Rothrock State Forest

Endless opportunities to explore can be found in Rothrock State Forest, stretching across 96,975 acres not only in Centre County, but in Huntingdon and Mifflin counties as well. 

Hiking trails are abundant in the forest, and it has become a premier mountain biking area in the state, containing a combined 290 miles of trails and state forest roads open for this use.

A short drive from State College, the Thickhead Mountain Natural Area provides an extensive wilderness of mixed-oak forest. Thickhead Mountain Wild Area surrounds the Detweiler Run and Bear Meadows Natural areas. The Bear Meadows Natural Area in Centre County boasts trails and an observation platform allows viewing of wildlife and songbirds while minimizing impact on the habitat.

According to the PA DCNR, horses may be ridden on most of the state forest roads and trails, except in the Natural Areas, on the Mid State Trail, and on the Standing Stone Trail.

And, the state forest has opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, or hunting — making it an outdoor recreation lover’s paradise. 

Just south of Happy Valley, the Alan Seeger Natural Area includes 390 acres north of Greenwood Furnace State Park — with a trail that winds through rhododendron and along Standing Stone Creek.