Happy Valley Gravel Adventure Field Guide
The Happy Valley / State College, PA Gravel Adventure Field Guide is a must-have for gravel grinders and bikepackers ready to explore one of the most dynamic riding destinations in the Mid-Atlantic. Located in Central Pennsylvania, Happy Valley offers access to more than 750,000 acres of rugged public lands, crisscrossed by gravel roads, doubletrack, and forest service routes that deliver everything from technical climbs to fast-flowing descents.
The guide showcases the region’s distinctive topography, where the Allegheny Plateau meets the Ridge and Valley Appalachians, creating a natural playground for mixed-surface adventures. Riders can expect a satisfying blend of steep ridgelines, winding stream valleys, and long stretches of remote terrain—ideal for everything from all-day exploration to multi-day bikepacking. The Grand Happy Valley Bikepacking Loop, featured in the guide, offers a standout route for those seeking challenge, solitude, and scenic payoffs.
Happy Valley’s strong cycling culture—anchored by the vibrant college town of State College, a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community—makes it easy to connect with fellow riders and local resources. The guide highlights signature gravel events, like Rothrock GRIT and unPAved, as well as homegrown cycling initiatives, such as the Happy Valley Women’s Cycling club and local trail stewardship efforts that maintain access to some of the region’s best routes.
With detailed route descriptions, elevation profiles, historical context, gear tips, and points of interest in towns like Bellefonte, Millheim, Boalsburg, and Philipsburg, this guide helps cyclists go beyond the map to fully experience what makes Happy Valley a premier gravel destination. Whether you're chasing elevation or carving out remote lines through wild backcountry, this guide puts you on the right path.
The Happy Valley / State College, PA Gravel Adventure Field Guide offers cyclists of all levels a gateway to over 750,000 acres of public land across Centre County. Riders can explore two distinct Appalachian landscapes: the forested Allegheny Plateau and the scenic Ridge and Valley Province. The guide features a range of terrain—including remote forest roads, steep ridge climbs, and rolling limestone valleys—perfect for both day rides and longer bikepacking excursions.
One highlight is the Grand Happy Valley Bikepacking Loop, a multi-day journey through the region’s most rugged and rewarding terrain.
With State College recognized as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly Community, cyclists will find well-connected infrastructure and a welcoming culture anchored by local groups like Happy Valley Women’s Cycling and ongoing trail stewardship efforts. The guide also connects riders to iconic gravel events like Rothrock GRIT and unPAved of the Susquehanna River Valley.
Wildlife is abundant along the routes—expect sightings of black bear, bobcat, turkey, and more—and the trails are often lined with Pennsylvania’s state flower, the mountain laurel.
Beyond the ride itself, the guide showcases cycling-friendly communities like Bellefonte, Boalsburg, Millheim, and Philipsburg, blending natural beauty with historic charm.
Each route includes navigation-ready maps, elevation profiles, and helpful tips, along with insights into the region’s agricultural and cultural history. Whether you're chasing big climbs, scouting scenic loops, or just looking for a new gravel adventure, this field guide is your essential companion to riding Happy Valley.
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