Outdoors

134 articles

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.

people holding pumpkin

Welcome to Happy Valley, PA! Get off campus for fall-themed fun and more

Alumni will say there are a few things that every student must do while at Penn State: climb Mount Nittany; take a photo at the Nittany Lion Shrine; enjoy a scoop of or more at the famous Berkey Creamery; spend a sunny day at Whipple Dam; or stroll through the Arboretum. As the official tourism promotion agency for Centre County, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau (HVAB) has plenty of inspiration for ways to enjoy the beautiful valleys and unique communities that comprise our big Happy Valley. Start by adding fall fun to your list at some of the county’s most popular farms and farm markets.

Hiking Overlook

Seven Best Hikes Near Penn State University

One of the best ways to enjoy the outdoors in Happy Valley is by taking a scenic hike to a mountain vista or by a bubbling creek. These popular hiking trails near Penn State will take your breath away - in more ways than one!

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