Discover the Natural Beauty of Rothrock State Forest
Explore Rothrock State Forest, Pennsylvania's natural wonderland with breathtaking trails, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes for every outdoor lover.
Rothrock State Forest, located near State College, Pennsylvania, is an outdoor paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Spanning over 96,000 acres, this lush forest offers a plethora of activities including hiking, biking, and birdwatching, all set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in tranquil nature or seek thrilling outdoor experiences, Rothrock State Forest is a must-visit destination.
A brief summary to Rothrock State Forest
- State College, Pennsylvania, 16801, US
- +1814-643-2340
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during the fall for spectacular foliage and great photography opportunities.
- Check trail conditions before your visit, especially after heavy rains.
- Bring your own water and snacks, as amenities within the forest are limited.
- Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy a more serene experience.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, start by navigating to State College, PA 16801. From State College, take PA-26 S (South Atherton Street) for about 10 miles. Continue onto PA-45 W for approximately 6 miles. After that, turn left onto Rothrock State Forest Road. Follow the signs to reach the various access points of Rothrock State Forest. Make sure to have a map or GPS handy, as the roads can be winding and may not always be clearly marked.
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Public Transportation + Car Rental
If you are using public transportation, take a bus from your location to State College. Once in State College, you can rent a car from one of the local rental agencies like Enterprise or Hertz. After renting the car, follow the same driving instructions as above to reach Rothrock State Forest. Note that renting a car may incur additional costs, typically ranging from $30 to $100 per day depending on the vehicle and rental agency.
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Biking
For the adventurous, consider biking to Rothrock State Forest. If you are staying in State College, you can use a bike path that connects to the forest. Head south on South Atherton Street, then follow PA-26 S until you reach the entrance. Make sure to wear a helmet and bring plenty of water and snacks, as the ride can be challenging.
Discover more about Rothrock State Forest
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Bear Meadows Natural Area
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Little Flat Fire Tower
7.0 km
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Holmes-Foster Park
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Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts
8.3 km
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Sidney Friedman Park
8.4 km
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The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau
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Dalevue Park
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Douglas Albert Gallery
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Old Main Lawn
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Earth and Mineral Sciences Museum and Art Gallery
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Old Main
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Old Botany Building
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The Pennsylvania State University
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Rec Hall
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Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lion's Valley Vista
3.1 km
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Whipple Dam State Park
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Alan Seeger Natural Area
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Columbus Chapel & Boal Mansion Museum
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Happy Valley Mini Golf -
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Pennsylvania Military Museum
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Tussey Mountain Ski and Recreation
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Happy Valley Vineyard and Winery
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Lederer Park
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Stone Valley Recreation Area
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Greenwood Furnace State Park
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Sunset Park
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Palmer Museum of Art
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Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania
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Penn-Roosevelt State Park
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Essential places to dine
Hublersburg Inn
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Kitchen Witch
35.6 km
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Brothers Pizza of Howard
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URBN Flavourhaus Lamar
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Dutch Haven Restaurant
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Fort Worth Restaurant
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Dutch Pantry Family Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
A Basket Full
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Uncle Eli's Artist Marketplace and Frame Shop
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The Squirrel & Acorn Bookshop
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The Animal Kingdom
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Lions Pride
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Lion & Cub
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Student Book Store
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The Family Clothesline
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Gallery Shop
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Five Below
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Edible Arrangements
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Gabe's
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Nittany Mall
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The Beaten Path
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Jabebo
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Federal Taphouse
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Red Horse Tavern
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Axemann Brewery
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Mad McIntosh
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Titan Hollow
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Liam's People Factory
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Big Spring Spirits
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Good Intent Cider LLC
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Omar Bar
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Hootinanny Dive Bar Extraordinairr
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The Governors' Pub & Restaurant
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Talleyrand Tavern
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The Republic at the Gamble Mill
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Gamble Mill
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Creekside at the Gamble Mill
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