Outdoors

151 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.

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Seasons of Rothrock - Grit Gravel Grinder

Join us on June 1st for the Grit Gravel Grinder! Choose from three exhilarating courses - the GRIT 25-miler, the GRITTIER 49-miler, or the GRITTIEST 65-miler. After the race, don't miss our NEW After Party and Awards Celebration at Boal City Brewing. Enjoy Rothrock Coffee at registration, refuel at support stations, and shop for gear from Seasons of Rothrock. The celebration continues with prizes, food trucks, and live music at the Rothrock GRIT Podium Party. Plus, get FREE 8-week training plans from US Champ Jeremiah Bishop. Race with us and support local cycling and community service organizations. Sign up now for an unforgettable experience!

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.

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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.

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