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September 2024
Week 18: Spruce Gap, Rothrock State Forest
Centre County, PA
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When you’ve reached the summit and headed north, take a moment to consider the history that has been made on this unassuming mountaintop. From the 100-year old Little Flat Fire Tower, to the first trail clearings initiated by Tom Thwaites and the Penn State Outing Club in 1969, the area surrounding Little Flat has bustled with pioneering adventurers and lovers of the forest. Imagine camping out under the stars, keeping watch for forest fires, or cutting in the first trails that became the 527 km Mid State Trail, the longest footpath in Pennsylvania.
On September 29, join us for this tough but rewarding adventure in Rothrock State Forest. We recommend a day pack to carry water and snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. If you’re not quite ready to tackle Spruce Gap, check out the Rothrock Purple Lizard Map for other nearby, more moderate trails such as Lonberger Path. The Little Flat Fire Tower area is also accessible by car via Laurel Run Road.
Three more Centred Outdoors hikes to go — join us each Sunday between now and October 13! See you on the trails!
The Centred Outdoors Team
adventure@clearwaterconservancy.org
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About Land Conservation
To learn more about our impactful land conservation efforts and how you can contribute to preserving our natural landscapes for future generations, visit ClearWaterConservancy.org/land-conservation.
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This Week with Centred Outdoors | |
Guided Hike at Spruce Gap | |
Sunday, September 29 at 11 a.m. | Climb from the creekside at Galbraith Gap to the top of Little Flat on the challenging Spruce Gap trail. Follow the beautiful stone of Lonberger Path before turning towards Three Bridges Trail. The Spruce Gap ascent is an example of a fall line trail, which presents challenges due to erosion and steep terrain, straight up the mountainside. Reaching the Mid State Trail at the top, turn right to see the Little Flat Fire Tower and descend via Old Laurel Run. | |
Wellness Wednesday: Forest Therapy
at Barrens to Bald Eagle Wildlife Corridor
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Wednesday, October 2 at 6:00 p.m. | |
Registration required. Allow time outdoors to open your senses, awaken your creative potential and deepen your relationship with nature. Register now for Wellness Wednesday: Forest Therapy, led by Anne Marie Nachman, a Certified Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and Programs.
During a Forest Therapy walk, the trained guide uses a clearly defined sequence of events and invitations in partnership with the surrounding natural world. Participants are encouraged to slow down, allow the senses to open, and experience the environment using all of the awakened senses, deepening the reciprocal relationship between participants and the forest. The invitations are open-ended. There is no expectation for how to participate or what you experience or receive. Rather, you spend time in silence, listening and feeling with a quiet and accepting presence.
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Free Transportation
It's easy...and free!
There are two more opportunities this season to catch a ride to one of our guided hikes:
Spruce Gap, September 29
Indian Steps, October 6
Our shuttle van is provided by Cole Transportation, with pickup locations at Westerly Parkway Plaza or North Atherton Walmart in State College, PA. Registration for van seats opens one week prior to each event. Visit our Transportation page for details.
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What to Expect and How to Prepare | |
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Destination
Spruce Gap Trail
Galbraith Gap Parking Area
400 Bear Meadows Rd.
Boalsburg, PA 16827
Guided Outing Date
Sunday, September 29 at 11 a.m.
*End time can vary based on group pace and resting times. Estimate at least 3-4 hours for this hike.
Hike Length and Terrain
- Centred Outdoors Hike Map
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Hike length: 3.8 mi.
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Ascent: 1,100 ft.
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Difficulty: Difficult
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Terrain: Hike begins near Galbraith Gap and becomes very steep at the start of Spruce Gap as you climb straight up to the Mid State Trail. Flat but rocky terrain at the top before descending a rocky Old Laurel Run trail back to the parking area. Wet leaves can cause slipping hazards; trekking poles and sturdy shoes are recommended for balance.
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What To Bring:
See Our Health Tips for a safe and successful outing. We encourage all participants to remember:
- Sturdy footwear is required for this outing; hiking boots will provide extra ankle protection when navigating rocks.
- A full bottle of water, at least 32 oz. per adult
- A light snack to provide energy on the trail
- Trekking poles or walking stick recommended to aid in balance.
- Long pants and/or sleeves, hats or bug nets for insect and tick protection
- Insect spray
- Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
Looking for other places to explore nearby? Check out the Big Flat Natural Area or Bear Meadows Natural Area
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Reserve trekking poles, day packs, and child carriers for use at any Centred Outdoors outing. See our Gear Library!
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Guided Hike at Indian Steps
Sunday, October 6. State College, PA
This is a difficult 4-mile hike which begins with a steep climb from Harrys Valley Road to the Mid State Trail. Consider your own comfort and ability when preparing for this hike.
The Indian Steps trail offers a steep, rocky ascent of Tussey Mountain, where it meets the Mid State Trail at the ridgeline. While the origins and age of this trail remain a mystery, it's likely that the rocky steps were put in place by Civilian Conservation Corps workers. The trail is a convenient access point along the Mid State, providing a path to both Harrys Valley Road to the south, or Kepler Road to the north.
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Make a Sunday hike part of your routine!
There are three more Sunday outings and two Wellness Wednesday programs left in our Season 8 schedule. Add our upcoming events to your calendar and enjoy the beautiful fall weather in Central PA with Centred Outdoors!
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Borrow Gear and Hike Happy!
Trekking poles, child carriers, and day packs are available from our Gear Library for any Centred Outdoors hike. Some of the gear is available without reservation, but if you'd like to reserve an item, visit our Gear Library page and reserve at least 24 hrs. before any outing!
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Sock Sunday
'Tis the season for super comfy socks!
The great folks at Appalachian Outdoors have generously donated these amazing socks from Darn Tough Vermont. Great for any outdoor activity, these socks are made sustainably in the USA and come with a lifetime guarantee!
Two selected winners at each Sunday hike receive a certificate for a free pair of socks that can be redeemed at Appalachian Outdoors, 131 South Allen Street in State College, PA.
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Have You Joined Us This Season? | | |
Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback! | |
Your Experience Matters!
We invite you to participate in our anonymous survey about Centred Outdoors guided hikes and activities. This brief survey helps us communicate our success with grant partners and stake holders and allows us to continue to alter our programming to better serve our community.
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Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy, made possible with financial assistance from an Environmental Stewardship Fund grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Financial assistance for the program is also provided by the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, Richard King Mellon Foundation, and community organizations. | | | | |
