October 2025 - Centred Outdoors
Musser Gap & Fall Wellness at Rhoneymeade
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🍂 Fall Adventure Hike at Musser Gap
Sunday, October 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Our final hike of the 2025 season takes us to Musser Gap, one of Rothrock State Forest’s most scenic gateways. The forest and farmland you’ll see here were permanently protected back in 2007 when ClearWater Conservancy worked with the DCNR Bureau of Forestry to conserve this 423-acre property. The land protects an important groundwater recharge area for our community and provides vital wildlife habitat.
This year brought an exciting new chapter to Musser Gap, with the Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA) completing the first phase of a new, sustainably built trail system—7.5 miles of fresh adventures connecting even more people to Rothrock. On October 12, we’ll be joined by Jay Ziegler, Chair of RTA, as we explore parts of these new trails along with familiar paths for a 4.3-mile loop from the Musser Gap Trailhead. Expect a steady climb and rocky sections—plus the encouragement and support of our Centred Outdoors guides every step of the way! Wearing fluorescent orange is recommended and we'll have a few vests available to borrow.
🌿 Wellness Wednesday: Medicinal Plants
Wednesday, October 15 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Registration Required
Join herbalist and educator Jennifer Tucker for an evening walk to discover the plants that call our region home. Jennifer will share stories, folklore, and traditional uses of local plants and trees as we stroll through peaceful natural space together. This relaxed, engaging program is a wonderful way to slow down and connect with nature as the season winds to a close.
🌕 Looking Ahead: Winter with Centred Outdoors
Even as the days grow shorter, we’re not done exploring! Starting in January 2026, Centred Outdoors will keep you connected to nature all winter long with:
✨ Winter Wellness programs to nurture mind and body
🎙️ Speaker Series featuring outdoor experts and community voices
🌕 Full Moon & walks under the stars
❄️ Outdoor Free Play Days for kids and families
There’s always something happening in our Centred Outdoors community—and we can’t wait to see you there! Thank you for making this season one to remember. We’re so grateful to share these trails, stories, and connections to nature with you!
The Centred Outdoors Team
Questions? Reply to this email or send to: info@centredoutdoors.org
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Important Reminder: Hunting Seasons in PA
Autumn marks the return of a variety of Pennsylvania hunting seasons, including new Sunday hunting days. All users of the forest should wear fluorescent orange (and bring some for your dogs, too!) so you’re visible while enjoying the trail.
| | Fall Adventure Hike: Musser Gap | | |
Musser Gap
with Jay Ziegler, Chair of Rothrock Trail Alliance
October 12, 11:00 AM
On Google Maps: Musser Gap Trail Parking Area, Route 45/Shingletown Rd., State College, PA.
Our Fall Adventure Hikes are recommended for experienced hikers who want to discover new or more challenging trails.
Hike Distance: 4.31 mi.
Elevation Gain: 764 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Hike Trail Map
The landscape along the Musser Gap Trail is memorable in all four seasons. The 423-acre property was purchased by Clearwater Conservancy and transferred to DCNR Bureau of Forestry in 2007 in order to protect an important groundwater recharge area for the community as well as vital wildlife habitat. Construction of new, more sustainable trails began in 2025. On July 10th, the Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA) welcomed community members, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, PA DCNR officials, and project supporters to announce the grand opening of the first phase (7.5 miles) of this ambitious trail system expansion in Rothrock State Forest.
Joining us on October 12 will be Jay Ziegler, Chair of the Rothrock Trail Alliance. The hike will incorporate portions of the new trails to make a 4.31 mile loop from the Musser Gap parking area. The elevation gain is 764 ft; the first part of the hike will be a steady climb with some rocky sections. This is our final guided hike of the 2025 season!
How To Prepare:
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Wearing fluorescent orange for visibility is recommended—we'll have a few extra vests to borrow
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Sturdy footwear is necessary for this outing.
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Trekking poles are helpful on this trail. Reserve a pair from our Gear Library.
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A filled 32 oz. water bottle per person is recommended for this outing
- Sunscreen and insect protection recommended for all outings
All programs are held rain or shine. Cancellations for severe weather or unhealthy conditions will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
| | | Wellness Wednesdays at Rhoneymeade | | |
Wellness Wednesday: Medicinal Plants
Led by Jennifer Tucker
October 15, 6:00 PM
On Google Maps: Rhoneymeade, 177 Rimmey Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828
Registration is required. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early so the program can begin promptly at 6 p.m.
