Hemlocks to Hellbenders

On this – the Halloween episode – of the podcast, we’re going to be exploring the many tales of ghosts, creatures, hauntings, cryptid sightings, unexplained phenomenon, legends and folk tales that have a history in Pennsylvania’s parks and forests.

From the ghost sightings at Greenwood Furnace State Park to the Kecksburg UFO incident in Forbes State Forest, we’re going to be hearing stories and sometimes first-hand accounts of frightening events from over the years.  

These sorts of stories have always held a special place in my heart. When I was a bored teenager looking to escape my dull suburban hometown, I’d load up my car with friends at night and go exploring. The latest copy of Weird New Jersey in hand, we’d go to cemeteries, abandoned hospitals and all manner of supposedly haunted places looking for something, anything, that would scare us.

That tradition – known as legend tripping – is as popular today as it was when I was growing up 20 years ago. Teenagers – and plenty of adults - are looking to stories of the past to fill their lives with a little bit of mystery. And in a place as big and as diverse as Pennsylvania, there’s plenty stories that’ll make your hair stand up. 

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these tales will leave you questioning the boundaries of reality and wondering what might be hiding just out of sight, right here in Pennsylvania.

Our guides for this journey are Brendon Perry and Nic Pennsylvania, hosts of The Ghost Furnace Podcast.

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

Those visiting Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains should expect to see something they’ve never see before. In the northeast corner of the park, formed by millions of years of glacial movement is the Boulder Field. 

At 400 feet by 1,800 feet, this vast, rocky landscape is a geological marvel. The field is made up of tightly packed sandstone boulders, ranging in size from small stones to massive rocks that weigh several tons. Some of the boulders are 26 feet long.

The Boulder Field’s appearance is striking because of its flatness and the absence of vegetation over the large area. It looks like something you’d on the moon or some distant planet. 

The site was formed over 20,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, when repeated freeze-thaw cycles caused the sandstone to fracture and break apart, leaving behind this stunning rocky expanse.

Because of its preserved state, the Boulder Field offers a rare glimpse into the geological processes that shaped northeastern Pennsylvania. This National Natural Landmark begs to be explored by those visiting the park. 

On this episode, I speak with Megan Fedor and Jake Smith. Megan and Jake are environmental education specialists at Hickory Run State Park.

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

There’s just something about mushrooms that so are cool. I can’t really explain it. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, often looking like they belong in a fairy tale or another planet.

They transform any landscape with their mysterious, almost magical appearance. They are not plants or animals but belong to a fascinating kingdom of their own. They thrive in the most unexpected places. They can taste delicious or they can kill you.

They’re just awesome. But developing a hobby in mycology can seem a bit daunting for a beginner. There are thousands of mushroom species, and many look similar, making it difficult to identify them accurately. Some edible mushrooms have toxic look-alikes, so learning the differences requires careful study.

Luckily, there are groups out there to welcome beginners to this great hobby. The Philadelphia Mycology Club is one such group. Founded in 2018, the club includes a diverse group of novice and experienced mycophiles. 

On this episode, I speak with Sam Bucciarelli. Sam is the president of the Philadelphia Mycology Club.

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

This episode is sponsored by the Keystone Trails Association.

Most people never know how much volunteer work goes into their favorite hiking trail. Countless hours are spent breaking trails, cutting back brush, moving rocks, building steps, preventing water erosion and blazing trails.

Then, after the trail is built, even more hours are spent maintaining it. When wind knocks down trees, they need to be cleared out. When invasive species develop, they need to be removed. When the painted blazes fade, they need to be repainted. Hundreds of hours can go into a single trail. 

Now imagine, being responsible for maintaining hundreds of miles of trails throughout Pennsylvania. That’s what the Keystone Trails Association does. 

Since 1956, KTA has worked hard to provide, protect, preserve and promote recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. The volunteer-directed public service organization is made up of a federation of membership organizations and individuals.

2024 marks the 40th year of the organization’s Trail Care Program. This incredible program helps maintain Pennsylvania’s extensive system of hiking trails. They maintain trails like the Mid-State Trail, Chuck Keiper Trail, Allegheny Front Trail, Loyalsock Trail, Standing Stone Trail and a portion Appalachian Trail. 

But KTA is much more than just a trail maintenance club, it also serves as the statewide voice of the hiking trail community and trail advocate in the state capital. 

