The Rediscover State College
Get Outside Guide: November
By: Andrea Murrell and Laura Mustio
From simply stepping out for a breath of fresh air to tackling 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:
• Sprawling Vistas: Bare trees make overlook views even more vast in our beautiful region of ridges and valleys.
• Layered Up: Handmade hats, mittens, and scarves knitted and crocheted with locally-sheared alpaca and sheep’s wool are keeping us warm.
• Local Produce: Late season crops like beets, squash, and pumpkin (and its seeds!) are ready to be roasted to perfection.
• Fire’s On: Fireplaces, backyard bonfires, and the coziest nooks in local restaurants are toasty and inviting.
• Decorated Downtown: Hints that the holidays are here will become more prevalent throughout the month.
Outdoor Highlights: November
Ralph’s Majestic View in October. This view will become even more expansive after the leaves have fallen! Photo by Chris Murrell
Vista Hikes – Fall Road Trips – Gratitude with a View
It’s See-For-Miles Season! (Aka Allegheny Front Appreciation Month)
The leaves are down, the views are wide open, and the Allegheny Front escarpment makes it all possible. (New to escarpments? We were too! Read on to learn why we’re so lucky to live near one and how it makes getting outside in November pretty magical.)
If October was all about the fall colors, Happy Valley’s November super power is its ability to offer up sprawling vistas. Below, we’re highlighting jaw-dropping overlook options that’ll have you appreciating our local geography and feeling extra grateful to call this area home this season.
But first…
What’s an escarpment?! Envision this: State College is nestled cozily in Nittany Valley and as a result, you’ve probably noticed a gently rolling ridge or six when you’re out and about. As you head west, our region of ridges and valleys smacks right up against the Allegheny Front, a dramatic “wall” that rises into the Allegheny Plateau. That steep, dramatic slope is an escarpment! On clear days when the trees are bare, the higher elevations of the Allegheny Front escarpment essentially create a giant “balcony” from which to view layer upon layer of ridges and valleys sprawling out in front of you.
Where to start. (And how to dress.): By visiting the scenic overlooks listed below from west to east, you’ll get a sense of the dramatic shift in landscape as the Allegheny Front separates the Allegheny Plateau from the Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.
Keep in mind that the sun sets much earlier in November than in the summer and that temperatures cool down quickly between afternoon and evening. Layered clothing is key for comfort when hiking in the fall. Try to avoid cotton and go with moisture-wicking material, including wool, instead.
From the West: Which of Ralph’s Views is Better?
25-minute drive from State College
1.5-mile moderately difficult hike
West of State College, Moshannon State Forest offers up two breathtaking vistas known as “Ralph’s Majestic View” and more humorously, “Ralph’s Pretty Good View.” Both are in reference to Ralph Seeley, founder of the Allegheny Front Trail, which these scenic overlooks are positioned along. And both are well worth the hike to compare for yourself!
Getting There: You can conveniently enter “Ralph’s Majestic Vista Parking” into your GPS and head west from State College for about 25 minutes before arriving at the small parking area. Once parked, you’ll enter the trail on the opposite side of the road and hike about a half mile to reach the first vista, Ralph’s Majestic View. There’s a mild incline to the trail as well as a very rocky area, so a hiking pole or hiking stick can be a huge help. After soaking up the view at this stop, continue on for less than a quarter-mile to arrive at Ralph’s Pretty Good View. You might be surprised by which is your favorite!
Signage as you approach the parking area for Ralph’s Views and the parking area, which is across the road from the trailhead
What you’ll see from these overlooks: Directly in front of you is the landscape between the Allegheny Front and Bald Eagle Valley, followed by the Bald Eagle Valley, then the Nittany Valley. Further in the distance, you’ll see a stunning view of the Tussey Mountain Range, which spans an impressive 80 miles.
Enjoyability recommendations: You won’t pass many restaurants or gas stations on the drive, so fuel up before you leave town and bring plenty of water and snacks. Hiking poles and binoculars are a great gear choice for this trip. Along with your packed water and snacks, sturdy footwear is a must. You can also continue along the Allegheny Front Trail well beyond the vistas if you’d like more of a challenge. The entire trail is 42-miles, circling the entirety of Black Moshannon State Park.
