If you’ve been looking for a getaway that blends small-town charm with forest adventures and delicious food, Happy Valley in Central Pennsylvania checks every box. Tucked around State College, PA, in Happy Valley, you can hike to hidden waterfalls, sip local brews, and wake up to the sound of birds singing.
This 4-day Happy Valley itinerary will help you make the most of your time visiting Centre County, Pennsylvania. It’s packed with stunning trails, gluten-free-friendly restaurants, and a few spots you’d probably never stumble on without this guide. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or stretching it into a longer getaway, this travel guide gives you everything you need to explore Happy Valley with confidence.
How to Get to Happy Valley
Happy Valley is tucked right in the Center of Pennsylvania, making it surprisingly easy to reach from several major cities. Whether you’re coming in for a long weekend or road-tripping through the region, here’s what travel looks like from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City.
- From Pittsburgh (about 2.5–3 hours, ~140 miles)
Head east on I-376 to US-22, then connect with I-99 north straight into State College. It’s a scenic drive through the Allegheny Mountains, with plenty of beautiful views along the way. - From Philadelphia (about 3.5–4 hours, ~190 miles)
Take I-76 west (the PA Turnpike) toward Harrisburg, then hop on US-322 west toward State College. You’ll roll past farmland and wide valleys before climbing into the ridge lines that surround Happy Valley. - From New York City (about 4.5–5 hours, ~250 miles)
The most straightforward route is I-80 west across New Jersey and Pennsylvania, then south on US-220/I-99 into Bellefonte and State College. It’s a longer drive, but a good option if you’re looking to escape the city chaos and get into the mountains for some quiet time.
Flying? University Park Airport (SCE) is located in State College, offering daily connections to hubs such as Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Chicago. It’s a small airport, but super convenient if you’d rather skip the drive.
When is the Best Time to Visit Centre County?
Is there really a best time to visit Happy Valley? Probably not, it’s beautiful in every season. My best advice is to determine what activities you’re interested in and decide when to visit based on that. I personally visited in late springHere’s a quick breakdown to help you plan the right trip for your style:
- Spring
Wildflowers pop along the trails, trout fishing kicks off in spots like Fisherman’s Paradise, and waterfalls like Yost Run are usually flowing strongly from snowmelt and heavy rains. Farmers’ markets and orchards start coming back to life during this time, and the weather is cool but comfortable for long hikes. - Summer
Black Moshannon is perfect for swimming, paddling, or hiking, long daylight hours mean you can pack in bike rides at Tussey Mountain or an afternoon baseball game, and still catch sunset over the wetlands. Festivals and events fill State College and Bellefonte, and patios at breweries and cafés are buzzing. - Fall
Fall is the showstopper in Happy Valley. The forests around Black Moshannon and Spring Creek Canyon explode with color, making hikes absolutely breathtaking. Apple picking and pumpkin patches at farms like Way Fruit Farm and Tate Farm are in full swing, and cooler weather makes it perfect for cozying up by the fire after a day exploring. - Winter
Things slow down, but there’s a quiet beauty here in winter. Black Moshannon transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even ice fishing. Downtown Bellefonte sparkles with holiday lights and State College’s cozy cafés make it a great base for a peaceful getaway.
Where to Stay in Happy Valley, Pennsylvania
If you’re planning an escape to Happy Valley, staying at Black Moshannon State Park is one of the best ways to really enjoy the area’s natural beauty. The park offers several lodging options from modern cottages with all the comforts of home to tent and RV sites. Here’s a quick guide to what’s available:
Rustic Cabins
These historic log cabins are the coziest way to stay close to the trails. They come equipped with:
- Bunk beds and simple furnishings
- Wood stoves and electric baseboards for heat (bring your own firewood or buy it on-site)
- Basic kitchens with a stovetop and refrigerator.
- Picnic tables and fire rings outside each cabin
Rustic cabins are perfect if you love the idea of a traditional cabin stay with the basics and don’t mind giving up some modern comforts.
Deluxe Cottages
Similar to the Rustic Cabins, but with more privacy for sleeping, they include:
- Electric heat
- Basic kitchen with stovetop and refrigerator
- Separate bedroom away from the living area
- Easy access to nearby hiking trails and the lake
- Picnic tables and fire rings outside each cabin
Modern Cabins
If you like a little more comfort, Black Moshannon also has updated cottages with:
- Electric heat and modern kitchens
- Private bathrooms with showers
- Multiple bedrooms for families or groups
- Easy access to nearby hiking trails and the lake
- Picnic tables and fire rings outside each cabin
These are a great choice if you’re traveling with a group or just want a more “home away from home” feel in the middle of the park.
