Centre of Adventure

For years I have been exploring this area by foot, running and hiking my way around the many beautiful trails in Centre County and beyond. A few years back, with a little bit of arthritis creeping up in my old(ish) knees, the miles became harder. I realized that I sometimes need to give the knees…

I am not one to get pulled in by road signs or roadside attractions. Once, traveling through Kansas (it has to be the most boring state in the world) I did stop to see the World’s Largest Easel. It features a giant replica of one of Vincent Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” paintings, and it was something…

Rothrock State Forest has many special areas that I explore often, such as cliffs near Shingletown Gap, the Little Flat and Greenwood fire towers, and the wonderful section of the Mid State Trail that meanders from south to north (or north to south, depending on how you look at it), along with many more spectacular…

All around this area, on busy roadsides, you may notice the signs calling you to embark on a subterranean adventure, such as: Yes indeed, the caves are calling us from near and far in Central Pennsylvania. These tourist-targeting caves draw in folks for a reason. Caves and caverns are fun places to explore, and tours…

Sometimes, I need a break from the screens, the texts, and just being available all the time. I think everyone needs to unplug and reconnect with nature every once in a while. Luckily, this area offers ample opportunities for people to pack it up and get outside and explore. In our many state parks and…

Not far from State College, up past Boalsburg, sits beautiful Colyer Lake, an excellent place to quickly escape to nature for a little outdoor adventure. In the small Colyer community, you will find an abundance of kayaks, canoes, and even little sailboats taking up space on the docks at both of the lake’s two access…

Mount Washington sits high above the other peaks in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and is known to have some of the worst weather in the world. Yes, the cold wind whips harshly at the top of the highest peak in the northeastern United States, but that didn’t stop the late George Etzweiler. The mountain’s auto…

My adventures of late just haven’t been the same. You see, when I am out on the trail I often instinctively look down by my side at my dog, Peggy. I am used to her being right there with me as we hike through the woods, climb over rock formations (she makes it look so…

As much as I love to get outside for adventure (even in the winter), sometimes when the cold wind blows a little too hard, and when winter sun has already set by the time the work day has ended, I look out my window and say to myself through chattering teeth, “No thanks. I think…

Sometimes, if you travel a little farther than you are used to, you might find something new and worthwhile. For many Centre County residents looking for some outdoor adventure, a trip over Pine Grove Mountain often leads them to Whipple Dam State Park, certainly a fun place for swimming, hiking, and more. But, if you…