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The Rediscover State College
Get Outside Guide: June

By: Andrea Murrell and Laura Mustio

From simply stepping out for a breath of fresh air to tackling the Thousand Steps, if you’d like to find yourself outside in State College more often, this guide is for you.

This month, you’ll notice:

• Peak Strawberry Season Local berries are perfectly ripe and sweet this month.

• Take a Deep Breath Fragrant mountain laurel is blooming in the forest.

• Music in the Air Opportunities to sit (or stroll) and enjoy live music and concert series abound.

• Baseball is Back Make sure a night at the ballpark is on your summer to-do list!

• Ready for Harvest Asparagus, lettuces, spinach, radishes, green onions, strawberries, rhubarb, and fresh herbs are the stars of the show right now.

Outdoor Highlights: June

Blooming mountain laurel in Rothrock State Forest

Forest Flowers – Wooded Hikes – Seasonal Scents

Pennsylvania’s State Flower in Full Bloom

Experiencing the magic of forest-blooming flowers is a summer treasure hunt worth pursuing and June is an ideal time to get into the woods to seek out the beautiful sight (and scent!) of mountain laurel, Pennsylvania’s state flower. Mountain laurel is an evergreen shrub that grows in abundance across the state, with its tiny sweet-smelling blooms appearing from late May through mid-June.

How to identify it: It can be a little tricky to tell the difference between mountain laurel and rhododendron in the forest. Notice when and where the plant is growing, the size of the leaves, and the shape and color of the flowers. (Or just check out the photos below!)

Mountain laurel blooms in late May and early June, prefers sunnier and drier spots (like ridgetops), has shorter 2-4” leaves and symmetrical, cup-shaped flowers ranging from white to pink.

Rhododendron blooms in late June and July, can be found in cooler and shadier spots (near forest streams, for example), has longer 4-14” leaves and asymmetrical, bell-shaped flowers that can range in color from white to pink, lavender, and red.

Side by side comparison: Mountain laurel (left) and rhododendron (right)

Where to see it: To catch blooming mountain laurel in the wild, easy-to-get-to destinations within Rothrock State Forest like Alan Seeger or Bear Meadows Natural Areas will both give you a great shot.

At Alan Seeger, about 40 minutes from State College, you can take a shaded 1-mile stroll through a small old-growth forest that was never logged – a rare sight in Pennsylvania!

Bear Meadows offers a shorter drive from town (25 minutes) with a longer 3.5 mile trek around an expansive wetland, another unique feature for the region.

Nearby and not-to-be-missed: For either location, you are likely to enter Rothrock State Forest through Bear Meadows Road in Boalsburg. This will take you right past Tussey Mountain Fun Centre, where you can enjoy go-karts, mini golf, batting cages, and a driving range for a small fee. But a lesser known option for outdoor fun is fishing at Tussey Mountain’s catch and release pond. There is no cost to fish at the fully stocked pond, simply bring your own pole and bait and enjoy! Note that fishing licenses are required for those 16 and over.

Enjoyability recommendations: Before you head out, check the weather and a map so you can dress and schedule accordingly. Water, sunscreen, and snacks are a must for both locations. Bear Meadows is very sunny in areas, can get extremely muddy after the rain, and does not offer restrooms, while Alan Seeger is shady and cool and has portable restrooms. You can plan on three or four hours from start to finish for either excursion (drive included.) Consider packing a picnic lunch so you don’t have to rush home right after you wrap up!

Other things to note: For both locations, have a plan to take home any trash or litter for proper disposal.

Hikers Exploring Bear Meadows Natural Area (photo credit: Xenia Kedrick)

FUN FACT: In addition to Bear Meadows and Alan Seeger, there are over 50 sites in Pennsylvania’s State Forest systems that are designated as State Forest Natural Areas. Natural Areas are of “unique scenic, geologic or ecological value” and are “maintained in a natural condition,” typically without human intervention. See a checklist of these wild places here!

Pick Your Own – Summer Fruit – Farm Experiences

Strawberry Picking at Way Fruit Farm

Special note for 2026 season: Colder-than-average spring temps decreased this year’s supply of strawberries, so be sure to visit early in June to pick yours and follow farm updates to ensure the best berry picking experience.

Spending a morning or afternoon picking fresh strawberries at Way Fruit Farm is fun and rewarding for all ages! You might be surprised by how many you can pick in just an hour, so be sure to have lots of ideas in mind for what you’d like to do with your harvest. Fresh strawberries are perfect for shortcake, jam, smoothies, freezing, and most importantly, sharing with friends!

