Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest trail kicks off a 50-mile concept

From Pa. DCNR

State College, Pa. — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined trail volunteers and local officials on July 11 to officially open the first 7.5-mile stretch of the new Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, Centre County.

The opening marks a significant step toward developing approximately 50 new miles of sustainable trails that will connect communities and provide outdoor adventure in Centre and Huntingdon counties.

DCNR invested $2.4 million in land acquisitions, trail development, and extending the Musser Gap Trail. This effort is made possible through key partnerships with the Rothrock Trail Alliance, ClearWater Conservancy, local governments, The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and other private supporters.

The long-term vision is a 50-mile loop system of natural-surface, sustainable biking, hiking, and equestrian paths that connect with hundreds of existing miles of trails throughout Rothrock State Forest.

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Sustainable trails are designed to minimize environmental impact, resist erosion, and reduce maintenance needs, while providing a safe, enjoyable experience and balancing long-term ecological health, climate resilience, and economic and recreational sustainability.

“The Musser Gap Trail is a powerful example of what we can achieve when passionate communities, public agencies, and local organizations come together with a shared vision,” said Dunn.

“Investing in sustainable trails like this connects people to nature and strengthens Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation economy.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted by Rothrock Trail Alliance, marked the completion of Phase 1 and the start of Phase 2, which will add another 11 miles of trail.

The event included remarks from Secretary Dunn and other state and local officials, announcements of trail names, and updates on future trail development plans, including extensions toward Whipple Dam and Greenwood Furnace state parks.

The 7.5-mile Phase 1 trail, constructed by DirtSculpt and now open to the public, connects the Musser Gap Trailhead to Pine Swamp Road. A soft opening and trail naming contest launched in mid-June, engaging local trail users and the community.

Construction of Phase 2 began on June 4 by Appalachian Dirt. It will extend the trail by 11 miles from Hubler Gap toward Whipple Dam State Park, continuing the vision of connecting communities through outdoor recreation.

“The Centre County commissioners want to thank the governor and DCNR staff for seeing the value of this project, which will extend the Musser Gap trails by dozens of miles, making attractions spread throughout Rothrock State Forest more accessible for our outdoor-loving community,” said Centre County Board of Commissioners Chair Mark Higgins.

“We want to encourage the public to come out and take advantage of these developments. Hit the hiking trails for the first time or refamiliarize yourself with old paths that have been extended.”

Rothrock Trail Alliance is excited to open the first 7.5 miles of trail to the public, according to Jay Ziegler, president of the group.

“We are thankful we have community and government support for this large-scale natural surface trail infrastructure project,” he said.

“Our alliance is looking forward continuing and fulfilling the goals of commonwealth’s 2018 trail assessment of Rothrock State Forest and bringing sustainable trails and recreational connectivity to the surrounding areas.”

Musser Gap is poised to become one of Happy Valley’s must-do hiking destinations, said Edward Stoddard, communications director for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

The views are stunning in every season, and the trail offers a perfect mix of challenge and accessibility for visitors and locals alike. Just minutes from downtown State College, it’s a rare opportunity to feel totally immersed in nature while still being close to the communities of Boalsburg, Pine Grove Mills and State College.