Probably the most hiked mountain in Centre County, Mount Nittany offers a moderate climb to many vistas that look out on State College, Beaver Stadium, and other surrounding communities and landmarks.
The 'Nittany' in Mount Nittany is said to be derived from Indian words meaning protective barrier against the elements. Local folk lore tells of an Indian princess, Princess Nita-Nee, that led her tribe to the safe haven of Nittany Valley. When she died a mountain arose from her burial site, and Mount Nittany was born.
The most hiked trails on Mount Nittany are found at it's southern terminus. But Mount Nittany extends for many miles to the northeast. Another easily hikable trail, but not nearly as used or populated as the trails on the southern tip, is the James Cleveland Trail. Maintained by a local Boy Scout group, this trail ascends to the top of Mount Nittany between the towns of Pleasant Gap and Centre Hall, and visits the site of a plane crash that occured in the 1930s.
If you live in Centre County, or just visting, a hike up Mount Nittany should be on your to-do list. Be it the 4 mile white blazed trail or the longer blue blazed trail, the vistas from the mountain top are well worth the climb.
If you would like more information on Mount Nittany, or perhaps even donate to help preserve this local landmark, you can visit the website of the Mount Nittany Conservancy.
 Reviewed by Gregory Minnich of Centre Hall, PA 08/24/2005 |
| james Cleveland Trail. Steep climb at the end. Nice view of valley below. Interesting at the top. Long way out on Green Valley Road, thought I missed the trail. |
Reviewed by Chris Clark of Port Matilda, PA 08/08/2005 |
| I hiked the trail the morning of 8/6/05. It was a nice morning that was marked by a cool breeze and low humidity. That first section came as a surprise as to how steep it really is. However once I trudged my way to the top I had a clear view of the valley below. I continued around the top on the blue loop at a lazy pace, hitting all the vista's along the way. I decided to take the white trail down because there was one more vista along the northwest ridgeline, however I think the next time I'll opt to take what a appears to be the longer gentler decent on the blue trail. The last vista was ok but with all the leaves still on the trees the opening was a little small and obstructed. I think a fall trip once the leaves hit the ground will be warranted. I would definitely recommend hiking boots for this one since you're going to be walking atop rocks the entire way. |
 Reviewed by Phillip Strahl of State College, PA 08/03/2005 |
| I'm not much of a hiker. As a matter of fact, Nittany Mountain is the only mountain that I've ever hiked, but I've been climbing to the top three to four times a year now for the past six years. I love the views at the top especially as the sun sets. I may try hiking some other mountains in the area, but Mount Nittany will always have a special place in my heart. |
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