How to get there: Way Fruit Farm is located at 2355 Halfmoon Valley Road in Port Matilda, about 20 minutes from downtown State College.

Nearby and not-to-be-missed: Beyond strawberries, the farm is home to Way Cafe & Bakery, a spacious and friendly dine-in establishment serving fresh and local foods. (Be prepared for the difficult task of choosing just one… or maybe two?!… delicious pastries from their lineup.) The cafe and bakery share a roof with the farm’s expansive market, which offers all things local. From meats, produce and cheeses to dried bulk goods, gifts, and candy, it’s always worth a stroll through to pick up an old favorite or discover something new.

Enjoyability recommendations: There is a large parking lot outside of the cafe/market building with restrooms inside. Picnic tables offer the option to eat outside and there’s a small tractor-inspired playground for kids to enjoy.

Other things to note: When peak tomato season rolls around, we recommend making a return trip for a BLT! And a sunny afternoon in a rocking chair on their shaded porch with a treat (perhaps those pastries!) is a peaceful way to pass some time outside.

A summer evening at Medlar Field

Local Sports – Family Friendly – Pet Friendly

Enjoy a Night at the Ballpark with the State College Spikes

Take everyone out to the ballpark (even your favorite pup on Bark in the Park nights!) You’ll be challenged to find a stadium more charming than Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, home of the State College Spikes. Located on Penn State’s campus, it’s just minutes from downtown and incredibly convenient to get to and from. Be sure to show up hungry and enjoy the great food and beverage selection at the stadium. There’s truly not a bad seat in the house and you’ll have a breathtaking view of Mt. Nittany from wherever you are, especially during sunset!

How to get there: You can conveniently get to Medlar Field via Park Avenue or E. College Ave./Route 26. The field is located on Penn State’s campus, across from Beaver Stadium on Porter Road. Attendees will park in the Jordan East lot for a small fee paid via the HONK app (parking permits held by Penn State faculty, staff, and students will be valid at no charge). There is plenty of parking during games throughout the summer and traffic getting into and out of the lot is typically very light.

Nearby and not-to-be-missed: While you’re near the ballfield, consider strolling around the area for an up-close view of Beaver Stadium, Pegula Ice Arena, and the Bryce Jordan Center. For an even closer look, make a trip to The Penn State All-Sports Museum at Beaver Stadium, just across the street from the Jordan East lot. For a small suggested donation, guests can take a self-guided tour through multiple galleries and get a complimentary “elevated view inside Beaver Stadium” per the museum’s website. The museum closes at 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Monday) and ballpark gates open an hour prior to first pitch, giving you time to stretch your legs and work up an appetite with a pregame walk around campus!

Enjoyability recommendations: Keep a close eye on the team’s website and socials to make the most of your experience. From ticket and meal deals, fireworks nights, special guest appearances, and cool giveaways, you’ll never have the same experience twice at the stadium.

Other things to note: Insider tip! You won’t regret staying after the game on a fireworks night at the stadium. Fans can watch the spectacular show from the field and the view does not disappoint!

Other Happenings to Look Out For in June

Family Fishing Picnic

Every year, Spring Creek Trout Unlimited invites the public out to Tussey Mountain Pond for its Family Fishing Picnic, a fun-filled day of fishing, picnicking under a pavilion, and other outdoor and educational activities. Poles, bait, and other equipment are all provided so you only need to bring yourself to fish all afternoon! This event is ideal for families with young kids or anyone who has wanted to try fishing but isn’t sure where to begin. Fishing licenses are not required for the event thanks to a partnership with PA Fish and Boat Commission.

WingFest Kick Off

Tussey Mountain WingFest is an 8-week fusion of delicious competition and live music, where 7 weeks’ worth of wing masters vie for a coveted spot in the Week 8 Finals and the chance to be crowned Tussey Mountain Wing King! Located just on the edge of Rothrock State Forest, the Fest’s breathtaking setting is enough to keep you coming back week after week all summer. WingFest is highly anticipated and well attended every year and event veterans know that strategy is key to a successful evening. Check out our guide Everything I Learned From My First Time at WingFest before you go so you can make the most of your experience!

Ironman 70.3 Happy Valley

Even if you’re not up for the intense challenge of swimming, biking, and running along 70.3 miles of Happy Valley’s most scenic routes, you can still have a blast volunteering for the event or posting up along the course (with friends! And snacks! And noisemakers!) to cheer on the elite athletes competing. The race ends at the finish line outside of Beaver Stadium and offers a high energy, celebratory atmosphere that is not to be missed.

