
Happy Hiking in Happy Valley
October 11th-13th
Situated in Central Pennsylvania between the big cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, State College is a charming college town that’s a world unto itself. It’s nestled against the Appalachian Mountains in an area known as Happy Valley, and is home to Penn State University, more than 42,000 students, and outdoor adventures galore.
Stories differ on where the ‘Happy Valley’ moniker originated, but the term was possibly coined during the Great Depression since the area survived it so well--thanks to the university. And it’s safe to say this energetic college community lives up to its cheery name.
Whether you’re into climbing peaks, ambling along creeks, or spotting vibrant green leaves changing to autumnal reds and oranges, there are plenty of Happy Valley hikes for you in Central Pennsylvania.
KTA will be hosting the Fall Hiking Weekend in the Ramada State College Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently set on Route 322 off University Drive. Great features of the Ramada are a 100% smoke free hotel that includes a dry cleaning, laundry facilities and a fully equipped game room. Savor a great workout in the fitness center, and unwind with a swim in the indoor or pool or a soak in the jetted hot tub. Spacious guest rooms include either a king sized bed or two doubles.
Hiking will be on various trails in the area including Rothrock State Forest, Mid State Trail, Mt. Nittany, and the Bald Eagle State Forest. Hikes will be easy to difficult so there will be something for everyone!
October 11th-13th
Situated in Central Pennsylvania between the big cities of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, State College is a charming college town that’s a world unto itself. It’s nestled against the Appalachian Mountains in an area known as Happy Valley, and is home to Penn State University, more than 42,000 students, and outdoor adventures galore.
Stories differ on where the ‘Happy Valley’ moniker originated, but the term was possibly coined during the Great Depression since the area survived it so well--thanks to the university. And it’s safe to say this energetic college community lives up to its cheery name.
Whether you’re into climbing peaks, ambling along creeks, or spotting vibrant green leaves changing to autumnal reds and oranges, there are plenty of Happy Valley hikes for you in Central Pennsylvania.
KTA will be hosting the Fall Hiking Weekend in the Ramada State College Hotel & Conference Center, conveniently set on Route 322 off University Drive. Great features of the Ramada are a 100% smoke free hotel that includes a dry cleaning, laundry facilities and a fully equipped game room. Savor a great workout in the fitness center, and unwind with a swim in the indoor or pool or a soak in the jetted hot tub. Spacious guest rooms include either a king sized bed or two doubles.
Hiking will be on various trails in the area including Rothrock State Forest, Mid State Trail, Mt. Nittany, and the Bald Eagle State Forest. Hikes will be easy to difficult so there will be something for everyone!
PRICING
All prices are per person
Single Occupancy: $390
Double Occupancy: $280
Hiking Only: $20
Saturday Banquet: $50
All prices are per person
Single Occupancy: $390
Double Occupancy: $280
Hiking Only: $20
Saturday Banquet: $50
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Subject to change.
Friday
10:30 AM - 8:00 PM: Check-in at the Ramada with KTA
12:45 PM - 5:00 PM: Hikes and Activities
8:00 PM: Mid State Trail Through-Hike Program
Explore the town and enjoy dinner at a place of your choosing.
Saturday
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Check-in at the Ramada with KTA
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Downstairs
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM: Hikes and Activities
3:30 - 6:00 PM: KTA Board and Council Meeting - Downstairs
6:00 PM: Dinner Banquet - Downstairs
Sunday
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Check-in at the Ramada with KTA
7:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Breakfast - Downstairs
8:30 AM: Hikes and Activities & Room Check-Out
*You must check-out by 11:00 AM.
If you're ready to sign up, click here!
