Happy Valley is home to numerous hidden trails that offer breathtaking vistas and serene landscapes. Here are some of the best-kept secrets for hikers seeking solitude and stunning scenery.

Before visiting Happy Valley, I had never stepped foot in Pennsylvania. It was one of the final four states I had left to see, and with its blend of history, nature, small towns, and agventures, central PA felt like the right spot to explore the Keystone State.

The Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest is the premier event for craft beer lovers and Penn State fans. Held for the first time in 2024, the Hoppy Valley Brewers Fest took place on the field of Beaver Stadium at the Pennsylvania State University campus. These are hallowed grounds for any Penn State Football fan. This beer festival was a celebration of Pennsylvania breweries and other breweries with ties to Happy Valley, featuring 75 different craft beverage producers sampling their creations for the attendees.

In 2023, I set out to hike in all 124 Pennsylvania State Parks. I began with day trips to state parks nearest my home in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Eventually, I expanded to weekend getaways that included multiple state park visits, often with my husband and five children.

If you find yourself exploring the beautiful countryside of Central Pennsylvania, make sure to stop by Nittany Valley Creamery—a hidden gem where fresh, farm-to-cone ice cream is the star of the show. Owned by the Glick family, this charming creamery opened its doors in 2022, bringing their passion for quality, local ingredients straight to your taste buds. The ice cream is crafted right on-site using milk from the family’s own herd of cows that graze on non-GMO feed, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful product.

*Crunch* The sound of a crispy leaf that you step on in the fall. Or maybe it’s your boot on fresh snow in wintertime, a springtime snack in the forest, a rocky summit in the summer heat. Happy Valley offers year-round enjoyment of nature, with miles of hiking and biking trails across six state parks in Centre County—and plenty of eco-friendly ways to explore!

With 750,000 acres of public land in Happy Valley there is no shortage of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. From hiking to biking to relaxing in a park, there’s something that fits your adventure level here.

Happy Valley has lots of great food in restaurants and places with a story to tell. There are restaurants that feature fine dining and innovative dishes. There are the classic places that feature your favorite dishes. Restaurants with themes and history. Happy Valley also has over 1,000 active farms producing lots of food and products to eat and enjoy. I visited five great places in Happy Valley to enjoy a meal or a snack.

If you’re still planning your summer travels, then we encourage you to consider coming to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. Summer festivals, outdoor adventures, and unique dining opportunities are just a few of the things waiting for you here.