 |
|
|
Mount Nittany gives different view of Happy Valley
Mount Nittany gives different view of Happy Valley Mount Nittany is the classic hike for local residents, tourists or returning alumni. It provides exceptional views of State College and surrounding areas from several overlooks. The elevation gain is more than 1,000 feet above downtown State College. From the top of Mount Nittany, you can see Beaver Stadium and the Bryce Jordan Center distinctly. Using these as references, you can figure out the layout below of most of campus and downtown. When a home game is televised, they often show Mount Nittany. If you don't want to watch the game, a hike on the mountain provides a comprehensive view of the spectacle. On game day, the mountain has a circus atmosphere with views of a packed stadium and colorful parking areas. The stadium announcements and cheering crowd are surprisingly audible from the mountaintop. There is one primary trail that leads to the top of Mount Nittany. It's steep, but well worth the effort. Several blazed trails circle the top of the mountain which is relatively flat. Much of the land is open for public use, but private land does enclose the mountaintop. Please respect the private property signs. By following the blazed trails, those marked with blue and white paint, you can hike to many great viewpoints. The entire loop is about 6 miles. If you follow the trail the full distance you will find views from all sides of Mount Nittany. It is a big loop -- simply hike to the top and turn right, following the perimeter trail around the whole mountain. Looking west, you see town and campus. As you walk around the front of the mountain, the trail offers views south into Boalsburg. You can see the ski slopes on Tussey Mountain and look across Penns Valley. There is a secret valley on the top of Mount Nittany which is a nature preserve. Many deer trails crisscross this flat area, and a few old roads can be found. As you traverse this valley, you completely forget State College and get lost in the quiet wilderness. Soon you will reach the northern views overlooking the Nittany Mall and Rockview Correctional Institute. You can see the rooftops of Bellefonte. The trail leads back to the western edge which is our common viewpoint from State College. Penn State's Lions Paw Alumni Association bought 525 acres on top of Mount Nittany in 1945. The Mount Nittany Conservancy has acquired an additional 300 acres since it was founded in 1981. Its goal is to own or manage all available land between 1,300 and 2,200 feet, essentially the top of the mountain, to protect it from commercial development and retain public access. Restricting the "visual pollution" of commercial development is a crucial part of land conservation. One can only speculate how many people would like to develop Mount Nittany into a commercial venture. Luckily, many alumni and local residents support preserving this natural landmark. Anyone can support the Mount Nittany Conservancy by joining it. A $25 contribution includes a subscription to the conservancy's newsletter which keeps supporters informed about the organization's activities. You can also "own" a piece of the mountain by purchasing a 1-square-inch parcel of land for $75. For more information contact the Mount Nittany Conservancy , PO Box 296, State College, Pa., 16804. Directions Take East College Avenue (state Route 26) to the Lemont exit and Elmwood Street. At the light in Lemont (there's only one) turn left, then right on Mount Nittany Road. Follow this to the end. The main trail begins here and takes about 30 minutes to walk to the summit. PS: Read more about this area in Jean Aron's book The Short Hiker - Small Green Circles. |
|
