The feeling of waking up with sunlight streaming in through closed curtains and listening to the faint sounds of birds chirping are true signifiers of the start of spring. Walks to class are less gloomy, and even the most unwelcoming of classrooms are shed in a new light thanks to the bright sun.
Yet, taking advantage of these moments of tranquility can feel like a daunting task. The Arboretum is a tried and true spot of course, but after four years of lying in the same field, it might be time to explore a bit more of what State College has to offer.
Gerhold Wildflower Trail
The location of this trail may be a bit familiar to some, a portion of it running through the Arboretum’s forest. But, if you follow the trail past the Arboretum, you’ll find a perfect path for a leisurely walk or jog.
The flat terrain of this trail makes it optimal for those who are looking to get a bit of movement in their day, without needing any hiking shoes to do so. In the spring, the fields surrounding the path are filled with blooming flowers and a variety of wildlife.
This trail is the perfect way to remind your body of the importance of extra movement, outside of a short walk to class.
Musser Gap Trail
After taking a short drive outside of State College, you will find yourself at the peaceful Musser Gap Trail. This trail runs through the dense forest surrounding town, where a few creeks and streams run alongside the path.
This hike is perfect for dog walking, and the length of it allows for more long-form hikes or a short stroll.
Rosecrans Falls
Rosecrans Falls is a hidden gem found about 40 minutes outside of State College. A beautiful 20-foot waterfall streams down a mountain of layered stone. The hike itself is a little slippery, but fairly simple to access.
Follow the creek down to the waterfall, and slowly hike down to reach the bottom. At the bottom of the waterfall, there are shallow pools that have formed from the abundance of melted snow. The surrounding area is covered in moss and vibrant greenery, and all of the wildlife is enveloped in a layer of mist.
Rothrock State Forest
On the outskirts of Bellefonte lies Rothrock State Forest. If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, this location may be of interest to you.
The park itself offers a variety of trails to follow. Musser Gap, a trail previously mentioned, is just one of the many trails this park offers. Monsell, Lorence, Turkey and Standing Stone Trail Loop is a longer hike that runs for about 4.9 miles. This trail is a full loop, so hikers will stop at the place they began.
This park provides hikers with a variety of trails, many of which deliver breathtaking views of the valley.
Which trail are you interested in exploring? Tag @VALLEYmag with a pic on Instagram to let us know!
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