Campground (Tent & RV Sites)
If you prefer to bring your own setup, the Black Moshannon Family Campground offers:
- Tent sites and RV-friendly spots (some with electric hookups)
- Restrooms and shower facilities
- Close proximity to the beach, boat rentals, and trails
Camping is a budget-friendly way to experience the park, and in the summer, it’s busy with families, hikers, and paddlers all using the campground as their base.
Group Cabin & Organized Group Sites
For larger gatherings, like scout groups, retreats, or big family trips, the park has organized group camping areas and larger lodges with bunk-style sleeping. These provide access to shared kitchens and bathrooms, making them practical for group stays.
👉 Tip for Booking: Cabins and cottages at Black Moshannon are popular, especially in peak summer and fall foliage season. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks online system, and weekends book quickly.
What to do in Centre County, Pennsylvania
If you want to plan a trip to Centre County, Pa, but aren’t sure where to start, let this 4-day itinerary be your guide. I created this itinerary based on my personal experience. I have visited all these locations, and they all receive a double thumbs up from me.
Day 1 – Arrival & Cabin Check-In
Whether you plan to leave after work or earlier in the day will determine how much you can explore on this day. Because of this, I kept the schedule simple and added some optional activities if you have extra time after settling in.
First, when you arrive at Black Moshannon State Park, head to the Park Office to check in. If you’re coming from the southeast, I highly recommend stopping by Way Fruit Farm in Port Matilda to grab a bite to eat and pick up some local produce for your trip. Once you are in the park, the Park Office can be found right off Beaver Road on the east side of Black Moshannon Lake. After you check in, you can choose to explore the park or head to your cabin or campsite to unpack and get comfortable.
If you have some time to explore, I recommend checking out the Star Mill Trail. This trail can be found on the east side of Black Moshannon Lake. There is a well marked parking area next to the trail head with plenty of space for visitors. This trail is a loop style trail about 2 miles long rated easy. This trail strolls through lush fern fields and past scenic views of the lake, it’s perfect for everyone in the family.
Once you’re all settled in, head on over to The Sleepy Hollow Outpost for dinner. Here you will find traditional camp food like burgers, sausage, cheese steaks, and fried appetizers. They don’t have a ton of gluten-free options, but the burger without a bun turned into a salad was delicious, and they have fresh-cut fries, which are my absolute favorite. It is an easy option after a long day on the road, and the food is actually good. If you get a chance to talk with the Chef, his story is really cool. With a long history in the restaurant industry, it’s no wonder the food here is so good!
Day 2 – Waterfalls & Bellefonte
On day two, head into Philipsburg to get breakfast at Brown Dog Catering. You can stock up on delicious baked goods for the weekend and fuel up for a big day of hiking and exploring in Centre County. The menu here is simple, but it has everything you will need to start your day caffeinated and full. I ordered the breakfast sandwich on gluten-free bread and a cappuccino. I was pleasantly surprised that the gluten-free bread was normal size and didn’t crumble when I took a bite (iykyk), which is always a win.
After breakfast, head up to Yost Run Falls in Sproul State Forest to catch a view of Centre County’s only waterfall! This seems to be a local hidden gem because I could not find this trail on AllTrails, which if you know me, you know AllTrails is my saving grace. Lucky for you, I am going to give you all the details so you can explore this beautiful trail for yourself. You can find Yost Run Falls by parking HERE and following the Yost Run Trail. This is an out-and-back style hike that is about 2 miles long. While this hike starts out fairly easy as it follows an old forest road, about halfway to the falls, the hike gets a bit more technical, giving it a moderate rating. In this section of the trail, you can expect lots of water crossings, especially in those wetter months, and narrow trails with a lot of roots and rocks to look out for.
Yost Run may be Centre County’s only waterfall, but just a few meters up the trail from Yost Run Falls, you’ll find a second waterfall just off to the left known as Kyler Fork Falls. This waterfall is technically in Clinton County, but that shouldn’t stop you from heading further up the trail and basking in the beauty that is Kyler Fork Falls.
After a big hike like that, the only right answer is fueling up again before an evening full of small town charm. For lunch, I recommend heading back into Phillipsburg and grabbing lunch at Poppy & Co. They have a case full of baked goods right as you walk in which is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. They had a variety of gluten-free options here, but I saw the steak salad and couldn’t resist. It was everything I had hoped it was going to be. I went to college in Indiana County and being just outside Pittsburgh, there were steak salads everywhere. This steak salad was not only delicious, but it gave me the little dose of nostalgia I didn’t know I needed.
I definitely recommend heading back to Black Moshannon State Park to freshen up after lunch. We got super wet from the water crossings on the Yost Run Trail, so a change of clothes after was a must.
