Hike Big Valley Vista

Big Valley Vista

By Michael Hermann; Lizard Tracks, Centre Daily Times, August 26, 1999

A rest stop along Rt. 322 is an unlikely place to find interpretive nature trails. Except when the highway cuts across state forest land. On top of Seven Mountains, Rt. 322 is flanked by Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. The Seven Mountains Nature Trail, as well as a link to the Mid-State Trail, begin from this westbound rest stop. Another bonus is easy access to the Big Valley Vista, a concrete and stone overlook that sits on the southern edge of Long Mountain at an elevation of 2300 feet.

A sharp eye can spot the overlook from Rt. 322, traveling towards State College, crossing the Lewistown reservoir. A small notch in the hillside, almost on top of the ridge, marks its location. Observant drivers may also notice the Mid-State Trail sign on the right as they crest the hill. The trail crosses Rt. 322 as it follows the Long Mountain ridgetop. The westbound rest area is a convenient parking lot for hikers to begin or end a journey.

For most Centre County residents the rest area is too close to home to warrant a stop. I drove there on a Sunday afternoon to get in a quick hike and visit the overlook. The divided highway makes access impossible for eastbound drivers. I continued to the Milroy exit and turned around, allowing westbound access to the rest area.

A large wooden sign at the parking area shows the trail routes. A black mailbox, several yards away, provides free trail brochures. The Seven Mountains Nature Trail is clearly marked with yellow blazes along a half mile loop. This is an interpretive trail which means there are specific stations to stop and learn about the environment. The stations are numbered and the free brochure has detailed information about each location. Twelve interpretive stations are on the half mile loop.

I really enjoy walking interpretive trails like this. They teach people to stop and see things they would ordinarily miss. They provide a learning environment for young and old, as each station focuses on a particular plant, rock or habitat. The trail enters a timbered area to explain tree sales and reforestation efforts. It also explores a wetland, a clearcut area and a wildlife habitat–all within a half mile.
Individual trees are marked, such as Red Maple, Eastern Hemlock and White Oak, to help educate people about their characteristics and uses. The brochure explains many different aspects of these trees and the areas they inhabit.

I enjoyed the Nature Trail, but its location by the highway left a lot to be desired. Hearing the constant drone of big trucks laboring over the mountain was in sharp contrast to a nature trail experience. As rest stop trails go, it has to be one of the best I’ve ever walked. I imagine it has provided a rewarding experience for travelers who stop to stretch their legs and discover it.

I left the Nature Trail and followed the blue blazed trail to the ridgetop. This is a short but steep hike to the MST. Within a hundred yards I startled a young white tail deer, who bounded away through a field of ferns. As I paused to watch its path, I realized the traffic noise had diminished considerably.

Within ten minutes I was on top of the ridge and joined the MST. I began hiking to the overlook when I surprised a flock of turkeys. A half dozen of the large birds took flight through the forest. I’m always amazed when I see turkeys fly - it’s not the most graceful act to witness. But they can and do fly, with great ruckus, somehow weaving a path through the thick branches as they make a none-too-subtle escape.
A few minutes later I was sitting comfortably at the Big Valley Vista. This isn’t simply an overlook, it’s a structure of stone, concrete and wood. Oddly out of place, it seems, from the simple footpath of the MST. The side path to the overlook is a smooth gravel path and a staircase built of railroad ties. The view is one of the best and a comfortable perch to enjoy it from is appreciated.

From the overlook I could see most of the Lewistown reservoir shimmering in the late afternoon sun. Mirror-like reflections bounced off the trucks as they made their way towards Harrisburg. The town of Milroy was visible even though two ridgetops lay between us. I was on the highest ridge which provided an unobstructed view several valleys to the south.

My thoughts returned to the overlook itself and I wondered just who carried in these building materials. The answer is found in the trail brochure. It credits several resources including the US Army Reserve for airlifting building materials by helicopter to the site. Even with mechanical assistance it took many strong backs to build the overlook. Those credits go to the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry. The Mifflin County Conservation District and Mid-State Resource Conservation and Development Council made it happen.

I could still see and hear the sounds of traffic buzzing on Rt. 322 a thousand feet below me. But as I sat on the overlook it seemed to be a relatively small corridor through the larger expanse of wild forest we call Seven Mountains. It appears to be the only route a highway could follow and I imagine will remain the only route for a very long time. As a hiker, I turned my back to the highway and disappeared into the forest again.

When you go: The Seven Mountains Rest Area is only accessible from the westbound lane of Rt. 322. Eastbound travelers must use the Milroy Exit to turn around.

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