Trail Mama Hikes

06/22/2026

Summer Que Camp Getaway Recap

This weekend was exactly what I hoped it would be ~ a chance to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with wonderful people.

For those who haven't visited, the Quemahoning Family Recreation Area is truly a hidden gem. The campground offers rustic cabins, RV sites, and tent sites. The cabins are simple but comfortable, with bunk beds, electricity, a table and chairs, a fan, and a mini fridge. A shower house is available nearby, making for a comfortable camping experience.

The recreation area has something for everyone: a beach for swimming, excellent fishing spots, a boat launch for non-motorized boats, kayak and paddleboard rentals, a playground, numerous pavilions, and over 40 miles of trails perfect for hiking and biking.

This weekend, Kristin N Olexa, Krystal, Mitchell Lohrl, Eva, and I called the rustic cabins home. The weather couldn't have been better. Courtney Banko Rozsi joined us for a bike ride, Kaylee stopped by for dinner, and Hilary Strope joined me for a solo trek on the trails.

Eva absolutely rocked her very first cabin camping experience! Watching her confidence grow and seeing her enjoy every part of the adventure was one of the highlights of the weekend.

Kristen and Krystal, adventure friends, embraced exactly what this getaway was meant to be ~ a fun, relaxing weekend outdoors. I have a feeling they'll be back to enjoy this special place again and again.

Courtney joined us for a road ride around the Que. We tried something new and learmed a thing or two!

Hilary joined me for a trek, where we got to catch up! It's been way too long! The trail is a great place to chat.

And then there was Mitchell's mountain pie victory. 😂 The pie makers were brand new, and let's just say our first attempts resulted in everything sticking to them. But persistence paid off, and Mitchell earned the honor of creating the first successful mountain pie of the weekend!

There were hikes, bike rides, kayaking, campfires, good food, laughter, stories shared around the fire, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being outside.

Thank you to everyone who joined in, whether for the entire weekend or just part of it. These experiences remind me that adventure doesn't always have to be big or difficult. Sometimes it's simply spending a few days outdoors with good people.

I'll be hosting another Que Camp Getaway in September, and after this weekend, I can't wait to do it again. Who's in?

06/21/2026

What a wonderful weekend at our Summer Que Camp Getaway!

There was no agenda to rush through and no pressure to do it all ~ simply a weekend filled with fresh air, good people, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Some of us hiked the trails. Some explored on bikes. Others spent time on the water in kayaks. We gathered around the campfire, cooked simple meals, shared stories, laughed a lot, and enjoyed the kind of conversations that only seem to happen when life slows down for a while.

One of my favorite things about these weekends is that everyone enjoys them in their own way. Whether your idea of a perfect day is covering miles on the trail or simply sitting by the fire with a cup of coffee, there's space for it all.

This is just the first glimpse of the weekend ~ more photos and memories to come!

And if you're feeling a little jealous of all the fun ~ we'll be doing another Que Camp Getaway this fall. Stay tuned for details!

06/20/2026

Happy 50th Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail!

Fred Thomas III spent his formative years gazing out at the Laurel Ridge. As a teen, he could feel the pull of the wilderness calling to him. “For years, I just dreamed of walking on top of the ridge,” he said. He was a high schooler in Cambria County in

06/20/2026

Wake up and chase those dreams!
💜, Trail Mama

06/17/2026

We often talk about ticks, but sometimes it's easy to underestimate just how serious Lyme disease can be.

Over the last few days, I have felt absolutely awful—severe headache, fever, chills, body aches, and overwhelming fatigue. I found a tick attached to me within the last few weeks. I recognized that my symptoms were consistent with Lyme disease and decided to get checked. My suspicion was correct. I have Lyme disease.

Common symptoms of Lyme disease can include:
Fever and chills
Severe headache
Fatigue and exhaustion
Muscle and joint aches
Swollen lymph nodes
A bullseye rash (though not everyone develops one)

How is Lyme disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, possible tick exposure, physical examination, and sometimes blood testing. Early testing can occasionally be negative, so it's important to discuss your symptoms and exposure history with a healthcare provider.

How can you help prevent Lyme disease?
Wear long pants and light-colored clothing when possible.
Use an EPA-approved tick repellent.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin.
Perform thorough tick checks after spending time outdoors.
Shower soon after coming inside.
Check pets, gear, and backpacks for ticks.

Most importantly, don't ignore symptoms after a tick bite. Early treatment can make a significant difference.

I spend a lot of time outdoors and take precautions, yet it still happened. Ticks are simply part of the environment we love to explore. This isn't meant to scare anyone away from the trails—just to encourage everyone to be vigilant, perform tick checks, and seek medical attention if something doesn't feel right.

The trails will still be there when we get back. Take care of yourselves out there. ❤️

06/16/2026

Trail Mama Hikes Stickers Are Here!

I am excited to share these, and they're finally ready!

You can put one on your car, laptop, water bottle, gear bin, or journal.

I'm giving them away FREE to anyone who would like one! ❤️

And moving forward, every new participant who joins a Trail Mama Hikes guided hike or backpacking trek will automatically receive a sticker as a welcome gift!

If you'd like a sticker, comment below, send me a message, or stop by and see me at an upcoming hike or event.

Thank you all for being part of this adventure.

❤️,
Trail Mama

06/16/2026

The Trail Mama Hikes Community Meet-Up hiked the 5 mile Somerset Lake Trail! It was a wonderful experience! Love this community!

06/15/2026

Don't miss this celebration of local trails happening at the end of June here in Johnstown! 🚴‍♂️🤩

06/13/2026

3 Days • 2 Nights • 16 Miles • 1 Experience of a Lifetime

Have you been dreaming about backpacking but aren't sure where to start? Or maybe you'd love to share the trail with a supportive group and leave the planning to someone else?

Join Trail Mama Hikes for a guided backpacking adventure on the beautiful Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail!

July 10-12

What to expect:

Friday, July 10
Meet after work at our ending location. We'll shuttle to the trailhead and hike approximately 1 mile to camp. We'll set up camp, enjoy dinner together, and relax around a campfire under the stars.

Saturday, July 11
A full day on the trail! We'll hike approximately 9 miles, including 5 miles with a fun day-hike group. Along the way, we'll pass through Seven Springs and enjoy the beauty of the Laurel Highlands. That evening we'll set up camp, share dinner, and gather around another campfire.

Sunday, July 12
We'll hike approximately 6 miles back to our vehicles. Highlights include a scenic overlook and an exciting rock maze before completing our journey.

What's Included:
Loaner backpacking gear, if needed
Shuttle transportation
Campsite reservations (Adirondack shelter or tent site)
Experienced guidance and support
Memories you'll be talking about for years

Cost: $225

Whether you're a first-time backpacker or looking for a fun weekend adventure, this trek is designed to help you build confidence, learn new skills, and experience the magic of life on the trail.

Message Trail Mama Hikes to reserve your spot. Space is limited!

06/12/2026

Section 5
The Turnpike Dayhike
July 4th
8 miles
Terrain is a bit rocky, some hills, very manageable
$30
We will finish by early afternoon
Send a message by June 30th to get registered!
💜, Trail Mama