Looking to get some fresh air this summer? Hiking around Centre County may be for you.
In February, Rothrock Trails Alliance, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, held a public stakeholder meeting to discuss the expansion of trails in Rothrock State Forest.
“Outdoor recreation can be spending time in the state forests with friends and family,” Pennsylvania DCNR Director of Outdoor Recreation Nathan Reigner said during the meeting. “Outdoor recreation is also an industry in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and it’s a tool and a pathway for economic development.”
Reigner said the addition of trails will not only improve recreational life, but will also aid the outdoor economy.
Rothrock State Forest consists of 96,975 acres spread across Centre, Huntingdon and Mifflin counties and will have an added 53 miles of trails paved. Rothrock Trail Alliance’s website notes the total estimated cost of the project is $2.5 million. The yearslong project will aim to have 7 to 10 miles of new trail built each season from spring to fall, depending on the amount of funding it receives each year.
According to Reigner, this addition “highlights Pennsylvania’s commitment to trails, commitment to trails for recreation and commitment to trails for all that they do for our economy.”
While you’re waiting for Rothrock State Forest’s new trails, here are a few other paths you can venture out to this summer.
Mount Nittany: White Trail to Mike Lynch Overlook
This hike up Mount Nittany is a rite of passage in Centre County.
This intermediate hike is just under 2 miles in Lemont and brings hikers to a bird’s-eye view of Penn State’s campus and Beaver Stadium.
This out-and-back hike is dog-friendly and kid friendly. Parking is available at the trailhead, located at 500 Mount Nittany Road
Whipple Dam Trail
This easy 2-mile loop is located at Whipple Dam State Park in Petersburg and is a popular hike for birding and hiking, according to AllTrails.
Enjoy a day walking the loop and then taking a dip in the lake. The trail is kid friendly, and dogs are welcome as long as they’re on a leash.
Parking is available at 3746 Laurel Run Road.
Bog Trail at Black Moshannon State Park
This shorter trail in Philipsburg is popular for birding and easily accessible.
Black Moshannon State Park is centered around a bog-like ecosystem that is open for hikers to explore. Although this trail is just over half a mile, the path does branch off onto the Moss-Hanne Trail and Indian Trail to extend the distance.
Parking is available off West Side Road past the Boat Area 3 parking lot.
Shiloh Road Spring Creek Canyon Loop
This 3-mile loop covers forests and meadows near Bellefonte.
In April, this trail features blooming flowers throughout, making it the perfect spring destination. The trail is reported to be easier with some inclines.
Parking is available in Spring Creek Park.
Mid State Trail to Jackson Trail Loop
This trail is for the more experienced hikers.
The full Mid State Trail is over 300 miles, but this section is estimated at just over 6 1/2 miles. The loop features steep, rocky terrain in Petersburg. According to AllTrails, it takes an average of three hours to complete.
Parking is available at the Jackson Trail trailhead. The trail can also be accessed via Musser Gap or Shingletown Gap.
