several dwellings and a store on the property. While much of the beautiful landscape had been forested, some of the most stunning examples of ancient forests remained. 

Andrew passes away in 1891 and now it’s Anthony’s turn to take over the family business. But he had plans of his own. Anthony Cook wanted to preserve the 300-year-old towering hemlocks on his land for future generations. He wanted everyone to sit at the alter of the so-called “Forest Cathedral.” 

Over the next 16 years, Anthony Cook and others campaigned to preserve this magnificent landscape. In the 1920s, the Cook Forest Association was formed to save the few areas of surviving old growth timber.

Endorsed by national natural resource groups and Governor Gifford Pinchot, the association raised $200,000, which helped the commonwealth purchase 6,055 acres from A. Cook Sons Company in 1927 for $640,000.

Cook Forest became the first Pennsylvania state park acquired to preserve a natural area and was later designated a National Natural Landmark. 

Now, we have the Cook Forest State Park. with its 11 different old growth forest areas. It’s been called “The Best Old-Growth Forest” in America.

On this episode, I speak with Dale Luthringer. Dale is the environmental educational specialist at Cook Forest State Park.

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

In the 1930s, a beautiful forest in northeast Pennsylvania was set to become a national park. Which made sense. The area was special, even to those that purchased the land to timber it.

In a time when forests across the Commonwealth were being clear cut to feed the growing nation of raw materials, this forest received some reprieve. As a result, 300-year-old trees were allowed to continue to grow – providing the forest with mature trees and the viewing public with examples of ancient forests.

These magnificent trees stood 100-feet tall with diameters of almost four feet. But between these arboreal giants hid a collection of natural wonders found nowhere else in Pennsylvania. 

Two creek branches cut through deep gorges creating a series of unbelievable waterfalls. These waterfalls united and flowed through a glen among massive pines, hemlocks and oaks. 

Unfortunately, World War II brought an end to the plan to make it a national park. However, thousands of acres were purchased in the 1940s to preserve this incredible landscape and its otherworldly glens. 

In 1969, the glens became a registered National Natural Landmark and was later made a State Park Natural Area in 1993. We now know this property as Ricketts Glen State Park. 

Ricketts Glen reminds me of a quote I once heard. "And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul." That’s how many feel when they visit this special place. That is, if the park isn’t filled with other people trying to do the same thing. 

On this episode, I speak with Scott Wilson. Scott is the manager of the Ricketts Glen State Park. 

Be sure to support our 2025 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
Sisters' Sunflowers

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

Welcome, fellow explorers. My name is Christian Alexandersen and I’m the host of Hemlocks to Hellbenders, a podcast highlighting Pennsylvania’s parks, forests and great outdoors.

We have an incredible lineup of parks, forests, guests and topics that we will be exploring during our third season in 2025. Park and forest managers, outdoor educators, historians, authors, conservationists and recreationalists are just some of the guests that will be sharing their passion and expertise with us this season. 

The topics that’ll be discussed cover a wide range of areas including outdoor recreation, conservation, historical figures, indigenous peoples, backpacking, plant and wildlife management, volunteerism and so much more.

If you love discovering Pennsylvania’s wonderful natural habitats, this is the podcast for you. We’ll help you plan trips and find hidden gems throughout Pennsylvania’s stunning public lands. 

I created Hemlocks to Hellbenders in 2023 to inspire listeners to spend time in Pennsylvania’s parks and forests, to advocate for their preservation and to make the outdoors a more welcoming place for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in that mission.

I’m also excited to announce that we have four sponsors for our third season – the Keystone Trails Association, Purple Lizard, the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundations and Sisters’ Sunflowers. You’re going to be learning about their awesome services and products throughout the year.

Our third season kicks off on Jan. 1 with an episode on Ricketts Glen State Park – Pennsylvania’s waterfall oasis. I look forward to sharing our new guests and episodes with you in 2025.

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

In September of 2022 before leaving office, then Gov. Tom Wolf announced the creation of three new state parks. Susquehanna Riverlands in York County, Big Elk Creek in Chester County and Vosburg Neck in Wyoming County. 

While these new state parks were quickly opened following the announcement, they have not taken their final form. Before they can be completed – or really before they even start – these parks must go through a rigorous master planning process with numerous phases. 

There’s the planning phase, the design phase, the engineering phase and the construction phase. But in between those phases and additional processes, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources must seek public input, hold public forums and receive feedback from various stakeholders. 

The opening of the state parks to the public was the easy part. But, now’s the hard part. The amount of questions that must be answered and properly addressed can be stagging. 

Our season finale is meant to let listeners know when the various phases will be complete, what sort of activities and camping options will be available and what the future holds for our three newest parks. And for this large task I wanted to go straight to the source. 

On this episode, I speak with John Hallas. John is Director of Pennsylvania’s Bureau of State Parks. 

Be sure to support our 2024 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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

In the early 20th Century, Americans had become alarmed at the disappearing forests in the eastern United States. Whether through private land purchases, deforestation, mining or other activities, the beautiful forests of the east were vanishing.

Where once stood primeval forests of giant eastern hemlocks now stood stumps. As a result, wildfires spread through these devastated lands. Waterways were polluted. And little of Penn’s Woods remained. 

Thankfully, lawmakers listened to the alarm bells of conservationists and in 1911 passed the Weeks Act. Name after Massachusetts Congressman John Weeks, the legislation allowed the use of federal funding to purchase forest land for conservation in the eastern United States.

The legislation – which was signed into law by President Howard Taft -- is one of the most successful land conservation efforts in United States history. And, it was thanks to this law that we have the Allegheny National Forest.

Created in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest spans over half a million acres in northwestern Pennsylvania. The sheer size of the forest is incredible. At just over 800 square miles, the national forest is over three quarters the land size of Rhode Island. 77.5 percent, actually.

This spectacular piece of public land offers a sanctuary for outdoor adventurers, wildlife lovers and history buffs alike. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of hiking over 200 miles of trails, the serenity of fishing in pristine lakes or the majesty of the towering trees and diverse wildlife, this forest has something for everyone.

On this episode, I speak with Jamie Feikles. Jamie is the Recreation Program Manager at Allegheny National Forest. 

Be sure to support our 2024 sponsors:
Keystone Trails Association
Purple Lizard Maps
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation

Support the show

Visit our website to learn more about the podcast, to purchase merch and to find out about our incredible sponsors. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected. 

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