STATE COLLEGE, PA — In a major milestone for Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation landscape, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined local officials and volunteers on Thursday to officially open the first 7.5-mile segment of the new Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, Centre County.
The completed section represents the first phase of an ambitious plan to develop approximately 50 miles of sustainable, natural-surface trails aimed at connecting communities while providing extensive outdoor opportunities for hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
DCNR invested $2.4 million toward land acquisitions and trail development, with crucial support from the Rothrock Trail Alliance (RTA), ClearWater Conservancy, local governments, and other partners.
“The Musser Gap Trail is a powerful example of what we can achieve when passionate communities, public agencies, and local organizations come together with a shared vision,” said Secretary Dunn. “Investing in sustainable trails like this connects people to nature and strengthens Pennsylvania’s $19 billion outdoor recreation economy.”
Sustainable trail construction, designed to resist erosion and minimize environmental impact, is central to the project’s long-term goals. By building trails that prioritize ecological health and resilience, Rothrock’s network aims to create enduring recreational benefits while safeguarding the forest’s integrity.
Thursday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the start of Phase 2, which will add an additional 11 miles of trail extending toward Whipple Dam State Park. The first 7.5-mile section, constructed by DirtSculpt, connects the Musser Gap Trailhead to Pine Swamp Road and was officially opened to the public after a soft launch and community naming contest in June.
Phase 2 construction began in early June, led by Appalachian Dirt, and continues the push to weave together a regional trail system that supports economic development and outdoor tourism.
Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins, Amber Concepcion, and Steven G. Dershem emphasized the importance of the project in a joint statement, encouraging residents to explore the new trails and embrace opportunities to engage with the region’s natural beauty.
Jay Ziegler, president of the Rothrock Trail Alliance, celebrated the milestone, noting the importance of community and government partnerships in advancing sustainable trail development.
Local leaders, including representatives from Penn State’s Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center and The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, praised the trail as a transformative asset for both residents and visitors. Edward Stoddard, communications director for The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, described Musser Gap as a must-see destination, offering a rare blend of challenge, accessibility, and striking natural vistas just minutes from downtown State College.
Volunteers remain vital to the trail’s future, with opportunities ranging from on-the-ground maintenance to communications support.
Rothrock State Forest — named for Dr. Joseph Trimble Rothrock, known as the “Father of Forestry” in Pennsylvania — spans nearly 97,000 acres across Centre, Huntingdon, and Mifflin counties. The forest’s evolving trail network promises to further cement its status as a cornerstone of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy and a cherished natural escape for generations to come.
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