Outdoors

115 articles

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.

Anna Cook Walk in Tallyrand

How to Enjoy the Outdoors in Happy Valley This Summer

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.

Woman Sets Out To Hike All Of Pennsylvania’s State Parks Creator Shares Experience On Happy Valley’s Trails

Woman sets out to hike all of PA's state parks, shares experience on Happy Valley trails

Hiking in a forest alone never crossed my mind as something I would be doing before 2023. I had barely set foot in a forest. As a former long-distance runner, I thrived on the adrenaline of a long run. Never would I see myself hiking slowly through a forest, having to be aware of such things as snakes and bears. After the passing of my mother in late 2020, I thought I would use running to heal, but I found that I could no longer find the motivation to do so. After many failed attempts to return to running, I began walking instead.

Rothrock bikers ecs20201023 DSC 1563 EDITED

Pump Up Your Mountain Bike Skills

If you love the thrill and challenge of mountain biking, you know that when bikers discuss the best places to test their skills, the mountain ridges that surround Happy Valley are often mentioned. This area has become a premier East Coast destination for mountain bikers of all skill levels, who are drawn to the hundreds of miles of trails (290 miles in Rothrock State Forest alone) it has to offer.

Jennifer Shueys

Capturing Happy Valley’s Natural Beauty - Pastel artist Jennifer Shuey on Plein Air Painting in Happy Valley

From expansive farmlands to lush mountain forests, from clear limestone streams to tree-lined neighborhoods, Happy Valley is rich in scenery. Local pastel artist Jennifer Shuey’s work is synonymous with the natural beauty of Happy Valley, capturing its scenic and agricultural lands and waters in a way that is both delicate and vibrant. We tapped into her deep appreciation for the area and her talent to gain insights into what she does best, plein air painting.

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