Black Moshannon Star Mill Trail

Overlooks Aplenty in Centre County

By Michael Hermann; Centre Daily Times, tourism special edition, 1999

Centre County residents are fortunate to have access to so many scenic overlooks. The nature of ridge and valley geography means if you get on top of the ridges, chances are good you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of the valleys. Here’s a quick guide to half a dozen scenic overlooks that will knock your socks off. Three are accessible by auto and three you’ll have to hike to.

The easiest and most accessible overlook is Jo Hays Vista on Rt. 26 above Pine Grove Mills. The Centre and Huntingdon County lines run along Tussey Mountain and pass through this overlook. From Jo Hays Vista all of State College and Penn State is visible. This is a neat overlook to visit on a clear night when the city lights sparkle below. Directions: Rt. 26 south of Pine Grove Mills, parking area at top of mountain.

For a less urban view you can drive to the Greenwood Furnace Lookout Tower. This former fire tower offers great views of the Seven Mountains area. The tower is a short and flat walk from the road. If you’re afraid of heights this won’t be a good choice because the narrow staircase goes over 50 feet up. But along the way you’ll rise above the trees and get a birds eye view. Directions: Junction of Seeger Rd and Broad Mountain Rd (both dirt roads), park by the gate. Located between Alan Seeger and Greenwood Furnace in Rothrock State Forest.

For a stunning view of Penns Valley you must visit Penns View in Bald Eagle State Forest. This overlook has been attracting visitors for centuries and it’s not uncommon to find Amish buggies parked here. You’ll look down upon Penns Creek and the quaint village of Coburn, with Penns Valley opening up in the distance. Directions: From State College follow Rt. 45 east. About 5 miles after Spring Mills follow signs to Poe Valley State Park and/or Poe Paddy Picnic Area. Cross Penns Creek on the Millheim Pike and head up the mountain. Turn left on Pine Swamp Road and left on Poe Paddy Drive. Penns View is at the top of the ridge. Signs are sparse so you should take a good map for this one.If you prefer to earn your vistas and enjoy a short hike the following spots will be rewarding. The classic State College hike is the southern overlook on Mount Nittany. This view overlooks the town of Lemont and Beaver Stadium is the prominent icon below. There is a circular trail on the top of Mount Nittany that has six different overlooks along a four mile loop. The path is blazed and easy to follow. Once you get on top of Mount Nittany you’ll be surprised how flat and expansive the mountain is. The trailhead begins at the end of Mount Nittany Rd in Lemont, plan on 30 minutes to hike to the top.

For a great view of Mount Nittany from the other side of the valley I recommend visiting the Little Flat Lookout Tower. Similar to the Greenwood Furnace Tower, this former fire tower is perched above Boalsburg and the Tussey Mountain Ski Area. It offers views of Mount Nittany and Penns Valley, as well as the Seven Mountain region. It is accessible by foot or bicycle by following a gated dirt road for one mile from Laurel Run Rd. Directions: Enter Rothrock State Forest after Tussey Mountain Ski Area, follow Laurel Run Rd to the top of the mountain. Follow the gated road on left just after the summit.

A more challenging hike will provide a more rewarding vista when you discover the Hawk Platform along the Link Trail near Greenwood Furnace State Park. Perhaps the most comfortable overlook in the region, this wooden deck is complete with bench seat and railing. The path to it is rocky but short: less than a mile. The stunning view encompasses most of the Kishacoquillas Valley to the south. Directions: From Greenwood Furnace State Park turn left to the campground entrance. Turkey Hill Road is on the left. Follow to the end (5 miles), turn left on Allensville Road. In 1.5 miles look for the orange blazes and small parking area on left. This is the trailhead. To reach more viewpoints by auto continue on Allensville Road another half mile to summit. You can get a free map from the Visitors Center.

You can be standing at any of these overlooks in less than an hour from State College so they make wonderful impromtu adventures. You’ll want to visit each one as the fall colors emerge over the next month. The drive and/or hike to the overlooks are just as much fun as the view itself so get out there and do it!