Plus!

• Happy Valley Restaurant Week: Al fresco dining during this annual summer culinary celebration offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy delicious food and the outdoors. We recommend Hublersburg Inn’s charming back porch, ReFarm Cafe for its sprawling ridge and sunset views, and Bill Pickle’s Taproom for a fun downtown vibe. Learn more

• Rhoneymeade Fest: Expand your musical palette as you hear international and local artists playing at Rhoneymeade Arboretum, where art, history, and nature intersect. Learn more

• State College Spikes Opening Night with Fireworks: Cheer on the Spikes with a stadium full of fans and stay for the impressive postgame fireworks display. Learn more

• Lemont Strawberry Festival: Soak in all things strawberry at this charming festival in the heart of Lemont featuring sundaes with homemade baked goods, live music, arts and crafts, and “speeder” rides on the railroad! Learn more

• State College Pride Festival: Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community throughout downtown State College with a high-energy parade, special performances, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Learn more

• Juneteenth Festival: Don’t miss this block party at the Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza downtown celebrating and commemorating June 19, 1865, the date that a quarter-million enslaved people in Texas were informed of their freedom two years following the Emancipation Proclamation. Learn more

• Bellefonte Cruise: Make some “classic” memories on Father’s Day weekend with an old-fashioned cruise and car show in downtown Bellefonte. Learn more

• Sips & Sounds Downtown: Refresh your mood at this lively outdoor event with local music, local food, and local libations. Learn more

• Hawthorne Botanical Gathering: Ground yourself and learn from botanical experts during a two-day gathering celebrating herbalism and nature. Learn more

• Lemont Summer Concert Series: Treat your ears to the sweet sounds of local musicians performing free concerts on Friday evenings all summer. Learn more

• Live after 5, MLK Jr. Plaza: Find your groove at this concert series every Wednesday in the MLK Plaza in Downtown State College. Learn more

• Summer Sounds at Talleyrand Park: Grab your lawn chair and snacks and spend Sunday evenings at this free concert series in the heart of Bellefonte. Learn more

Bucket List:
10 “Can’t Get Lost” Trails for New Hikers

These up-and-back and loop trails and paths are easy to enjoy without the worry of losing your way! Destinations are listed in approximate order from easiest to most challenging so you can choose the adventure that’s right for you.

Talleyrand Park Paths and Paved Loop
320 W High St, Bellefonte, PA 16823

In the heart of Bellefonte, PA, the streamside views, historic sculptures, and beautiful bridges to walk across and daydream from will keep you coming back to Talleyrand year after year. You can wander the park freely or put in as many laps as you’d like on the paved, .25 mile loop in the open grassy section of the park (the area farthest from downtown). Metered parking is available on High Street close to the park and in the public parking lot behind the train station. Parking meters accept credit cards and coins.

Loop Path – Mostly Flat – Restrooms On Site – Pet Friendly – ADA Accessible – Sunny

Lederer Park Loop
1101 University Dr, State College, PA 16801

When you need a quick walk in the woods but don’t have the time to drive out to the forest, strolling around Lederer Park’s beautiful 0.8-mile wooded trail and admiring its variety of trees is a pleasant and peaceful way to spend a lunch break or an hour you didn’t expect to have. There is a large gravel parking lot at Lederer Park where visitors can park for free between sunrise and sunset (overnight parking is not permitted).

Loop Trail – Mostly Flat – Restrooms On Site – Pet Friendly – Shaded

Tom Tudek Memorial Park Loop
1526 Martin St, State College, PA 16803

Take the paved 1.3-mile loop around the entire park while pausing to enjoy the colorful butterfly garden, lively playground, active community garden, and beautiful horses who are fortunate to call the park home. There is a large paved parking lot at the park’s Martin St. entrance, very close to the modern restrooms, where visitors can park for free between sunrise and sunset (overnight parking is not permitted).

Loop – Some Hills – Restrooms On Site – Pet Friendly – ADA Accessible – Sun and Shade

Spring Creek Canyon Trail
There are three access points to this trail, including at Fisherman’s Paradise in Bellefonte.
Use address: Fisherman’s Paradise, Spring Creek Canyon Trail, Bellefonte, PA 16823

This pedestrian, pup, and bike-friendly trail reveals stunning views of Spring Creek all along the way. Since the path totals 6 miles out-and-back, 3 miles one way, you can meander as far as you like! There are accessible and paved parking spaces available at the Fisherman’s Paradise entrance to the trail. During peak fishing times (early morning and evening throughout the spring and summer), visitors may need to park along the road if the lot is full.

