Your Centre County Summer Adventure Awaits

STATE COLLEGE, PA BY HOLLY RIDDLE - Happy Valley is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts — the hardest part is deciding what to do. Whether it’s hiking, biking, paddling, rock climbing, or birdwatching, Centre County offers it all, often just minutes from downtown State College.

Local outfitters like Appalachian Outdoors have been helping people gear up for decades, offering expert advice, rentals, and resources like Purple Lizard Maps, which highlight hiking, biking, camping, and more across Centre County’s vast public lands. Tussey Mountain Outfitters makes getting on the water easy with full-service kayak and canoe rentals, including shuttles to local creeks. For free guided hikes, wellness walks, and nature programs, Centred Outdoors offers gear, transportation, and a seasonal passport program to encourage exploration. Popular destinations include Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests, Black Moshannon and Poe Valley State Parks, and family-friendly spots like Millbrook Marsh and Shaver’s Creek. With over half a million acres of public land nearby, Centre County makes it easy to step into nature — no long drive required.