One thing that I love about Pennsylvania is its wealth of public hunting grounds. Happy Valley and the surrounding area have more than their fair share of the public land pie. Public land open to hunting includes state game lands that are managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and state forest lands, which are operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). DCNR also handles state parks, many of which are also open to hunting.

The streams in Happy Valley are legendary for their pristine water, and it doesn’t happen by accident. Clearwater Conservancy is dedicated to conserving and restoring our natural resources through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach across central Pennsylvania.

Embark on underground adventures with three local cave tours at Woodward Cave, Lincoln Caverns and Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park. Each provides its own unique experience, amenities, and onsite activities the entire family can enjoy.

The wealth of outdoor activities in Happy Valley is one of the greatest attractions of the area. As a mother of three kids 8 years old and under, outdoor activity is essential. We look for places and spaces where we can get into nature, expend some energy… and never stray too far from facilities. Thankfully, several local outings fit the bill

“There's nothing finer than quenching your thirst after a bike ride in Centre County, Pennsylvania,” Nathan Reigner said. He should know. Before Reigner took the reins as Pennsylvania’s first-ever director of outdoor recreation for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, he was an assistant research professor in the College of Human Development at Penn State. And he really, really likes being outside in Happy Valley.

2023 will be the first full year for the new mountain bike
skills park at Harvest Fields, providing an outdoor recreation resource unique to the region and fit for riders of all ages.

The annual McFarland Gathering in Coburn, PA is a sacred ritual — a place where fly rod enthusiasts have met to cast, fish and enjoy each other’s company dating back to 2007. Members of the gathering range from 14 years old to over 80, and come from diverse backgrounds in consulting, teaching, IT, healthcare, and marketing. We all have one thing in common: the belief that the little hamlet of Coburn is proof of God’s benevolence in our busy lives.

Throughout the year, Happy Valley is full of great things to do, whether you are looking for live music, sporting events, outdoor recreation, festivals, or just a night out with friends. Save the date for these iconic outdoor festivals that we are looking forward to in 2023.

Exercise and spending time in nature are both scientifically proven to improve people’s physical and mental well-being, so it’s no wonder a place known as “Happy Valley” is a wonderland for all types of outdoor recreation. It’s also a great place to meet and befriend outdoor recreationalists of all stripes. Below, we talk to a handful of outdoor adventurers about how they enjoy the natural paradise that is Happy Valley: