Shingletown Gap is a heavily used area for hiking, biking and walking dogs. But don’t let that keep you away. Even though it is very popular it is still a beautiful place to take a nice stroll or a short hike.Located in Rothrock State Forest, the trailhead for this hike is easily accessible from State College, only miles from downtown, along route PA45, by the town of Shingletown.There are many trails in the Shingletown Gap area. These trails are used for hiking and also for mountain biking. Some of the trails will lead you up the mountain and connect to the Mid State Trail. Trails in the Shingletown Gap area are blazed blue or blazed red. Some of the trails are still blazed with the older blazes such as blue and white or white with a red stripe.

Source: Shingletown Gap – PAHikes

The Scotia Barrens, located west of State College, is largely owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is designated as State Game Lands 176. The Scotia Barrens derives its name from two features in the area. Scotia was a small iron ore mining village created in the early 1880s by Andrew Carnegie. You will find remnants of the iron ore era while hiking in the Scotia Barrens. The barrens is a natural habitat that supports plant species adapted to grown in severe conditions. Scotia Barrens contains large growths of pitch pine and scrub oak. A large variety of birds call this area home and bird watching is a popular activity for those visiting the Scotia Barrens.There are many trails that criss-cross Scotia Barrens. All of these trails are suitable for hiking, with many used by bikers as well. Some trails are designated for equestrian use. Since these trails reside in the state game lands, fluorescent orange attire is required to be worn from November 15th to December 15th.

Source: Scotia Barrens – PAHikes

Probably the most hiked mountain in Centre County, Mount Nittany offers a moderate climb to many vistas that look out on State College, Beaver Stadium, and other surrounding communities and landmarks.The ‘Nittany’ in Mount Nittany is said to be derived from Indian words meaning protective barrier against the elements. Local folk lore tells of an Indian princess, Princess Nita-Nee, that led her tribe to the safe haven of Nittany Valley. When she died a mountain arose from her burial site, and Mount Nittany was born.The most hiked trails on Mount Nittany are found at it’s southern terminus. But Mount Nittany extends for many miles to the northeast. Another easily hikable trail, but not nearly as used or populated as the trails on the southern tip, is the James Cleveland Trail. Maintained by a local Boy Scout group, this trail ascends to the top of Mount Nittany between the towns of Pleasant Gap and Centre Hall, and visits the site of a plane crash that occured in the 1930s.If you live in Centre County, or just visting, a hike up Mount Nittany should be on your to-do list. Be it the 4 mile white blazed trail or the longer blue blazed trail, the vistas from the mountain top are well worth the climb.If you would like more information on Mount Nittany, or perhaps even donate to help preserve this local landmark, you can visit the website of the Mount Nittany Conservancy.

Source: Mount Nittany – PAHikes

“The Golden Eagle Trail may be the best day hike in Penn’s Woods” – Tom Thwaites, 50 Hikes In Central Pennsylvania.

I think that quote pretty much sums up the Golden Eagle Trail. Located between the towns of Slate Run and Cammal in North Central Pennsylvania, the Golden Eagle Trail offers some amazing views of the Pine Creek valley. This trail, like the Black Forest Trail just to it’s north, is blazed orange and, at just a little over 9 miles, makes for an invigorating hike any time of the year.$6.95Add to CartGuide to the Golden Eagle Trailby Scott AdamsAlso located near the Golden Eagle Trail is the 3 mile out-and-back Bob Webber trail. Ascending the south mountain of Wolf Run, this short hike is very strenuous, but offers an amazing view from the vista at the top. If you enjoyed hiking any part of the Black Forest Trail then you’ll like the Golden Eagle Trail and the Bob Webber Trail as well.

Source: Golden Eagle Trail – PAHikes