Next I recommend heading into downtown Bellefonte. Here you can explore some great shops and cafes, check out the Perry Lane Mural walk, visit Talleyrand Park, and so much more. The Blonde Bistro Brew Works, found just outside Bellefonte on Nittany Valley Dr., is the perfect spot to grab dinner after exploring in Bellefonte. What I loved about the Blonde Bistro Brew Works is their menu had gluten-free and other dietary restrictions labeled on the menu. I don’t usually mind asking to double check if an item is gluten-free or not, but it always makes me feel more confident when the menu is clearly labeled. When you’re finished up with dinner, I definitely recommend stopping by Big Spring Spirits before heading back to camp. The vibe there is immaculate and overlooks the lovely Talleyrand Park.
Day 3 – State College Adventure
On day 3, head on over to State College! While many people only know State College for its Penn State football team, there are many other things to do in State College. Of course, we have to start with breakfast, so we went to Breakfast on Boal. I got the avocado toast, which came with a fried egg, and I also got a side of scrapple. If you don’t know what scrapple is, don’t look it up, just know it is a Pennsylvania Dutch staple food, and it’s good, okay.
Breakfast on Boal is the perfect stop before heading over to Tussey Mountain, and yes, they have stuff to do all year long!! The season you are here will determine what activity you will do, because if there is snow, you should definitely go skiing, but if not, they offer e-bike rentals right on site. Since I visited in late spring, we took the e-bikes out for a ride through Rothrock State Forest. It was a beautiful, crisp, foggy morning through the mountains. We ended up biking about 10 miles before heading back to get lunch. The views through Rockrock State Forest were stunning, you could even take a break from pedaling and explore part of the mid-state trail, or one of the other trails within the State Forest.
Once you have worked up an appetite, grab lunch at Faccia Luna. We ordered so many pizzas because we couldn’t decide what to get. All of their specialty pies sound amazing and I truly think you can’t go wrong with ordering any of them. I got two gluten free pies, and the crust was GOOD! Like actually good!
With full bellies and lots of energy to burn off, grab your fishing gear or hiking shoes and head over to Soaring Eagle Wetlands on S Eagle Valley Rd. Being here was like walking through a storybook. Catching fish off the creek side, meandering through wildflower lined trails, it is truly a beautiful little hidden gem in State College. Depending on timing, from here you may want to head right into Lubrano Park to cheer on the State College Spikes, or if you have some extra time to spare before the game, head downtown. Between E Beaver Ave and E College Ave, there are lots of shops to stop at. I personally went to the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau shop and Weber’s Bookstore before running out of time. If you like books, you definitely need to find the time to stop at Weber’s Bookstore in State College. It is a booklovers paradise and I really think I could have spent all day here, especially with the cute little cafe they have nestled in the corner. They also had a lot of used vinyl, so music people, this one is for you as well!
After exploring, head on over to the State College Spikes game at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. The energy there is unmatched, the fans here in State College love their Spikes and you will too after attending a game here. Our game ended up getting rained out, but we still had a blast eating park food, chatting with fans, and of course hanging out with the mascots.
If you’re looking for a bite to eat after the game or just want to get a few drinks, check out Boal City Brewing. This is one of my favorite spots in Happy Valley. They have a wonderful outdoor seating area and everything there is so wonderfully designed. I had a fruity cocktail, but if you can drink beer (boo to being gluten free, I miss beer) I highly recommend trying some of their housemade brews.
Day 4 – Farewell Adventures in Happy Valley
Depending on how you plan your trip, you may be checking out of your stay at Black Moshannon State Park. If so, go ahead and pack up and take your keys back to the park office if you stay in one of the cabins. From there, drive to Earlystown Diner for breakfast. We have another full day planned, so a good breakfast is key. I got eggs, homefries, and, of course, more scrapple. They even had gluten-free bread.
After breakfast, you could choose from a couple of options or try to fit them all in. The first option is to head on over to Fisherman’s Paradise. This area is perfect for fishing (as if the name didn’t already give that away), as well as has a beautiful trail that follows Spring Creek. While here, you can also visit the fishery and see the H.R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety.
If you have had enough fishing and hiking. or you have extra time after exploring Fisherman’s Paradise, head over to Climb Nittany in State College. I have climbed at a few different climbing gyms and hands down, this one was the most welcoming and fun to be at. The crew helped us with some lessons and we had a little bit of time to play around before heading out to lunch.
Before you leave, you have to eat at Flour and Stone, maybe I am biased but this could be one of the best restaurants in centre county. I got a gluten free caprese panini that came with homemade chips (yumm) and of course I ordered their gluten free donut. Its not everyday you see gluten free donuts, so when I see them, I get them. It was delicious and approved by everyone at the table.
I’m sure after all this adventure you’ll be ready to head home, but before you do, you have to stop by Tate Farm and grab a bottle of Shrub or jar of preserves for yourself and everyone you know I promise you won’t be disappointed.