Out-and-Back Trail – Mostly Flat – No Restrooms – Pet Friendly – Sun and Shade

Alan Seeger Trail
Alan Seeger Natural Area, Huntingdon, PA 16652

Alan Seeger Natural Area is home to a truly enchanting 0.8 mile loop along a natural path and foot bridges through an old-growth forest. While this trail is short and suitable for mostly all ages and abilities, there are small steps to get on and off the bridges. There is a small parking lot with limited spaces within steps of the trailhead. If that lot is full, however, there is ample and accessible parking at the Alan Seeger Picnic Area approximately 0.5 miles from the trail. You will see signage for both the Picnic Area and Natural Area as you approach the area.

Loop – Mostly Flat – Restrooms Available – Pet Friendly – Shaded

Musser Gap Trail
Musser Gap Trail, Ferguson Township, PA 16801

Located along Route 45 between Boalsburg and Pine Grove Mills, this is another easy-to-find trail where you can bite off as little or as much as you’d like depending on your appetite for adventure. Challenge yourself to a steady mild incline for about 1-mile until you reach a picture-perfect, selfie-friendly footbridge over a babbling stream. From there you can decide whether to keep going to the top or turn back for the car! There is plenty of parking in the gravel lot which is located just feet from the trailhead. Note that it’s easy to miss the turn into the parking area off of Route 45/Shingletown Road as there is no major signage at the entrance.

Out-and-Back Trail – Steady Incline – Restrooms Available – Pet Friendly – Sun and Shade

Hobie’s Trail at Colyer Lake
Colyer Trail Parking, Centre Hall, PA 16828

See Colyer Lake from every angle as you follow a mild and scenic 2.6 mile loop around this popular fishing destination. The trail was named in honor of Hobart “Hobie” Kistler (1990-2021), a dedicated community member and Navy Veteran who envisioned and created the trail as an Eagle Scout project in 2006. Paved parking and trail access is available on both sides of the lake, but the lot off of Lingle Rd. will take you to the official beginning of the trail where informative signage and a portable restroom is also located.

Loop – Mostly Flat – Portable Restrooms – Pet Friendly – Shaded

Thousand Steps along Standing Stone Trail
William Penn Hwy, Mapleton, PA 17052

While this portion of the trail is just 1.7 miles out-and-back, expect to be challenged! As the name implies, hikers will climb “a thousand steps” – 1,037 to be exact! – before reaching the top of Jacks Mountain and admiring a remarkably scenic vista. As you climb, consider having to conquer the steps every day just as those working the sandstone quarry did in the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s! This destination is about a one-hour drive south from State College, so plan accordingly. There is a roadside gravel parking lot at the trailhead along Route 22 between Huntingdon and Mount Union, PA. This can be a busy road, so pull in and out cautiously.

Out-and-Back Trail – Steep – No Restrooms – Pet Friendly – Sun and Shade

Mount Nittany
421 Mount Nittany Rd, Lemont, PA 16851

Mount Nittany is a steep but family-friendly trail that will make you fall in love with the beauty of Happy Valley from a brand new perspective. From a 1.5 mile out-and-back to the most scenic vista or a 4-mile loop with multiple overlooks to enjoy, you can tailor this adventure to your fitness level and goals for the day. The trail offers helpful signage along the way, clear trail markers, and ample parking at the base of the mountain in Lemont (just minutes from downtown State College). There is a large gravel lot at the base of Mt. Nittany where visitors can park for free and walk less than a quarter-mile to the trailhead. Signage will direct you to this lot as you arrive.

Out-and-Back Trail – Steep – Portable Restrooms – Pet Friendly – Mostly Shaded

James Cleveland Trail
Greens Valley Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828

The midway point of this challenging 3.63 mile out-and-back on Mount Nittany is marked with a memorial and wreckage from a tragic plane crash where airmail pilot James Cleveland died in 1931. The trail begins about 25 miles northeast of State College, past Pleasant Gap, PA. There are no nearby facilities, so be sure to pack and plan accordingly for this trek. Parking for the trail is located about one mile after Green Valley Road enters Bald Eagle State Forest. Look for trailhead signage about a mile after the road shifts from pavement to dirt.

Out-and-Back Trail – Steep – No Restrooms – Pet Friendly – Sun and Shade

Lots more to come!

We’ll release the July edition of the Get Outside Guide soon. In the meantime, let us know if there are other June highlights we should include and…

we’ll see you outside!