Work is expected to begin next summer on 11 miles of new trails in Rothrock State Forest, the next phase of efforts to improve access for hikers, bikers and equestrians to the forest in Centre and Huntingdon counties.
The Rothrock Trail Alliance, a committee of ClearWater Conservancy, was recently awarded a $500,000 grant for the project from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Community Conservation Partnerships Program. The alliance also received $50,000 from Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, while the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County provided the 20% matching funds needed for the grant.
The new natural surface, single-track shared-use trails will connect from Hubler Gap to Whipple Dam State Park. The project will include a new loop trail encircling Rudy Ridge between Pine Swamp and Laurel Run roads, as well as a connecting trail that parallels Laurel Run Road to the park.
“Improved access deep into Rothrock is a huge gift to our community,” Elizabeth Crisfield, executive director of ClearWater Conservancy, said in a statement. “Rothrock Trail Alliance created these ambitious proposals to improve trails deep into the forest so all of us can find that peace of mind that comes from fresh air and exertion. The ClearWater community is grateful that this project was included in this year’s Community Conservation Partnerships Program.”
The project is phase two of an overall vision to create 53 miles of new trails in Rothrock. Phase one, supported by a $365,700 grant, included 7.5 miles of single-track trails from Musser Gap to Pine Swamp Road at Hubler Gap.
“The grant from DCNR will allow RTA to implement Phase II of our trail development plan,” Jay Ziegler, chair of the Rothrock Trail Alliance Chair, said in the release. “Specifically, we’ll be picking up where Phase I ended, creating a connection from the Hubler Gap area to Whipple Dam.”
Rothrock State Forest currently has nearly 300 miles of hiking trails throughout its 96,975 acres, according to the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
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