The Mt. Nittany Loop hike near State College, Pennsylvania is a moderate 5.2-mile loop trail that features a challenging mountain climb and several overlooks and vistas including a stunning view of Happy Valley.
This is an iconic hike if you are in the State College area. The Mike Lynch Overlook is the gem of the hike with amazing views of Happy Valley, but there are a total of 6 overlooks along the blue blazed trail. While the overlooks are the main focus of this hike, the entire trail system is beautiful, and not to be missed. The blue blazed loop is the longer loop, but there are some options up top to shorten the hike if you aren't up for the whole thing.
Difficulty
I kept the difficulty as "moderate", although some will no doubt find the initial clime from the trailhead to be quite challenging. You'll climb about 600 feet in just over 1/2 mile. The trail is rocky and steep, reaching 20% grade in several places. Once you move past the initial climb, the rest of the hike is fairly flat.
Blaze Color
This trail follows blue blazes.
Parking
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided, adjacent to the trailhead.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed.
This is an iconic hike if you are in the State College area. The Mike Lynch Overlook is the gem of the hike with amazing views of Happy Valley, but there are a total of 6 overlooks along the blue blazed trail. While the overlooks are the main focus of this hike, the entire trail system is beautiful, and not to be missed. The blue blazed loop is the longer loop, but there are some options up top to shorten the hike if you aren't up for the whole thing.
Difficulty
I kept the difficulty as "moderate", although some will no doubt find the initial clime from the trailhead to be quite challenging. You'll climb about 600 feet in just over 1/2 mile. The trail is rocky and steep, reaching 20% grade in several places. Once you move past the initial climb, the rest of the hike is fairly flat.
Blaze Color
This trail follows blue blazes.
Parking
Hikers will find parking at the coordinates provided, adjacent to the trailhead.
Pets
Dogs are allowed if leashed.