KTA also hosts a number of amazing events that include trail races, hiking weekends, first aid classes, backpacking trips, webinars, guided hikes and much more. 

I’m most excited about their upcoming Keystone Hiking and Outdoor Weekend from Oct. 18 to 20th in the Susquehanna Riverlands. During this three-day event, participants will have the opportunity to go on hikes, take classes, tour the Susquehanna, learn from outdoor experts, backpack and so much more.

This exciting weekend gives participants the chance to explore, learn and connect in a stunning landscape. 

I’ll be hosting a trivia and smores event at 8pm on Oct. 18th at the Susquehannock State Park Ballfield Pavilion. Come test out your knowledge of Pennsylvania’s parks, forests, trails and waterways or just grab a smore!

Be sure to visit KTA-hike.org to register and sign up for individual events.

On this episode, I speak with Brook Lenker and Haley Feaster. Brook is the executive director and Haley is the manager of communications and development at KTA.

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 thousands of years, the land that would become Pennsylvania was dominated by dense, ancient forests that stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering trees such as white oaks, chestnuts and hemlocks formed a vast green canopy that covered hundreds of miles.

The forests were such an integral part of this landscape that it was named Pennsylvania by King Carles the Second. Penn – in honor of Sir William Penn – and Sylvania - from the Latin silva meaning woods. Penn’s Woods. 

But as the Commonwealth grew and the United State developed as a nation, those spectacular trees would become one of Pennsylvania’s greatest resources. 

And after decades of clear cutting millions of acres of forests, only a few hundred acres of old growth forests remained by the early 1900s. Pennsylvania's natural landscape was devastated. Wildfires spread across the land. Riverbanks were eroded and flooding occurred. Our land – effectively destroyed.

Something needed to be done. Scientists, conservationists and state officials created strategies to develop and protect forests for future generations. It took the planting of millions of trees, passing legislation and a combined effort of local, state and federal government to bring us to where we are today – a vibrant, thriving Pennsylvania ecosystem.

The story of Pennsylvania’s natural landscape is one of abundance, exploitation and then rebirth. And I have never seen that story told better than by the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.

Located in Ulysses, this awesome museum is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Pennsylvania's lumber industry. It's a place where history comes alive through hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, and a deep dive into the lives of the people who worked in one of Pennsylvania’s most significant industries.

On this episode, I speak with Josh Roth. Josh is the site administrator for the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum.

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 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

The vast majority of Pennsylvania’s state parks are easy to drive to. That’s one of the reasons our parks are so accessible to residents and visitors. They’re located on paved roads and can often be found just a few minutes from a highway. 

But then there are parks that are not so easy to get to. They’re the ones that can only be explored using gravel roads. Leaving the smooth pavement behind and venturing onto gravel roads is like stepping into a different world, especially when heading toward the hidden gems of state parks.

And on this episode, our adventure begins in Centre County. Gravel roads lead to the heart of two state parks in particular – Poe Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks. The rugged terrain and sometimes challenging gravel roads reveal these secluded spots that paved roads simply can't reach.

To the north is Poe Paddy State Park, a trout angler’s paradise. To the south is Poe Valley State Park, a rugged mountain getaway. 

Their close proximity giving visitors a chance to explore two great parks in a day. Time spent at one of Poe Paddy’s Adirondack shelters or Poe Valley’s cabins will serve as a homebase for a memorable weekend in the woods for anyone willing to take these gravel roads. Away from crowds. Away from the noise. And away from paved roads.  

On this episode, I spoke with Joshua Bruce and Kylie Orndorf. Josh is the park manager and Kylie is the environmental education specialist at Poe Paddy and Poe Valley State Parks.

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.

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

The arrival of fireflies has always represented summer to me. They've meant barbeques. They meant fireworks. They meant being a kid.

I’ve heard from so many people about the memories they have connected to lightening bugs. Exploring the woods with grandparents who have long passed. 4th of July parties with their friends. A first kiss. A break up. Family  camping trips.

I don’t know what it is about lightning bugs – the state insect of Pennsylvania – but people have a connection to them. Cultures around the world have stories and myths surrounding these stunning creatures.

So I invite you on this episode, to think about your own connection with lightning bugs.

What comes to your mind when you picture them? Where does it bring you back to? When are you transported to?

On this episode, I speak with Dr. Sarah Lower. Dr. Lower is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Bucknell University.

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 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