Pennsylvania's Thrilling Valley Between Philadelphia And Pittsburgh Is An Outdoor Haven With Hiking And Camping

Happy Valley is a scenic region in central Pennsylvania, centered around State College in Centre County. It's best known for housing Penn State University, but the area is equally defined by its forested ridges, rural towns, and access to state parks and trail systems. Sitting between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, a city renowned for its picturesque and stunning skyline views, Happy Valley is well-positioned for a weekend trip or longer stay. From Philadelphia, the drive takes about three hours; from Pittsburgh, it's roughly two and a half hours, depending on traffic. If you're flying, University Park Airport sits just minutes from downtown State College.

Once you're in town, Penn State University is a great place to start. It's the cultural and economic heartbeat of Happy Valley. Begin at the Arboretum at Penn State, where winding paths cut through lush gardens, shaded groves, and family-friendly spaces. Steps away, the Palmer Museum of Art showcases a collection spanning all the way from ancient ceramics to contemporary American pieces. Finish with a scoop from the Berkey Creamery, which has been serving fresh ice cream since 1865, using milk from cows raised right on campus.

Before heading onto the trails, make time for Penn's Cave and Wildlife Park. It's America's only all-water cavern toured entirely by boat. Inside, you'll cruise past rock formations while learning about the area's geology. Then hop on the Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour, where you'll see elk, bison, mountain lions, and bears. With a solid base in town, your next move is simple: pick a trail and head for the ridges.

You don't need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy Happy Valley's trail systems, though carrying a map and researching trailheads in advance will help. The area is home to several hiking paths that cater to all skill levels. Just about a 30-minute drive south of State College, Rothrock State Forest covers more than 96,000 acres and is a top pick for anyone craving elevation and solitude. Inside Rothrock, the Alan Seeger Natural Area has a loop trail that passes through old-growth forest, consisting of oaks, red maples, and white pines.

Closer to town, the Mount Nittany Trailhead offers one of central Pennsylvania's classic hiking routes. The trail network leads to multiple overlooks, with two of the best views facing Penn State's campus and downtown State College. Though the climbs can be steep in places, the routes are well-marked and manageable for hikers with moderate experience.

If you're after something gentler, Hobie's Trail around Colyer Lake is a 2.6-mile loop that's easy to access and mostly flat. The route circles the shoreline of Colyer Lake, giving you constant water views, and is open for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing access. No matter the trail, don't forget key safety tips for solo hiking: stay on marked trails, carry offline maps, and always let someone know your plans. When the sun sets, Happy Valley's campgrounds make it simple to spend the night and wake up just steps away from the trailheads.

After a day on the trail, you can choose from state parks with modern campsites, primitive forest sites, and seasonal cabins. The Russell P. Letterman Campground in Bald Eagle State Park is one of the best spots, especially for first-timers or families. It's close to State College and has modern campsites, restrooms, and a beach on the lake. Additionally, sites with electric hookups are available for tents and RVs.

If you're looking for a quiet base, Poe Paddy State Park is tucked into a forested bend along Penns Creek. This campground caters to tent campers and smaller rigs and has access to trout fishing, hiking, and the Mid State Trail. Just a short hike away is the Poe Paddy Tunnel, where the old railway once passed through a mountain that's now repurposed for foot traffic with scenic overlooks. Another campground is Greenwood Furnace State Park. It has several sites for tents and trailers, including some with electric hookups, plus two walk-in sites.

Wherever you camp, take basic precautions. If you're traveling in an RV, remember to theft-proof your RV for extra peace of mind while camping with one very simple step: leave an interior light on at night. This simple trick discourages theft by giving the appearance that someone is inside. Most campgrounds in Happy Valley are safe, but remote sites require routine precautions and awareness.