State College Region

Once known as the iron center of the nation, today the endless mountains of the State College Region are home to a nearly limitless list of outdoor adventures. In addition to outstanding hiking, boating, caving, kayaking and bicycling, this region also offers the opportunity for anglers to test themselves against the numerous brown, rainbow and native brooke trout that can be found in the waters of the premier Blue Ribbon trout streams that flow through its lands. When visitors aren't on the trails or waterways, there's always the chance to unwind in a warm, comfortable café, cheer on the Penn State Nittany Lions at Happy Valley, catch a Broadway musical, or applaude the symphony after a night of fine dining.

Lodging, dining, attractions and events

Things To Do in State College Region

ATV/Dirtbiking
Birding
Boating
Cycling On Road
Downhill Skiing
Fishing
Hiking
Ice Fishing
Ice Skating
Motor Touring
Mountain Biking
Scuba Diving
Sledding
Snowmobiling
Swimming
Water Skiing
ATV/Dirtbiking

1. Bloody Skillet
Named after the Bloody Skillet Road, this 31-mile trail runs the length of the ridgetop overlooking the city of Orviston. Along the way, riders can challenge themselves and fine tune skills in three un-reclaimed strip mines.

2. Snow Shoe Rail Trail
Connecting more than 20 miles of township roads with more expected to follow, this trail is an excellent choice for beginners and offers remarkable views across the rolling landscape of The Alleghenies.



Boating

1. "Red" Moshannon Creek Lower Section
The Class II rapids found along stretches of Red Moshannon Creek in the State College Destination Area make it a great stream to hone whitewater paddling skills.

2. "Red" Moshannon Creek Upper Section
There are no developed access points along this section of Red Moshannon Creek in the State College Destination Area.

3. Bald Eagle Creek Lower Section
This section of the Bald Eagle Creek in the State College Destination Area has two public access points.

4. Bald Eagle Creek Upper Section
There are no developed access points in this section of the Bald Eagle Creek in the State College Destination Area.

5. Black Moshannon Lake
A 250-acre lake in Black Mosshannon State Park with three boat launches and 90 mooring spaces in the State College Destination Area.

6. Laurence J. Perez Lake
A 72-acre lake with 1.2 miles of shoreline in Penn State University’s Stone Valley Recreation Area in the State College Destination Area.

7. Penns Creek
Canoeing on Penns Creek in the State College Destination Area is possible in early spring, but since this is a favorite spot of fishermen, it may be best to paddle other waters after the opening of trout season in mid-April.

8. Sayers Lake
Bald Eagle State Park in the State College Destination Area is home to this 1,730-acre lake with seven boat launches and 369 mooring spaces.

9. Spring Creek
Spring Creek in the State College Destination Area has a stretch of Class I and Class II whitewater with access at Spring Creek Park in State College.

10. West Branch of Susquehanna River
Sections 6 and 7 of the West Branch of the Susquehanna offer flat water paddling in the State College Destination Area. There is access available at Karthaus.

11. Whipple Lake
A 22-acre lake with one boat launch and mooring area in the State College Destination Area.


Cycling On Road

1. Bald Eagle Mountain Ridge Ride
For people who are looking for some climbing but only have a couple of hours to spare.

2. Circleville Loop
This is arguably the best short ride in the area.

3. Happy Valley - Magic Mountain
Although a bit shorter than the Black Moshannon ride, this will feel every bit as hard.



Fishing

1. "Red" Moshannon Creek Lower Section
The Class II rapids found along stretches of Red Moshannon Creek in the State College Destination Area make it a great stream to hone whitewater paddling skills.

2. "Red" Moshannon Creek Upper Section
There are no developed access points along this section of Red Moshannon Creek in the State College Destination Area.

3. Bald Eagle Creek Lower Section
This section of the Bald Eagle Creek in the State College Destination Area has two public access points.

4. Bald Eagle Creek Upper Section
There are no developed access points in this section of the Bald Eagle Creek in the State College Destination Area.

5. Black Moshannon Lake
A 250-acre lake in Black Mosshannon State Park with three boat launches and 90 mooring spaces in the State College Destination Area.

6. Laurence J. Perez Lake
A 72-acre lake with 1.2 miles of shoreline in Penn State University’s Stone Valley Recreation Area in the State College Destination Area.

7. Penns Creek
Canoeing on Penns Creek in the State College Destination Area is possible in early spring, but since this is a favorite spot of fishermen, it may be best to paddle other waters after the opening of trout season in mid-April.

8. Sayers Lake
Bald Eagle State Park in the State College Destination Area is home to this 1,730-acre lake with seven boat launches and 369 mooring spaces.

9. Spring Creek
Spring Creek in the State College Destination Area has a stretch of Class I and Class II whitewater with access at Spring Creek Park in State College.

10. West Branch of Susquehanna River
Sections 6 and 7 of the West Branch of the Susquehanna offer flat water paddling in the State College Destination Area. There is access available at Karthaus.

11. Whipple Lake
A 22-acre lake with one boat launch and mooring area in the State College Destination Area.


Hiking

1. Allegheny Front Trail (East Loop)
Black Moshannon State Park and Moshannon State Forest

2. Allegheny Front Trail (West Loop)
Black Moshannon State Park and Moshannon State Forest

3. Black Moshannon Moderate Trail Loop
Black Moshannon State Park and Moshannon State Forest

4. Bog Trail Loop
Black Moshannon State Park

5. Butterfly Trail Loop
Bald Eagle State Park

6. Indian Trail Loop
Black Moshannon State Park

7. Mid State Trail
Poe Valley State Park to R.B. Winter State Park

8. Moshannon State Forest Challenging Loop
Moshannon State Forest

9. Seneca Trail Loop
Black Moshannon State Park





Mountain Biking

1. Moshannon State Forest near Black Moshannon State Park
Non-technical terrain with rolling, slightly hilly, mostly double-track trails perfect for a family ride or a great place for getting into shape.

2. Rothrock State Forest-Greenwood Furnace
Both single and double tracks are found throughout this mostly hilly terrain, varying enough in technical difficulty to suit any level of rider. These trails offer great views as well as an abundance of wildlife.

3. Rothrock State Forest-Tussey Mountain
Mainly hilly terrain with a good mix of single and double track trails varying greatly in technical difficulty.


Scuba Diving

1. Sayers Lake
Bald Eagle State Park in the State College Destination Area is home to this 1,730-acre lake with seven boat launches and 369 mooring spaces.




Swimming

1. Black Moshannon Lake
A 250-acre lake in Black Mosshannon State Park with three boat launches and 90 mooring spaces in the State College Destination Area.

2. Sayers Lake
Bald Eagle State Park in the State College Destination Area is home to this 1,730-acre lake with seven boat launches and 369 mooring spaces.

3. Whipple Lake
A 22-acre lake with one boat launch and mooring area in the State College Destination Area.


Water Skiing

1. Sayers Lake
Bald Eagle State Park in the State College Destination Area is home to this 1,730-acre lake with seven boat launches and 369 mooring spaces.