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 points. You will often find people fishing and paddling out on the water.
Yes, Colyer Lake really is a tranquil little spot that is not hard to get to. I suppose that is why so many in the community worked so hard to save the 77-acre lake back in the 2010s.
The lake had been drained in 2014 due to safety issues with the dam. But thanks to a community effort led by former Centre County President Judge Thomas King Kistler, the money was raised to renovate the dam and make it safe again.
The lake re-opened in 2016 and has continued to be a haven for those seeking a little outdoor excursion not far from town. Around the lake, a trail circles the water for all of its 2.6 miles.
The path was originally conceived and built by Judge Kistler’s son Hobart King Kistler back in 2006 as his Eagle Scout service project. The trail was renamed “Hobie’s Trail” in his honor after he tragically lost his life in a car accident in 2021.
There is now also a memorial rock on the trail that states: “His love for the outdoors and this community fueled his desire to make it a better place for all.”
And that seems to be what it is all about, because having access to the lake and the trail all around it really does make this community of ours a better place. I am happy whenever I get the chance to take it all in.
Hobie’s Trail is a gentle 2.6-mile loop, with only slight elevation changes. The path is well groomed and maintained, without the many pestering rocks and roots that trails in nearby Rothrock State Forest are known for. This makes Hobie’s Trail accessible for most folks who are looking to get outside for a nice stroll through the woods.
It was with this in mind that I recently have been making my way out there with my dog, Peggy. As those who read this column often already know, Peggy recently had surgery to address a torn ligament in her knee. After weeks of recovery, she finally healed enough to start building her trail legs back up. But we had to start off slow. Hobie’s Trail around Colyer Lake offered a nice training ground, and she has been so happy to be back out where she belongs.
To get there, head east on Route 322 out of State College. Turn right on Taylor Hill Road and follow it until you hit Lingle Road and turn right. Drive slowly past some houses until you find yourself at the PA Fish and Boat Commission parking lot.
At this access point, you will notice the large dam and spillway and a dock that overlooks the lake. Before setting off for an adventure, make sure you have a map and you know how to read it.
Hobie’s Trail is open to hikers, runners, bikers, and even horseback riders, so it is important to be mindful of others on the trail. Indeed, the trail is a great place for new mountain bike riders to learn how to navigate the woods on two wheels. You will also come across people fishing at different points around the lake.
From the parking lot, I typically choose to take the loop counterclockwise, leaving the more difficult challenge of hiking up and down the dam until the end. This allows Peggy’s knee to warm up (it helps my old knees to warm up, too).
Around the loop, trail markers are placed in half-mile increments to let you know how far you have gone. Going counterclockwise, the first mile of the trail weaves out around some inlets of the lake and has some fun sections that roll up and down along the trail. This kind of trail is extra fun on a bike because it feels like a roller coaster.
In the first mile, you make your way to a nice point where the land juts out into the lake to form a small drop-off; it is a great place to take photos.
Before long, you come across Hobie’s Memorial, which also is facing a nice overlook. The trail continues being engaging as you pass close by a few lakefront properties, including one with arrow signs pointing in the direction of local and national landmarks.
It is important to be mindful of those good neighbors who allow hikers to trek so close to their homes.
Eventually you come to a road that crosses over a stream before quickly coming back on the trail. Following the stream (Peggy likes to swim here), you make your way to the Fish and Boat Commission access area on the back side of the lake. You are bound to see people fishing there on nice days.
Staying on Hobie’s Trail, continue to go around the lake and stream before you come to a bridge with an American flag overhead. Eventually you follow the trail up toward the dam. It is important to stay on the trail, away from the spillway. The trail takes you down past the spillway before crossing over the stream and then back up to the parking lot. You may be tempted to take a shortcut up the dam, but the trail is a gentler grade to reach the top.
As I have been hiking the loop with Peggy during her recovery, she has grown stronger each time. I am grateful to have this and so many options for outdoor adventure in this area. This 2.6-mile loop is open to us all, thanks to Hobie and his dedication to our community. May we all strive to leave a legacy like his. T&G
Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
