This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of the PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, but Pennsylvania’s history with its parks and forests dates back to 1886, where it rose out of the rapid industrialization, loss of resources and congestion of communities. Fast forward to today, when PA’s natural areas still serve as an oasis for those needing to get away, as evidenced by our journey to visit each and every one of them. From 2018 – 2024, we hiked, sweated, cried, fought, and laughed our way across the state, in our own personal Odyssey of self-discovery, hitting every park and forest along the way.