Let’s explore what the plants have to say as we walk together, identifying plants and trees in different habitats. Along the way, we will learn the medicinal traditions and folklore histories of the plants that we meet.
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About Our Presenter:
Jennifer Anne Tucker earned a BFA and MFA in photography from Penn State and met her herbal mentors, Evelyn Snook, Bill Russell and Keith Wilson in the early 1970’s. To this day Jennifer works at the intersection of diverse practices in herbalism, photography, teaching, consulting, yoga, shamanism, ethnobotany, and writing. She is the author of Evelyn’s Way: Cleansing and Nourishing with Plants (jennifer-tucker.com), a workbook of herbal remedies and practices devoted to the teachings of Evelyn Snook. Jennifer is co-founder of the annual Hawthorn Botanical Gathering at Rhoneymeade.
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Wellness Wednesdays are part of Centred Outdoors' efforts to offer equitable opportunities for outdoor recreation at nearby natural spaces. The series highlights paths to wellness, engages the community, and includes local partners.
All programs are held rain or shine. In the event of a cancellation (for severe weather or due to low registration), registrants will be contacted by email and/or phone, and it will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
| | | Previously at Centred Outdoors | |
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On Sunday, October 5, participants gathered in Rothrock State Forest for a Walk in Penn’s Woods hike along the scenic Keith Spring Trail in the Big Flat Laurel Natural Area. Thomas Allison, Environmental Education Specialist from the Pennsylvania DCNR led the walk, joined by Bella Petitta of ClearWater Conservancy and Olivia Stas from Centred Outdoors. Together, they guided participants across rocky forest terrain, sharing insights about forest ecology and this unique Wild and Natural Area. Although the originally scheduled Yellow Arrow Trail hike was cancelled due to unsafe trail conditions, hikers enjoyed a beautiful fall day exploring this moderate 2.1-mile route to the Bear Meadows Vista.
Walk in Penn’s Woods, held statewide on the first Sunday in October, invites people to experience and learn about the forests that enhance our well-being—providing recreation, wildlife habitat, clean water and air, beauty, and the many natural benefits that sustain life in Pennsylvania.
Top Photo Cr.: Thomas Allison, DCNR
| | | | Mount Nittany Health Tips | | Have You Joined Us This Season? | | |
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We invite you to provide feedback anytime about Centred Outdoors guided hikes and activities. Your feedback 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.
Thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable feedback!
| | | | Awe For All from Centred Outdoors | | |
Hike Comfortably!
The right gear can make your time outdoors safer and more enjoyable. To reserve trekking poles, child carriers, day packs, or rain jackets for use during Centred Outdoors outings, please email info@centredoutdoors.org
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Be a Jr. Naturalist!
Kids can join any Centred Outdoors outing and borrow one of our Jr. Naturalist toolkits to take on the adventure. Inside you'll find all the tools and guides you need to be a real Naturalist. Ask at the check-in table at least 10-15 minutes before any Centred Outdoors guided outing!
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Centred Outdoors is committed to addressing and lowering the barriers to outdoor programming to ensure that people of all identities and abilities have access to opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in a way that is comfortable, safe, and fun. By providing resources such as hiking gear and free transportation, we can support healthy communities and the growth of more diverse participation in the conservation movement. | | | | | |
Win a pair of Darn Tough Vermont socks!
Sponsored by Appalachian Outdoors. Participants who attend our Sunday Guided Outings can be entered to win a pair of these high-quality socks. Be sure to sign in before the event!
Participants can win once per season. Certificate for socks must be redeemed at Appalachian Outdoors within two weeks of winning.
| | Pick Up a Season 9 Passport | | |
Our Season 9 Passport is available from the ClearWater Conservancy office, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Appalachian Outdoors, and many other local businesses and organizations!
The Passport contains information about the Destinations we're visiting this year. It's an evergreen guide, meant to provide you with inspiration for your next outdoor adventure.
You can also download the Passport from our website. Join us in making the outdoors a regular part of your routine and exploring Central PA with us, or on your own!
| | Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy made possible with financial assistance from the Environmental Stewardship Fund Grand from the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Financial assistance is also provided by the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, The M&T Charitable Foundation, and community organizations. | | | | |
