This trail is very well marked and maintained. I'm a big hiker and love to explore trails when visiting new places. The white and blue trails are marked with signs noting stations, distance, and steepness (topography maps show lines close together for steep areas and farther away for more flat) I stuck to the white trail for the energy I had in me that day, but like that you could go in and out of each to see overlooks or get more exercise depending on what you want. Very 'choose your own adventure'! The beginning part is a big steep, but not long or unbearable. Overall great place! read more

Mount Nittany - Trail distances and notes - Parks Near Me - Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

Loved this hike. First thing to note: the white trail is MUCH easier than the blue. Blue has a lot of steep uphill that's rocky, and can be tough especially with a pet. Take white on your first time. You can also do a loop and take both. The view is great, and the trail is well looked after. Signage is marked and trail is easy to follow. There are a few fallen trees, but nothing that makes it uncrossable. Recommend bug spray, water, and great shoes. read more

Mount Nittany - View near the top of the path - Parks Near Me - Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

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Hiking Mount Nittany should always top your Happy Valley bucket list! The parking lot may be packed on the weekends so try to go early or on a weekday if possible during the school year. The trail to the top is not long, however it is fairly steep. There are several "flatter" trails at the top of the mountain if you'd like to extend your hike a bit further before heading back down. The overlook view at the top is very picturesque and you can see most of Happy Valley's famous landmarks on a clear day. read more

Mount Nittany - Overlook at the top - Parks Near Me - Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

This mountain is not for inexperienced hikers. Know what you're signing up for. Much of the trail is large flat rocks on an incline. I almost tripped several times. My shoes were destroyed. On the flat ground the trail is so narrow you have to brush against plants. And bugs. Pleanty of gnats and daddy long leggers. On the mountain there's not a single bathroom or access to water. Yes the views are fantastic but not worth the hassle. read more

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My 100th review and how appropriate that this is a review of Mount Nittany (and on Earth Day too). If you were/are a student at PSU, chances are you trekked these trails and will probably visit it again during a return trip into the area. And if your are a local, like me, we are soo fortunate to have this in our backyard. Hiked the white trail the other day. April is still a little too early to appreciate the foliage that is to appear later in summer but the cooler weather made for an enjoyable hike. read more

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a friend of mine is working on his PhD at Penn State, and a group of us visited him for the weekend. initial weather forecasts of rain changed, so we lucked out and were able to get in a good hike on Mount Nittany. well-marked trails with sections that are challenging but fun. great views of the area when you get to the lookout points. there weren't that many people on Saturday, but I understand that on busier days it can get packed. bring some water and strap on good shoes. it's worth it. my quads are still sore AF... read more

Mount Nittany - Do it. Get on my level. - Parks Near Me - Boalsburg, Pennsylvania

If you've spent more than 1-day in Happy Valley, you've probably heard of Mt. Nittany. The trailhead parking space can fit perhaps 8-vehicles comfortably before you have to park directly along the road, it's a tight fit if you have to park along the road but I've personally never seen a ton of overflow. Having said that, avoid the real busy times like the football weekends, back to school and graduation week since a lot of alum, family, students and tourists visiting the area want to hike it so they can proudly say they were on Mt. Nittany. Most people who visit take the "White Trail" heading straight to the view overlooking the university campus. Make sure you have a good pair of comfortable broken in shoes, preferably something that has good grip (don't necessarily need a pair of heavy duty hiking shoes, a pair of good running/walking shoes will work). The trail has a lot of rocks varying in size, some are loose. Make sure you have a good footing and be extra careful when it's wet. Don't expect a pristine trail when you visit Mt. Nittany, the trails aren't terrible but close to it. I'd rate it 1 1/2 out of 5. It's not that bad once you get to the top and start walking on level ground but the ascent and descent is a pain, especially with the relatively steep gradient. Bring water and avoid hot days, if you forget your water and/or hike on a hot day--you're not going to be a happy visitor by the time you get back to the trailhead. Take a camera, take shots of your group and enjoy the view. Just be smart about it. read more

There are a few different trailheads leading to the top. The fastest, most direct trail is very very steep and takes less than an hour. I suggest wearing hiking boots since most of the hike is over loose rocks and requires a little bit of concentration to ensure you have good footing. Be extremely cautious on the way back down! We had 2 or 3 people fall on the way down (no injuries!). Its a fun hike, just use caution. read more

Mount Nittany is definitely an experience that any Penn Stater or visitor of the area should knock off their bucket list. Combined with beautiful scenery and trails of all difficulties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Popular spots include the overlooks of the Penn State campus and Happy Valley. The area can become crowded at times, but with a little planning and willingness to go off the beaten path you can easily find a place of your own. Bring some water, good outdoor shoes, and have some fun out there. read more

this is my backyard as I live on the mountain. Please students dont leave your trash in the beautiful nature. Wear bright colors in fall as for some reason hunting on the public trails is allowed. read more