Nearby and not-to-be-missed: From the parking area, you’re about 15 minutes from Black Moshannon State Park, which is home to the Bog Trail, known for the carnivorous plants you can spot here during warmer months. There are also picnic areas and restrooms at the park, making it a great place for a fall picnic before heading back into town.
Ralph’s Pretty Good View. Is it better than his Majestic View?! Photo by Chris Murrell
In the Middle: Are These the Most Overlooked Overlooks?
5-minute drive from State College
5-mile challenging round trip hike to seven scenic overlooks
Yes, climbing Mount Nittany to the Mike Lynch Overlook for views of Beaver Stadium is quite possibly the most well-known hike in State College. Many visitors and residents are familiar with this challenging trek. Fewer people, however, go the extra four miles to see the additional six overlooks atop our town’s most famous mountain! Seven vistas in five miles is quite a deal in the hiking scheme of things, especially considering that once you summit, the trail is relatively flat and very scenic as you complete the loop to catch the view from every direction. If you’ve never done the full loop and tend to stick to the trails that go straight up and down the mountain, consider giving yourself the gift of a brand new scenic experience and a wonderful workout to boot!
Getting There: Finding the parking area for Mount Nittany is a breeze, especially with the newly expanded parking lot’s plentiful spaces. Pop 421 Mount Nittany Road, Lemont, PA into your GPS and then look for signs that’ll get you to the trailhead, about a tenth of a mile from the parking lot. As you begin your ascent, you’ll have the option to take the white or blue trail up to the first overlook. The blue trail veers off to the left and offers a longer, more gradual 1-mile climb to the top. The white trail is steeper, but will get you to the top in half the distance. A hiking pole or two can be a big help, especially during your descent.
Once you summit, the rest is almost downhill! And since you’ve made it to the top, you might as well stay a while and enjoy the view. (Or all seven of them!)
You might choose to start with the most famous vista, the Mike Lynch Overlook, where you’ll see a beautiful view of State College and Penn State University from above.
Then, the rest of the mountain is yours to explore with the help of clearly marked trails and frequent signage that shows you which “station” you’re heading to next. Stations are clearly numbered and marked on signs along the trails and are great guides for showing the distance you’ve covered and the distance between the overlooks. Pay close attention to these along the way and notice opportunities to turn around or take a shortcut if your legs tire out before you expected them to!
Enjoying the peaceful view from the Mike Lynch Overlook on Mount Nittany
What you’ll see from the seven vistas at the top of Mount Nittany:
Mike Lynch Overlook: Facing west, this is the iconic view of Penn State and showcases the most recognizable features of Happy Valley, including Beaver Stadium.
Northwest Overlook: Here you’ll be looking toward Bellefonte and may be able to recognize the recently closed Rockview State Prison.
Nittany Mall Overlook: This view reveals a little less nature and a few more roads that, at an elevation of 2,000 feet, might look small enough to carry Matchbox cars.
Tom Smyth Overlook: This more wooded, peaceful view is named after a dedicated Penn State professor, mountaineer, and conservationist.
Penns Valley Overlook: Now facing east, you’re looking towards Penns Valley, home to the towns of Centre Hall, Millheim, and others.
Little Flat Overlook: Facing south, you’ll see the forested ridges that put the “ridge” in Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians.
Boalsburg and Mt. Nittany Middle School Overlook: True to its name, you’ll see beautiful Boalsburg from this south-facing view.
Hiking from vista to vista: A view from the trails atop Mount Nittany. Photos by Julie Murrell
Enjoyability recommendations: While binoculars aren’t required for this adventure, you might have a lot more fun with a pair on hand. There is so much to see from each overlook and the more details you can see the better! Hiking poles, trail mix or other snacks, and plenty of water are also highly recommended.
Nearby and not-to-be missed: Lemont Village is a true gem of a community and a trip to Mount Nittany isn’t complete without a stop at some of the locally-owned shops tucked into the scenic town. Enjoy food and drinks at while working through your holiday shopping list at Cafe Lemont, the Gallery Shop, BellaDonna Herbs, VooDoo Brewery, Eden Valley Coffee Co., and Happy Valley Brewing, all within walking distance of the Mount Nittany parking area!
From the East: Is Penn’s View the Best in PA?
