Outdoors

114 articles

AFT vista looking back at Allegheny Front 2905 ps mf 1

Discover Happy Valley’s Best Vistas

Happy Valley has many beautiful vistas, with the Allegheny Front to the north and several ridges running through the area. Several can be found with an easy drive to a parking lot, whereas some require some rubbernecking while driving, and still others can only be viewed after a challenging hike. What follows is not a complete list, but rather a taste of what is available.

Spikes crowd

Navigate outdoor family adventures with three tried-and-true outings

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

disc-golf-spring-2024-1

Disc Golf takes flight in Happy Valley

Happy Valley has its fair share of amazing golf courses – but did you know, the region is also seeing a local boom in popularity of disc golf? Played with a flying disc instead of clubs and golf balls, disc golf is soaring to new heights across the country – where the Professional Disc Golf Association estimates that between eight million and 12 million Americans have played disc golf and that over half a million play regularly.

Nathan Reigner NMBA

Build an ultimate basecamp in Happy Valley

“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.

Bellefonte March2024 2242 2

Bellefonte: Happy Valley’s gateway to outdoor recreation

The town of Bellefonte is a top destination to sip, stay, and play in Pennsylvania. Located in the scenic Pennsylvania Wilds region, just a short drive from State College and the main campus of Penn State, this historic town (established in 1795) has a long and proud history of hosting guests and boasts a charming Victorian-era historic district, museums, art galleries, dining options, and easy access to outdoor recreation in the mountains and valleys around the town. Every year, more people discover just how much there is to do in Bellefonte and promise to return for more great experiences. Just consider the options for things to do in the great outdoors around Bellefonte.

The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau publishes up-to-date event information at HappyValley.com/events