Musser Gap: Adventure Hike
Sun, May 31
|Musser Gap Trail Parking Area
Experience the iconic Thousand Steps, a steep and rewarding climb carved by 1930s quarry workers and now a highlight of the 80‑mile Standing Stone Trail.
Dates & Times
May 31, 2026, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Musser Gap Trail Parking Area, Musser Gap Trail, State College, PA 16801, USA
About the event
Downloadable Map:
The landscape along the Musser Gap Trail is memorable in all four seasons. The 423-acre property was purchased by Clearwater Conservancy and transferred to DCNR Bureau of Forestry in 2007 in order to protect an important groundwater recharge area for the community as well as vital wildlife habitat. Construction of new, more sustainable trails began in 2025 through the work of the Rothrock Trail Alliance. On July 10th, the Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA) welcomed community members, outdoor recreation enthusiasts, PA DCNR officials, and project supporters to announce the grand opening of the first phase (7.5 miles) of this ambitious trail system expansion in Rothrock State Forest. This event marked a significant milestone for trail users, representing years of vision, dedication, and unwavering support.
Jay Ziegler, Chair of the Rothrock Trail Alliance, will be joining us alongside your Centred Outdoors guides. The hike will incorporate portions of the new trails, Fern Winder and Up and Over, along with existing trails, to make a 4.31 mile loop from the Musser Gap parking area.
Parking: Parking for this hike is located at the Musser Gap Trailhead on Route 45, Shingletown Road.
Hike Distance (miles): 4.31
Elevation Gain: 761 ft.
Difficulty: Difficult
Time: Participants should plan to be out for 3–4 hours, though the duration may be longer depending on the needs of the group.
How to Prepare for Your Outing
Required Items
Sturdy, closed‑toe shoes for all outings
A filled water bottle (at least 32 oz per adult)
Please note: Most sites do not have water‑filling stations, so bring all the water you’ll need.
Trekking poles are highly recommended for this outing
Recommended Items
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves
Insect protection: insect repellent, long sleeves, and/or long pants
Reschedule Policy
Because of the frequency and nature of our wellness sessions, adventure hikes, and guided outings, we are unable to reschedule these events. For special-topic programs, we will make every effort to reschedule when possible. If a special-topic event is postponed, participants will be notified with updated details as soon as they are available.
All programs are held rain or shine. In the event of a cancellation for severe weather, registrants will be contacted by email and/or phone, and it will be announced on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.