Sunday Drives in the Woods

Sunday Drives in the Woods

By Michael Hermann; Lizard Tracks, Centre Daily Times, July 13, 1998

When I talk of the treasures in Rothrock State Forest many local residents look at me curiously. "Where is that?" they ask. Rothrock State Forest encompasses over 90,000 acres between State College, Lewistown and Huntingdon. The forest is easily accessible from State College within minutes. It contains three State Parks, two Natural Areas, one Wild Area and is traversed by the Mid-State Trail. Within its borders are countless hiking trails and mountain springs.

One of the many qualities of Rothrock State Forest is the road surfaces. The average passenger car is quite capable of traversing these well maintained gravel roads. This allows for carefree Sunday drives through the forest. Exploring by automobile is the best way to orient yourself with the diverse environments of Rothrock.

When I have visitors that want to see the rugged forests of Central Pennsylvania I take them on a thirty mile loop through Rothrock. This drive takes 90 minutes if you can keep the tour automobile based, which is a near impossibility. Everyone wants to get out and explore these places so they usually become half or full day excursions. I recommend bringing some sandwiches and juice, especially if you have a carload of kids.

As you enter the forest on Stone Creek Road the leaf canopy shields you from the sun and the temperature drops. You wish you had a convertible. Soon you reach a sign to Penn Roosevelt State Park. Follow the dirt road for a mile and you'll discover the smallest State Park in the forest. A stone dam creates a small lake surrounded by picnic tables, grills and restrooms. A trail winds around the dam and children will delight in the waterfalls under the spillway. The fish and frogs are easy to spot but harder to catch. There is a small camping area perfect for an overnight mini-vacation. Stretch your legs here for a while and then head back to Stone Creek Road.

Stone Creek Road continues into Alan Seeger Natural Area. Pull into the gravel parking area on the left. The 500 year old Hemlocks tower above the confluence of Stone Creek and Detweiler Run. There is a short interpretive foot path through the thick Hemlock and Rhododendron complete with bridges and informative signs. This trail is perfect for kids to explore. You can expect the loop to take a half hour with youngsters looking under every rock and leaf. Covered picnic tables, iron grills and restrooms make this an ideal lunch spot.

A few miles along Bear Meadows Road (gravel surface) and you'll arrive at Bear Meadows Natural Area. This prehistoric bog is worth exploring. Take a few minutes to walk to the observation deck visible from the parking area. Here you can look across the vast expanse of dense foliage that make up this unique bog. Botanists and berry pickers will want to spend all day here. There are several trails in this area, including one that circles the entire bog, but that is another adventure.

Continue on Bear Meadows Road as it becomes paved and connects with Rt. 322.

This drive can take as little as one hour (if you don't leave the car) or you can make a day of it. It is beautiful in any weather and any season. If you're the type of family that enjoys a little mud, it can turn a rainy Saturday into the summers best event.

State College is surrounded by vast amounts of public use lands which offer limitless adventure and recreation. Many local maps and guidebooks can open these opportunities for you. Please remember your actions affect all user groups. Pick up trash others leave behind. Practice random acts of kindness. The forest is for everyone to enjoy in their own way. Be smart, be safe and leave no trace.
Directions: Rt. 322 East to Potters Mills and over Seven Mountains. Stone Creek Road is located immediately after the runaway truck ramp on the right. There is a brown sign denoting Penn Roosevelt State Park. It goes to Alan Seeger Natural Area, where it meets Bear Meadows Road, which returns to Rt. 322 in Boalsburg.

Michael Hermann is the founder of Purple Lizard Maps and has been exploring Centre County since 1979.