Sunrise Hikes & Social Shares: Adventures with OneEyeWanderz and TheDapperHiker
Description
“I just really like attracting other people to get outside. That’s kind of my goal right now, is to get as many people outdoors as possible.”
Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with two Pennsylvania hikers turned social media influencers, OneEyeWanderz and TheDapperHiker, who are reshaping how people discover the state's outdoor spaces through authentic storytelling and hard-won experience.
Dapper began hiking after losing 150 pounds starting in 2022. His first backpacking trip to Quehanna State Forest (a rain-soaked, 26-mile ordeal where hypothermia threatened) paradoxically hooked him on wilderness exploration. The trail name came when OneEye spotted him grooming his mustache mid-hike and declared him "dapper." His Instagram grew from 84 to 3,500 followers within a year by showcasing Pennsylvania's often-overlooked trails.
OneEye had hiked Pennsylvania since childhood but resisted social media until a pine branch almost left him to live up to his moniker. Multiple surgeries saved his vision but changed his perspective. Suddenly, sharing nature's beauty became urgent. Both guys now balance full-time jobs with creating content that demystifies outdoor access.
Their philosophy rejects gatekeeping. They share exact locations, fishing flies used, and trail conditions. Basically, everything newcomers need. For one thing, they don’t believe that you need $200 hiking boots to get started (OneEye's brother successfully hiked in duct-taped moon boots early on!).
Pennsylvania offers what western states do "on a smaller screen": free state parks, terrain changing every mile, and accessible adventures. The guys’ top recommendations include Quehanna for experienced hikers seeking elk and diverse ecosystems, Ricketts Glen for beginners wanting waterfalls, and Cook Forest for families. They advocate Leave No Trace principles while acknowledging most outdoor experiences don't require 23-mile treks.
Key Topics:
● Inspiration to Get Outdoors (1:24 )
● Pennsylvania's Unique Diversity (6:49 )
● Removing the Gatekeeper (14:41 )
● Leave No Trace Advocacy (23:18 )
● Park Recommendations (34:44 )
● Type 2 Fun Philosophy (39:50 )
Resources:
· ITravel_4Coffee on Instagram
· How to Take a Picture of a Fish
· Podcast Episode on Loyalsock State Forest
· Podcast Episode on Worlds End State Park
· Happy Little Trees Program & 5K
🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.
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🎶 Podcast music provided by Evan Mongeau
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