Here’s how to experience every season in Happy Valley
The fun truly never stops in Happy Valley, no matter what season you visit.
As an outdoor lover, it’s the perfect destination year-round because there is always something to do, whether you want to take a hike, get out on the water, or hit the slopes for skiing or snowboarding.
They don’t just have great outdoor opportunities, though. There are plenty of amazing restaurants, museums, and cultural attractions when you need a break from the adventure.
Spring
Grab a drink on the Central PA Tasting Trail
The Central PA Tasting Trail is a collection of the area’s best breweries, distilleries, wineries, and cideries, and a great stop to wind down after a morning spent in the woods.
One of my favorites is Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte, where they offer refreshing cocktails in a fun setting. Boal City Brewing in Boalsburg is another standout. They’re known for their craft beer, but they also serve wine and cocktails, making it a great stop for groups with different tastes.
Axemann Brewing offers a wide selection of beer styles (which I love when ordering a flight) and is located in a revitalized metal factory. Finally, Mount Nittany Vineyard & Winery is the perfect place to sip a flight while taking in beautiful views around its pond.
There are many others on the tasting trail, but these are just a few that I’ve been able to visit personally.
Hike Mount Nittany
No trip to Happy Valley is complete without hiking Mount Nittany. It’s the area’s most iconic trail! Most hikers head to the Mike Lynch Overlook for a stunning view over State College before looping back down.
For a shorter route, take the white trail up and the blue trail down for a 2.5-mile hike, or do the full blue trail loop for 4.8 miles. It’s a tough climb to the top, but once you’re up there, the trail levels out, and the views make it all worth it.
Bird watching at Soaring Eagle Wetlands
If you’re into birdwatching—or just love a peaceful walk in nature—Soaring Eagle Wetlands is one of the most popular spots for birding in Happy Valley.
The Dreibelbis Birding Area here features two wetland areas, ADA-compliant viewing blinds, and a beautiful variety of wildflowers alongside the wildlife.
"No trip to Happy Valley is complete without hiking Mount Nittany. It’s the area’s most iconic trail!"
- Anna Cook
Keep your eyes peeled for waterfowl, songbirds, and even the occasional beaver or muskrat. This serene spot is perfect for slowing down and soaking in the sights and sounds of nature.
Make a stop on the Fresh from the Field Trail
For a fun way to experience the rich agricultural roots of the area, make a stop (or several!) along the Fresh from the Field Trail. This trail highlights local farms, farm stands, and field-to-fork businesses—and you can even grab a passport to track your visits.
If you check in at enough spots, you’ll earn fun prizes like stickers, a tumbler, or a reusable bag. It’s a great way to support locals and taste the freshest flavors of the region.
Summer
Try your luck fishing
Love to fish? Centre County is one of the top trout-fishing destinations in Pennsylvania. Popular spots like Penns Creek, Big Poe Creek, and Spruce Creek attract fishermen from all over the state.
For an option right in town, you can cast a line in Spring Creek, which flows through Talleyrand Park in downtown Bellefonte. Just make sure you have the proper Pennsylvania fishing license before you go!
Get some ice cream at a local dairy
Many of the area’s dairy farms have turned to ice cream production, serving up scoops made with the freshest ingredients.
A must-visit is the famous Berkey Creamery on the Penn State campus, where you can grab your favorite flavor and then take a stroll through the nearby Arboretum. Meyer Dairy is another fun stop where you can try an ice cream flight or one of their ice cream sandwiches.
Kayak at Bald Eagle State Park
Head to Bald Eagle State Park for a peaceful paddle with scenic views. Bullit Run is a convenient access point if you’re bringing your own kayak or paddleboard and want to spend some time out on the water.
Tour Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park
For a one-of-a-kind underground experience, don’t miss Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. It’s one of a handful of all-water cave tours in the country, where you explore by boat.
It’s also a great family activity, especially when you add on the Farm-Nature-Wildlife Tour. This fully guided bus tour takes you through pastures and mountain trails, where you’ll spot a variety of animals and learn all about the region’s unique geography and biology.
Fall
Enjoy the leaves at Black Moshannon State Park
Black Moshannon State Park is one of the best places in the region to enjoy the colorful fall foliage. The Bog Trail offers beautiful views across the lake, while the Shingle Mill Trail takes you along Black Moshannon Creek.
The Allegheny Front Trail also passes through the park. Just beyond the park boundaries, a short hike leads to Ralph’s Majestic View. This was one of my favorite fall hikes!
You can also get out on the lake and take it all in by kayak for a unique fall experience.
Start a new hobby with the Happy Valley GeoTour
The Happy Valley GeoTour (GT4E2) is a fun way to explore the outdoors while learning about geocaching, a real-world treasure hunt in which GPS is used to find hidden containers called caches.
With over 55 caches placed across the region, this is a great activity for both complete beginners and seasoned geocachers.
You’ll discover scenic spots you might not have found otherwise, and the mix of difficulty levels means there’s something for everyone.
Bike or hike in Rothrock State Forest
Rothrock State Forest is a go-to spot for outdoor lovers, especially if you’re into mountain biking. It’s one of Pennsylvania’s top destinations for bikers, with miles of trails winding through the rugged terrain.
If hiking is more your pace, there are plenty of great options, too. My favorites have been Shingletown Gap, Musser Gap, and a section of the Mid State Trail while hiking to Little Flat Fire Tower. Fall is the perfect time to explore, with great weather and beautiful foliage.
Take a walk through historic Bellefonte & Talleyrand Park
For a slower-paced adventure, take a stroll through historic Bellefonte and Talleyrand Park. The town is full of charming Victorian architecture and unique local shops that are fun to browse.
Talleyrand Park is located right downtown, where you can walk along Spring Creek and relax under the willow trees. It’s the perfect mix of history, small-town charm, and natural beauty.
Winter
Ski or snowboard at Tussey Mountain
In the winter, head to Tussey Mountain for skiing and snowboarding fun. This community mountain is a great place to learn how to ride or improve your skills. There’s also a terrain park with features to challenge more adventurous riders.
If you want to get out on the snow but aren’t into skiing or boarding, check out their Snow Tube Park, where you can enjoy tubing.
Visit a local museum
Happy Valley has several local museums worth checking out when you need an indoor activity. The Palmer Museum of Art on Penn State’s campus features an impressive collection in a beautiful new space.
In Boalsburg, you can visit the Pennsylvania Military Museum to learn about the state’s military history or tour the Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum, which has ties to Christopher Columbus and centuries of fascinating artifacts. It’s a great way to mix a little history into your trip.
Experience dinner & a show at Pine Grove Hall
For an evening of great food and live entertainment, head to Pine Grove Hall, located in Pine Grove Mills.
This community-focused venue offers farm-to-table dining alongside a variety of live performances, from local bands to themed music nights. Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the show. It’s perfect for a date night or for a group activity!
Stay active at Climb Nittany
Check out Climb Nittany in Boalsburg if you’re looking to stay active but would prefer to stay out of the cold. This impressive rock climbing gym offers bouldering and Top Rope walls with options for all skill levels.
If you’ve never gone climbing before, they have a great Discover Climbing class that lasts 45 minutes and will take you through all the basics, including belaying.
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Anna is a travel blogger and photographer at Stuck On The Go where she loves writing about outdoor adventure and small town USA. She created her blog to help busy people incorporate more adventures into their lives and inspire them to try new things - even if it's scary. She is based in North Carolina with her husband and German Shepherd who often tag along on weekend trips but she's known to take off on long solo road trips often.
