Last time we provided a list of hikes in and around State College. This list of hikes are also good for any scout level, easy to find, and are within an hour’s drive of State College.

Alan Seeger Loop

About 45 minutes away from State College, the Alan Seeger Loop is a very charming and short loop (30-minute hike) with cool bridges and tunnels of rhododendron blooming in June.

Bald Eagle State Park

Located about 30 minutes from State College, the Butterfly Trail (printable directions) is lined with flowers designed to attract butterflies and loops around a frog pond.

Or you can do some fossil hunting:

“Bald Eagle State Park is excited to announce the addition of Fossil Hunting loaner backpacks for the upcoming year. Each backpack is stocked full of all the gear you and your family or friends need to become beginner paleontologists. These backpacks are available to rent for free and can be signed out at the Main Park Office during normal office hours. Take a trip into ancient history and discover what creatures are hidden within the exposed rocks of F.J. Sayers Lake and Bald Eagle State Park.

*Note – The very best time to look for and find fossils in Bald Eagle State Park is during the winter season when the lake levels are low (November – May). The lowering of the lake exposes rock formations that contain trilobites, crinoids, brachiopods, coral, clams, and gastropods.”

Black Moshannon State Park

About 45 minutes from State College, you can visit the bog natural area and pick from a variety of hikes. Click here for hike descriptions, distances, and difficulty levels.

Mid State Trail

This trail is only 15 minutes away. Park at Jo Hays Vista on Mcalevys Fort Road. After you enjoy the overlook, go to the other end of the parking lot for the trail (not the trails across the street). Soon into the hike you’ll see a sign with a couple of states listed, go to the right. Not too long into the hike there will be a fork, stay to the far left. Soon you will come to an area with beautiful overlook views on both sides of you. The town will be on your right and mountains on your left (view in picture above). Continue straight and you will quickly come to a little mailbox that has a log book that the girls will enjoy signing. (Leaders- be careful which pages you show your girls, there are some inappropriate ones.)

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center

Say Hi to the raptors or visit Lake Perez on your hike through Shaver’s Creek, only 20 minutes from State College.