Rothrock State Forest, Happy Valley Travel Guide

Getting There

• Car

  From downtown State College, PA, head northwest on W College Ave toward N Allen St. Continue on W College Ave for about 1 mile. Turn left onto N Atherton St/US-322. After approximately 3 miles, take the exit for I-99 N toward Philipsburg. Continue on I-99 N for about 10 miles. Take exit 61 for PA-45 W toward Millheim. Follow PA-45 W for about 8 miles, and then turn right onto the entrance road for Rothrock State Forest. There are no tolls on this route, but gas is recommended as it is a rural area.

• Public Transportation

  To reach Rothrock State Forest using public transportation, start at the CATA Bus Station in State College. Take the CATA bus line that goes toward Philipsburg (check the current schedule as it may vary). You will need to transfer to a local taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) from the bus stop to reach the forest entrance, as the final leg of the journey is not covered by public transit. Expect to pay for the taxi service, which can vary in cost depending on distance, likely around $20-$30.

• Bicycle

  For the adventurous, biking from State College to Rothrock State Forest is an option. Begin at the corner of S Allen St and W College Ave. Follow S Allen St to W Beaver Ave, then take N Atherton St/US-322. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow traffic rules. The total distance is approximately 14 miles, mostly along roads with bike lanes or shoulders. Bring water and snacks for the ride, as there are limited services along the way.