1-hour drive from State College
No hike required
With a view that may be one of the most picturesque in the state and no hike required to see it, this option has “fall road trip” written all over it! Penn’s View Overlook’s expansive vista reveals Penns Valley, Penns Creek, and our state’s ancient mountains – some of the oldest on Earth! – as they roll toward the horizon. In person, this overlook offers up a quintessential view of the subtle, understated beauty of the Commonwealth.
Getting There: The drive to this location may be on the longer side, but it’s so scenic that you might not even notice how long you’ve been in the car! You can use these coordinates for Penn’s View Overlook in Woodward, PA to find the pull off parking area off of Poe Valley Road, approximately ten minutes past the main entrance to Poe Valley State Park. You don’t need to leave your car to take in the view, but there are a few extra viewing points within a tenth of a mile from the parking area.
You may notice your GPS shows two routes to get to this location from State College. Both are roughly the same length, but the route that takes you through the town of Centre Hall, home of the Grange Fair, offers an opportunity to stop for gas, coffee, and other goodies along the way if needed.
What you’ll see from the vistas: Now fully in the Ridge-and-Valley Province of the Appalachians, you’ll be peering over the awe-inspiring beauty of Bald Eagle State Forest and Penns Creek flowing below. If you’ve already visited the overlooks from Moshannon State Forest mentioned previously, you might notice a drastic difference in the landscape.
Enjoyability recommendations: This vista doesn’t require any strenuous hiking or walking, but the roads are a bit windy as they take you right through Bald Eagle State Forest. Check your route and plan ahead since cell service will likely be limited. Cameras and binoculars are recommended. (And don’t forget to have a playlist everyone will love for the scenic drive to this beautiful overlook!)
Nearby and not-to-be missed: If you’ve made it this far, stopping in Millheim, PA for a bite to eat or some local gift shopping during the holiday season is a must. Consider dinner reservations at Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks or an early morning coffee stop at The Meandering Mallard, both highlights in this laid back town known for celebrating locally grown food, its creative community, and nature. At your first stop, ask a local for their recommendation on which great shop or market to hit next. Repeat as needed!
FUN FACT: Part of the classic Appalachian vista, atmospheric haze often makes distant mountain ridges appear blue. Why? Because you have to look through more air to see them! Dust and water droplets in the air scatter sunlight, which contains the full spectrum of colors. Blue light scatters especially well and some of that light scatters towards your eyes. Since faraway mountains have more air in front of them, more blue light gets scattered and mixed into the view, making things appear cooler and hazier with distance.
Other Happenings to Look Out For in November
Light Up Night
Stroll through the Enchanted Forest on Locust Lane, celebrate the tree lighting with Santa at the Allen Street Gates, say hello to some reindeer, and enjoy hot drinks, trolley rides, live performances, and so much more during late November’s official kickoff to the holiday season. New toys and non-perishable food items will be collected to benefit Toys for Tots and the YMCA Backpack Program. Learn more
Thanksgiving Break
Like State College summer, but make it cozy! With the students gone, town shifts into “quiet mode” for the week and locals get to experience a more spacious downtown once again. It’s perfect timing too, as heading into town to do some local holiday shopping on Small Business Saturday will be easier than ever with plentiful parking and fewer crowds.
Plus!
• What’s the deal with wearing orange?
Wearing fluorescent orange is required for both hunters and non-hunters on official state game lands in Pennsylvania between October 1 and January 30. However hunting is also permitted in state forests and parks, so wearing orange while you’re out is a safe choice. This is especially true during firearms season, which runs from late November through mid-December each year.
• Map me!
Combined, the Moshannon and Bald Eagle State Forests cover 600 square miles, so the vistas mentioned here are mere snowflakes on the tip of the iceberg of all there is to discover. While your GPS may be great for getting you to the parking lot, you may want to equip yourself with a paper map to get a better sense of the trail systems and plan your own adventures! Fortunately, Purple Lizard Maps, a locally-owned and internationally-recognized company, has you covered with maps of these forests and more. Learn more
Lots more to come!
We’ll release the December edition of the Get Outside Guide soon. In the meantime, let us know if there are other November highlights we should include and…
we’ll see you outside!
Andrea Murrell’s writing is inspired by nature and all the people she’s lucky to know and love. She especially enjoys exploring how connections between the natural world and local creatives shape the character of the region she’s so fortunate to call home.
Laura Mustio made her way to State College via Pittsburgh in 2015. Her writing celebrates our area’s hidden gems, treasured locals, and not-to-be-missed experiences.
