07/26/2025
Meet Lydia aka "Bubbles", our Wild Roots spotlight hiker for July! Lydia brings so much light to any space she is in. She's always ready to help others and somehow finds a way to bring humor to even the most difficult moments. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for and so full of spirit ✨ Were always grateful to have you along!
🥾Wild Roots trips have you attended?
I have had the opportunity to participate in two Wild Roots trips. I did the PA Hidden Gem trip last summer on Old Loggers Path and the PA Waterfalls trip this summer on a section of the Mid-State trail.
The Hidden Gem trip was my very first overnight backpacking experience. It was scary, beautiful, intimidating, inspiring, empowering, and amazing. We had to re-route at the last minute because of the impacts of Hurricane Debby and some pretty dramatic flooding in the area, but it was such a wonderful experience and will forever hold a special place in my memories as my first of many backpacking trips.
💮What is your favorite PA trail, and why?
I think my answer to this question changes every time I am asked, but currently it is the Laurel Highlands trail. I did my very first solo backpacking trip on the southern 30ish miles of the LHHT this past June, ending in Ohiopyle. While it was a little intimidating to take on backpacking, navigating, camping, all of it completely alone, I was extremely thankful for everything that I had learned through my trips with Wild Roots as I was more than prepared for everything I encountered because of those previous guided trips.
🏞️What calls you to the outdoors?
The pretty answer: the sunlight on a particularly soft patch of moss, a creek with little rapids and waterfalls, the sound of crunchy leaves, the smell of that dark brown forest dirt.
The real answer: I hate cardio, and there are enough distractions in the woods that it’s easy to forget I am exercising.
Thank you for choosing Wild Roots Guides🌲
Stay wild, Lydia!
