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Shingletown Gap
Explore Shingletown Gap Shingletown Gap is one of the most heavily used access points to Rothrock State Forest. It is within four miles of downtown State College, which makes it a popular destination for a quick hike or bike ride. Despite the sheer volume of traffic this area receives, it remains a beautiful and enjoyable place to explore. Many folks choose to use this area because of the popularity; it affords a certain comfort in knowing you aren’t all alone in the woods. Shingletown is a great place to explore with kids. Many people are content to simply hike in a few hundred yards and relax by the stream. Those with more ambition can continue further. This is a favorite place for dog owners, as a short hike for a person can afford a long hike for a curious canine. On many evenings Shingletown becomes a dog lover’s paradise with many different breeds running amuck. The social aspect is equally enjoyable for dogs and owners. The stream offers a consistent water source for thirsty dogs, but people should bring their own drinking water. A Gap is a geographic term for a break in the ridge: over time water has eroded a channel from the ridgetop to the present day level. Gaps are unique because they allow different species of plants to prosper, most notably are the tall pines and lush ferns. Gaps are also the easiest place for humans to enter the forest because the trails parallel the streams along a lesser grade. Shingletown Gap has many trails open for hiking and mountain bike use: most are relatively smooth and easy to follow. Some are pure rock and go straight up the side of the mountain. Several trails in Shingletown Gap can be used to reach the Mid-State Trail, which runs along the top of the ridge and eventually reaches the Little Flat tower. The downside to Shingletown’s popularity can be seen in the many fire rings and camping areas. Most of these are not legal sites because much of Shingletown Gap is posted as a ‘day use only’ area. It is confusing because the lower part of Shingletown Gap is owned by the Water Authority and the upper section by Rothrock State Forest. Some private land is also adjacent. Please respect the posted signage. The environmental damage caused by uneducated campers is apparent in these high impact sites. The unfortunate remains of live trees, often cut down at waist height for impromptu fires, are testimonial to the wrong way to make a camp. Some good can come of these sites if people can learn to recognize them as such, and realize that camping in the outdoors is better done with a ‘Leave No Trace’ philosophy. There are many trails in Shingletown Gap to explore and they can be a bit confusing. The easiest way to get to know the area is by sticking to the main trail, which parallels the stream. In places this is an old road and in other places a simple footpath. Several side trails offer different options but can get confusing if you don’t have a strong sense of direction. The easiest way to navigate is by the stream. It always runs downhill and it leads to the parking lot. With that in mind you can explore the side trails and rely on gravity to guide you back to the stream. The popularity of the area also means you may find other hikers; in which case you can always ask for directions. When you go:
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