Standing guard over Happy Valley

By Chris Rosenblum

- crosenbl@centredaily.com

Without it, the Nittany Lions would be plain old pumas. Dozens of businesses and the area’s hospital would have to look elsewhere for inspiration.

CDT

The sun sets behind Mount Nittany in 2002. Mount Nittany was picked as one of Centre County's 7 wonders by CDT readers.

Geologically speaking, Mount Nittany is nothing more than an ancient ridge of quartzite, shale and sandstone. But in Centre County, it’s more treasured than gold. As the Statue of Liberty does for New York and the Eiffel Tower for Paris, the mountain represents a land and its people.

“From just about any angle, the mountain holds a prominent position as it seemingly stands guard over Happy Valley though all of the seasons of the year,” State College resident David Lehning wrote in nominating the landmark as a wonder. Its name supposedly comes from the Algonquian-speaking Indians’ “nit-a-nee,” meaning “single mountain” or “barrier against the wind.” Then there’s the legend of Princess Nitanee, whose epic grief magically transformed her brave’s burial mound into a mighty summit.

What’s fact is that Nittany could have become Bald Mountain, if not for the efforts of the Lion’s Paw Alumni Association. In 1945, the association bought 525 acres for $2,000, saving them from lumbering. Thirty-six years later, it created the Mount Nittany Conservancy, which acquired 300 more acres and now protects the forests that provide stunning fall displays and birds-eye views of State College, Bellefonte and rolling countryside.

Quick facts: • Mount Nittany rises 2,077 feet above sea level.

• The Mount Nittany Conservancy has secured all the land above the 1,400 foot mark.

• Nine miles of trails offer several scenic views, including the popular Mike Lynch Overlook for gazing at Beaver Stadium and the rest of Penn State’s campus.

• Nestled in a valley on top lies a nature reserve. Until about 1880, mountain lions roamed the woods.

• Penn State athletic teams and clubs climb the mountain for conditioning. Tradition has it that every student must make the hike before graduating.

• Donors who give $100,000 or more to the university become members of the Mount Nittany Society.