There’s something about a trail map that just makes me excited for an adventure. The contour lines, the roads, the trails, the bodies of water, the towns. Trail maps – when made well – keep you safely on the trail. Maps have always been incredibly important - whether you were crossing oceans or just crossing town. But, as technology improved, maps became used less and less. Now, most people rely on their phones to get from place to place. And that works most of the time. But what happens if you don’t have signal or run out of power? You’re stranded in a forest with a useless phone. Not ideal. For generations, hikers have been urged to carry a map with them when they hit the trails. The universally accepted list of the 10 essential items when hiking includes navigation. And I would argue a well-made, locally created map is the best option. The number one reason to carry a map is for safety. When you have a map, you know where you’re going. That’s important when you’re surrounded by trees miles from the nearest town. A well-designed map also builds confidence by making unfamiliar places feel accessible. Beginners are more likely to venture onto trails when they know where they are and where they're going. Experienced hikers use maps to plan longer or more challenging routes. Navigation, safety and building confidence are important. Critical. But, one my favorite aspects of maps is that they encourage exploration. And when a real artist designs one, they guide you on adventures. The author Mark Jenkins once wrote, “Maps encourage boldness. They're like cryptic love letters. They make anything seem possible.” I like that. I really like that. Looking at a map inspires people to discover trails, features, structures, historical places and locations they never knew existed. I can’t help but ask “what is that?,” “how can I see that,” “where does this lead” when looking at a map. Maps are possibilities and possibilities are adventures. And there is no better example of maps leading you on adventures than Purple Lizard Maps. Purple Lizard Maps has set the gold standard for outdoor recreation maps in Pennsylvania and beyond. They combine exceptional cartographic accuracy with a genuine passion for exploration, creating maps that are as beautiful as they are practical. Every edition reflects countless hours of fieldwork, research and thoughtful design, giving hikers, paddlers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts the confidence to venture farther and discover places they might otherwise miss. What truly sets Purple Lizard Maps apart is their ability to tell the story of a landscape. They don't simply mark trails — they reveal scenic overlooks, hidden natural features, historic sites, campsites, public lands, and countless opportunities for adventure. These maps inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a deeper appreciation for the forests, mountains, rivers, and communities that make each region unique. They have become trusted companions for everyone from first-time hikers to seasoned backpackers, proving that in an age of digital navigation, a thoughtfully crafted paper map remains one of the most valuable tools an explorer can carry. On this episode, I speak with Mike Hermann. Mike is the founder of Purple Lizard Maps. Be sure to support our 2026 sponsors: Keystone Trails Association Purple Lizard Maps Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation Sisters' Sunflowers Discover Clarion County Go Laurel Highlands 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
