Details:
Highlights: A vigorous
hike to a great overlook of the PSU campus
and Beaver Stadium
Near: Lemont, PA
/ State College, PA
Distance: 4 miles round
trip
Elevation Gain: 1800
ft
Hike Time: 3 hours total
Difficulty: Intermediate
- Strenuous
Trail Condition: Well
maintained trail
Hike Type: Out and Back
Summary:
This is a great hike, particularly
if you are a Penn State fan. Go on a clear
day to see an awesome view of Beaver Stadium.
It is a very strenuous hike to the top
but a nice walk around once you are there.
In college some people used to take kegs
up to the top, now that is some dedication!
Elevation
/ Altitude gains of Hike
Topographical
Map of Mt. Nittany & Hiking Trail(s)
Trail
Head :
From State College PA take S Atherton
Rd (Business Rt 322E) to Branch Rd (at
traffic light look for Lemont sign), left
onto Branch Rd 2 miles to traffic light.
Continue straight 2 blocks to Mt. Nittany
Rd, take a right and go up hill 1 mile
to trail head. A short distance up the
trail you will see a box with trail maps.
(Lat:40.8114 Lon:-77.807)
Seasons:
Year-Round (spring and fall are best for
wildlife viewing)
User
Groups:
Hikers, College Students, Outing Clubs,
Backpackers and Nature Enthusiasts of
all ages!
Safety
notes:
- The
advice to "Wear Orange"
or other bright colors is appropriate
for everyday hiking on the mountain.
- Hunting
is permitted on lands owned by the
Conservancy and Lion's Paw. In addition,
a former landowner has retained exclusive
hunting rights for a parcel of Conservancy
lands which he posts each year.
Please respect his legal rights and
stay off this parcel between the dates
of his posting.
- It
is unlawful to hunt on Sundays except
for crows, fox and coyote as provided
by federal and state regulations. See
the PA Game Commission site for Hunting
Season dates.
- Fires
are not
permitted on lands owned by
the
Conservancy and Lion's Paw.
Review:
(HikePA.com)
Mt.
Nittany is the first hike many people take
in Centre County, PA. Its fame comes from
the legend of Princess Nittany, and it is
a landmark for the Pennsylvania State University,
whose mascot, the Nittany Lion, is named
for. Hiking Mt.
Nittany is easy, compared to most of the
other hikes in Centre County. Getting there:
Find your way to Lemont, PA, near State
College (off of route 26). Once in Lemont,
you'll find your way around easily, since
there are only a few streets in this quiet
town. Find Mt.
Nittany Road off of Pike Street (the main
street in Lemont) and take it all the way
to the end. You can park there and follow
the white blazes.
Suggested
Equipment:
Always take the following items along with
you when hiking...
Extra
food and water - Take more food
and water than you think you will need,
particularly water.
Extra Clothing - A warm
morning can quickly turn into a wet cold
afternoon. Take an extra shirt and some
rain gear.
Maps
- This should be a detailed map of the general
area you are hiking that shows the specific
trail you intent to hike. We recommend taking
a topo map with latitude and longitude coordinates
on the map. You can print the topo maps
on this site to take with you, although
the may come out a bit small. You can also
use a topo map to orient yourself to major
landscape features, helping to find your
current location.
Compass - When you reach
the trailhead, note on the map the general
direction of the trail, then use your compass
periodically to make sure you are still
heading the right direction. If you get
lost, you can also use the compass to find
you position on the map by taking bearings.
First
Aid Kit - This is a must take
item. May outdoor stores sell well stocked,
compact first aide kits for hikers. For
those new to hiking, make sure the kit contains
moleskin, and indispensable solution for
blisters on the trail. Learn
more about Wilderness First Aid!
Sun Protection - Don't
forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses
Camera
- Bonus item... There are sure to be plenty
of great views as well as wildlife and more!
Wilderness
Medicine
If
you are interested in learning about wilderness
first aid & safety, Click
Here for more information.
 Did
you know that there is a complete course
just on Wilderness
First Aid? There is! Topics of this
course include an in-depth look at patient
assessment, body systems, trauma response,
equipment improvisation, environmental medicine,
toxins, backcountry medicine, and wilderness
rescue. Lecture and discussion are combined
with practical exercises and outdoor scenarios
to help students gain confidence and encourage
the development of critical decision making
skills. Courses offered in State College,
PA.
Notice: Traveling in the back country
can be hazardous. You are responsible for
informing yourself about these hazards and
taking necessary precautions. Information
on this web site may contain errors or omissions.
Please use common sense when hiking, and
follow all rules & regulations as well
as Leave No Trace principles when recreating
in the out of doors. The Mount Nittany Conservancy
takes NO responsibility for any injuries,
accidents, mishaps, etc. that might take
place on the grounds of the Conservancy. |
.
Mt.
Nittany is more than a local landscape or
symbol, it is a place of bustling activity.
It has been called the "classic hike for
local residents, tourists and returning
alumni," providing exceptional views of
the campus and the community from several
natural overlooks. The popular Mike Lynch
Overlook features a birds-eye view of the
campus, including Beaver Stadium and the
Bryce Jordan Center.
Up
and down, the trails are rocky and steep.
Those on top are relatively flat. Following
the primary trails is simply a big loop.
Take a right at the top and follow the perimeter
trail around the whole mountain and enjoy
several overlooks - town and campus to the
west; south to Boalsburg, the ski slopes
of Tussey Mountain, and across Penns Valley.
