State College, PA is best known for its large Penn State University main campus. The top-ranked university is Pennsylvania's largest, educating nearly 100,000 students each year. The vibrant student town in the central part of Pennsylvania is full of life and packed with students all year round.
The university campus is not the only reason to visit State College, though. The nature in this town is worth seeing and exploring. If you drive just a few minutes out of the town center, you'll spot Mount Nittany. It is both the cultural and environmental symbol of Penn State and the Nittany Valley.
Rocky and steep
There are several ways to reach the top of Mount Nittany, depending on what level of challenge you want to give your body.
Most of the trails that take you to the top of the mountain are somewhat rocky and steep, but it gets easier towards the end.
With more than eight miles of the trails are volunteer-maintained by the Mount Nittany Conservancy, and they are well kept. Since 1981, the conservancy has been working hard to protect Mount Nittany from commercial and residential development by acquiring land and maintaining existing lands for the benefit of the public.
The public charity also provides free full-color trail maps in a Map Box attached to the large sign you'll spot once you arrive at the Mount Nittany Trailhead.
Following the primary trails is pretty much a large loop. If you take a right at the top and follow the perimeter trail around the whole mountain you'll get to enjoy several overlooks; from town and campus to the west, to Boalsburg in the south, the ski slopes of Tussey Mountain, and across Penns Valley.
The Nittany Lion
The popular Mike Lynch Overlook features a birds-eye view of the campus, including Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center. If the weather is nice and clear, you can get a beautiful view of it all.
Even if the hike to get to the top can get challenging, it is absolutely worth it. The terrain flattens out once you reach the top area of Mount Nittany, and you can take in all the views.
How to get there
Mount Nittany’s trailhead address in Lemont is 500 Mount Nittany Road, PA 16827. The parking area is located about 4 miles from the town center of State College. There are a few parking spots available where the hike starts, but the area fills up quickly, as the hike is popular both among students and locals as well as out of towners.
There is nothing as refreshing as being in nature, taking it all in. Pennsylvania is green and lush throughout the summer months. The nature in central Pennsylvania is worth seeing, whether you're a student, parent, or tourist exploring the state.