Go on a ‘microadventure’ and explore Rothrock State Forest and Boalsburg
With a small amount of planning, you can enjoy an entire memorable day in and around Rothrock State Forest and Boalsburg by yourself or with family and friends. On July 17 and 20 specifically, you can center a fun-filled day around free, guided group activities hosted by Centred Outdoors at Bear Meadows Natural Area, one of eight designated natural areas in Rothrock State Forest and one of 602 National Natural Landmarks.
Begin your “microadventure” by first choosing which guided group activity you plan to join at Bear Meadows Natural Area this week. On Sunday, July 17, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., you can join guided group walks approximately 1.5 miles in length and led by a Centred Outdoors adventure coordinator and Joe Gyekis with the State College Bird Club. Forest bathing experiences, intended to promote mindfulness and awaken the senses through low-impact and slower-paced activity, will also be offered by Lucy Heggenstaller, certified nature therapy guide and Pennsylvania master naturalist on Sunday. On Wednesday, July 20, at 6 p.m., you can attend a guided nature walk. Whichever option you choose, there will be plenty of scenic beauty and fresh air to enjoy as you explore and admire Bear Meadows Natural Area.
Extend your outdoor adventure by packing a picnic lunch and heading to another natural area in Rothrock about an hour prior to your guided walk. Alan Seeger Natural Area is approximately a 15-minute drive (5.5 miles) from Bear Meadows Natural Area. Here there are picnic tables where you can enjoy your picnic lunch in the cool air and shade provided by the dense forest while listening to the stream sounds at the confluence of Detweiler Run and Standing Stone Creek. If time allows, you can also explore the short, 1-mile trail loop that guides hikers through one of very few old-growth forests in the state.
After a relaxing and refreshing afternoon in the forest you can head back into town to wrap up a delightful day with a frosty dessert or refreshing drink at a nearby dairy or winery, or both. Within a 20-minute drive of Bear Meadows Natural Area you can treat yourself to ice cream and desserts from two local dairies, Meyer Dairy located on South Atherton Street and Wasson Farm located on Shingletown Road/Route 45. In addition to local ice cream, two wine tasting destinations along the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail are also located in this area — University Wine Company off Shingletown Road and Seven Mountains Wine Cellars and Wine Bar located in downtown Boalsburg.
There are plenty of opportunities to have a memorable “microadventure” close to home without a great deal of spending or driving. If you choose to picnic before and enjoy a refreshing treat after you explore Bear Meadows, be sure to familiarize yourself with driving directions as well as store hours for any businesses you plan to prior to leaving home.
All Centred Outdoors guided events are free, and open to the public. For complete details about this adventure as well as the full 2022 schedule, please visit www.centredoutdoors.org.
Prepare for this adventure:
Where to meet:
North Meadows Parking/Trailhead, Bear Meadows Road and North Meadows Road, Petersburg
Cell service is limited, note directions prior to leaving home
What to expect:
1.5-mile guided walk, easy
Mostly gravel trail, with a small amount uneven terrain
Minimal elevation change
What to bring:
Water bottle
Sturdy sneakers/footwear (sandals not recommended)
Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen
Bug spray, long sleeves, socks and pants for tick and insect protection
Light snack or picnic
Child carrier/backpack for very young children
Visit www.centredoutdoors.org for safety tips
