Experience the Trails of Pennsylvania™

Rothrock State Forest

This state forest resides within the counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, and Centre. Known mostly for it's "Seven Mountains", the Rothrock State Forest holds a lot of history, beauty, as well as many trails. The best known trail is the Mid State Trail that runs the length of Rothrock but there are many more trails to be found within it's borders.

Rothrock State Forest
The majority of trails within Rothrock are multi-use trails; used by hikers and mountain bikers alike. And with the numerous forest roads you can easily create your own circuit hike of any length. Trails such as the Longberger, John Wert, Jean Aron, Tussey Mountain, Wild Cat, Sassafras, and many other await your exploration. And while you are exploring Rothrock State Forest, don't forget to check out it's many natural areas such as Bear Meadows, Detweiler, Alan Seeger, and Thickhead to name a view, as well as the Greenwood Furnace and Penn Roosevelt State Parks.

Checking Out the Multi-Use New Laurel Run Trail

The Laurel Run Trail from Little Flat to Laurel Run Road use to follow a pole line. The trail was straight, steep in some places, and quite eroded. Last year a new, rerouted trail was put in to all...

Short Dayhike on the Chestnut Spring Trail

At the intersection of Brush Ridge Trail and Chestnut Spring Road, the Chestnut Spring Trail descends from the ridge and crosses the road, following the banks of Chestnut Spring Creek as it makes i...

Hiking the Croyle Run Trail and Gettis Ridge

On top of Big Flat in Rothrock State Forest, there is a trail that branches off Greenlee Road. I have driven past the trail many times and often wondered where the trail went. In mid-June, during t...

Thickhead Mountain: Steep Climb Up, Easy Walk Down

There is a grassy forest road that climbs the southern and western flanks of Thickhead Mountain where it connects with Detweiler Road near McKinney Spring on the top. I have wanted to hike this roa...

Checking Out the Sassy Pig Trail in Rothrock State Forest

Living near the Rothrock State Forest, I am presented with plenty of opportunities to do small day hikes in the forest. I am also lucky enough to have a forest that is full of trails. Most of these...

Hiking the Mountain Bike Trails of Coopers Gap

The northern reaches of Rothrock State Forest extend into Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin Counties. Unfortunately the trails in the Rothrock that are located within the boundaries of Mifflin County...

Winter Hiking in Bear Meadows

The first hike of 2011 had Shari, Dan and I doing a winter hike in Rothrock State Forest. We opted for the Bear Meadows Trail that loops around the Bear Meadows Natural Area. With four-wheel drive ...

KTA 2010 Fall Meeting Hike in Rothrock State Forest

The Fall 2010 Keystone Trails Association meeting was held in Milroy this year. Hikes for this meeting were to be held on the surrounding trails in Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. Since I hi...

Revisiting Buck and Brush Ridge

A number of years ago I had hiked these trails, back when the trails weren't well maintained. I was notified that the trails were now maintained and easy to follow, but I hadn't had a chance to hea...

Tussey Mountain Trail: Huckleberries Along The Trail

Tussey Mountain Trail is a favorite of the local mountain biking scene. Because of this, it makes for a very nice hiking trail, free of obstacles, and aside for the fact that it is situated on top ...

Hiking in the Detweiler and Alan Seeger Natural Areas

Just south of State College, Pennsylvania can be found the Rothrock State Forest. Located within Rothrock State Forest are a number of natural areas and wild areas. These designated areas have limi...

Another Snowshoeing Adventure in Galbraith Gap

This winter is an oddity compared to most recent winters. This winter we actually got some snow. And with snow comes the opportunity to snow shoe. Much more strenuous then hiking, but more fun as w...

Bear Meadows Variation Hike: Hiking the Jean Aron Path and Tuxedo Trail

Bear Meadows was designated a natural area in 1966. Located in Rothrock State Forest, Bear Meadows is one of the largest fresh water bogs in the east. Unlike the bogs of Canada, the bog at Bear Mea...

An Alternate Hike on the Tussey Mountain Trail

Back in 2006 there a was forest fire in Rothrock State Forest. The fire burned up the south face of Tussey Mountain and then spread to the north face. Running across the top of the mountain was the...

Discovering the Long Mountain Trail

There is a trail that connects Penn Roosevelt State Park to the Alan Seeger Natural Area via a route over Grass Mountain. Curiously enough, this trail is not called Grass Mountain Trail but is call...

Old Laurel Run and Spruce Gap Trails in Rothrock S.F.

This hike was a slight modification of the hike I did back on National Trails Day in June of 2006. On that day in early summer of 2006 the temperatures were in the low sixties with overcast skies. ...

Alan Seeger Natural Area: A Great Place to Hike With Kids

I often get asked about hikes that are good for children. There are a number of hikes in Central PA that are good hikes for children. The Alan Seeger Natural happens to be one of my favorite leisur...

Exploring in Musser Gap

The Shingletown Gap area is a popular place for hiking, biking, or just going for a stroll. The Shingletown Gap area is also a popular starting point for those wanting to explore the Rothrock State...

Snowshoeing in Galbraith Gap

In December of 2005, I borrowed a pair of snow shoes from a friend. After my first outing, I was hooked. After purchasing my own pair of snow shoes, I had to wait 14 months for a decent snow fall a...

National Trails Day: Hiking in Rothrock State Forest

Saturday, June 3rd, 2006 was National Trails Day. This was the day that everyone was suppose to get out and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, in our neck of the woods, the weather was not all that...