HIKE SCHEDULE
Friday - Hikes depart from the Ramada at 12:45 PM
Friday - Hikes depart from the Ramada at 12:45 PM
Mt. Nittany
Hike to the top of the most iconic mountain in Happy Valley and enjoy several sweeping views of the valley below. 5 miles / 3 hours. Rugged Whipple Dam Loop Hike
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Shingletown Gap Out and Back
Utilize Lower Trail on a walk along Roaring Run in Rothrock State Forest 2-4 miles / 1-3 hours. Easy to Moderate Bear Meadows Loop
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Little Flat Fire Tower
This hike will be an out and back hike on the Mid State Trail from Little Flat fire tower to Indian Wells. relatively level with some rocky sections 6 miles / 3 hours. Rugged Musser Gap, Lion's Valley Vista
This hike begins with a mile or so gravel path, then leads through Musser Gap to climb to the vista. Parts of the trail are steep and rocky. 3-4 miles / 2 hours. Moderate |
Saturday- Hikes depart from the Ramada at 8:30 AM
Mt. Nittany Hike
Hike to the top of the most iconic mountain in Happy Valley and enjoy several sweeping views of the valley below. 5 miles / 3 hours. Rugged |
Jackson Trail Mid State Loop
Vistas 6.3 miles / 3 hours. Rugged |
Bear Meadows Loop
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Standing Stone Trail
Head southbound on the Standing Stone Trail and climb a rocky ridge to Stone Valley Vista. From here we’ll descend the switchbacks of Turkey Trail to Lorence Trail and back to the parking area 5 miles / 3 hours. Rugged |
Whipple Dam Loop Hike
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Boot Buster Hike
Climb one of the top ten hardest ascents in Rothrock State Forest, descend the switchbacks of New Laurel Trail, regain the ridge on Fleetfoot Trail, then walk across the rocky Mid State Trail. 6-7 miles. Strenuous |
Bald Knob
This hike begins with a challenging climb of about 500 feet. After a view at the top, we will continue up Bald Knob, and then drop down to the creek for the return trip. The distance hiked will be between four and six miles depending on the exact route that we take. |
Tussey Mountain Trail Loop
Gently climb 400 feet in 3 miles on Lonberger Path, then reach Tussey Mountain Trail, which is filled with rocky singletrack and great vistas. Be prepared to see other forest users, including mountain bikers Wear Blaze Orange 8 miles. Rugged and Fast Paced |
Shaver's Creek
Enjoy walking the well-blaze and well-signed trails at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and Stone Valley Recreation Area. Easy to Moderate |
Allegheny Front Trail Vista Hike
Take a short hike to the best vistas (Ralph's Vistas) along the Allegheny Front Trail with DCNR Moshannon District Foresters 2-5 miles / 3 hours. Moderate |
Fisherman's Paradise
Self guided |
Reed's Gap Fall Festival
State Park Fall Festival from 11am to 3pm |
Sunday - Hikes depart from the Ramada at 8:30 AM
Long Allegheny Front Trail Hike
AFT and Rock Run Trail systems. Old railroads, mountain streams, beaver meadows. 7 or 12 miles / 3 or 5 hours. Moderate Detweiler Run Trail and Road Loop
Mid State Trail, Standing Stone Trail intersection, Detweiler Run, Thickhead Wild Area, old railroad grades, and more! 4 miles / 2-3 hours. Rugged |
Benner Run AFT Hike
Hike downstream along Benner Run on the Allegheny Front Trail. Beautiful mountain stream, fun footbridges, downstream hiking 5 miles / 3 hours. Rugged Musser Gap, Lion's Valley Vista
This hike begins with a mile or so gravel path, then leads through Musser Gap to climb to the vista. Parts of the trail are steep and rocky. 3-4 miles / 2 hours. Moderate Colyer Lake Hike
This trail was updated a few years ago and is now in good condition. Use it to venture around the perimeter of Fish and Boat Comission’s Colyer Lake. 2.5 miles / 1 hour. Easy |
Alan Seeger Hike
An easy loop through Alan Seeger Natural Area. Includes a few wooden footbridges and old growth hemlock trees. 1 miles / 1 hour. Easy Lederer Park Hike
Enjoy a local park and wooded space in State College with over a mile of trails, before heading home. 2 miles / 1 hour. Easy |