Unlock Happy Valley Adventures: Purple Lizard Maps Founder Mike Hermann Shares Insider Tips
Michael Hermann, with the evocative title "Mapmaker, Department of Adventure," founded Purple Lizard Maps in Happy Valley in 1997. He launched the Rothrock State Forest Lizard Map to provide the outdoor community with the most detailed, accurate, and beautifully designed recreation maps available. Today, Purple Lizard offers 14 maps across three states and Puerto Rico, guiding adventurers on foot, bike, horse, motor, and water.
We spoke with Mike about what makes Happy Valley unique, his favorite hidden gems, and essential experiences for every visitor. Read on for expert insights!
HVAB: What brought you to Happy Valley?
MH: I moved here as a teenager, graduated from the Delta Program high school, spent a decade in the local outdoor industry, and earned a Geography degree from Penn State.
HVAB: What brought you back after graduation?
MH: I returned in 1997 to launch Purple Lizard Maps, recognizing the immense potential of surrounding state forests and public lands. The growing outdoor community needed high-quality trail maps to inspire more exploration—and I love creating exceptional maps. After academic cartography at the University of Maine on the Historic Atlas of Maine, I came back in 2009 to grow Purple Lizard into a leading recreational map company. Our Mid-Atlantic location provides easy access to vast public lands.
HVAB: How does Purple Lizard Maps enhance the Happy Valley experience?
MH: Our maps drive recreational tourism and sustainable economic growth in every community we serve. Trusted by adventurers, they unlock new explorations, benefiting locals and visitors alike while boosting outdoor recreation economies.
HVAB: What is your favorite thing about Centre County?
MH: Living minutes from state forests with vast trail networks and public lands keeps us rooted here.
HVAB: In your opinion, what makes the place so special?
HVAB: What’s one off-the-beaten-path spot you love in Happy Valley?
MH: As a mapmaker, I love them all—the off-the-beaten-path trails here are truly exceptional.
HVAB: What's something every visitor should see, eat, or experience here?
MH: Escape to the forest's serenity. Numerous special outdoor spots offer easy reprieve from downtown bustle.
This article is part of our ‘Live, Work, Play in Happy Valley’ series, featuring Centre County locals sharing what they love and tips for exploration.
