If you have ever talked to me about hiking at The Nature Inn, you will already know that this is my absolute favorite hike in all of Pennsylvania. If you only have one day to spend at The Nature Inn and you love being in the woods, your time is best spent in the Jungle of Rothrock. The vibrant tunnels of Rhododendrons serve as portals to some of the most breathtaking wilderness in the state. The rocky vistas are well worth the trek out of the valley. You can leave your machete at home—The Jungle of Rothrock is perfect just the way it is.
Begin your expedition at the Shingletown Gap Lot just off of Rt 45. Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early if you're going on a weekend. This is a 7-mile hike, so bring some water and plan accordingly. From the lot, you enter the tunnels of Rhododendrons, and if you take this journey in late June or early July, they will be in bloom—making this hike even more photogenic. After crossing the stream to your right, find the Blue-White Trail and begin your climb to the Red-White Trail.
Follow the Red-White Trail until you reach Downer, which will be the most challenging portion of your day. It is a steep climb that leads you to the Roman Tower. Once you see the stone structure, take a breather and pat yourself on the back—you've earned it! There will be no more challenging climbs on this hike. From the Roman Tower, follow the Mid State Trail along the rocky mountaintop and take in views of the opposite valley all along this section.
Your turn off the Mid State Trail will be back into the valley via Musser Gap. At this turn, the Hubler Gap Vista will provide a final view of the opposite valley. This is a favorite spot for many locals, so you will probably see some other friendly hikers around. Once you complete your descent, follow the buzzing power lines of the Mountain Mist Trail, pictured to the left, to your next vista. Along this stretch, you will see many wildflowers during the spring and summer, including beautiful Mountain Laurel. At the Highline Vista you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of State College and continue to the last stretch of the Mountain Mist Trail. This final stretch brings you back to the stream crossing and Shingletown Gap Lot.
This long and diverse hike is not for the faint of heart, but those who find themselves along this path will be constantly rewarded by the beauty of nature. Getting into the woods provides an opportunity to shift your focus from the things that seem wrong in today's society and instead celebrate what's right with the world. Stunning vistas, blooming wildflowers, and the diverse plants and animals create an environment that we are lucky to have and should all experience in our lives. This adventure is truly the best that central Pennsylvania has to offer.
