A newly completed trail in central Pennsylvania allows users to ride, run, or hike from State College to Whipple Dam State Park.
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announced the opening of the 11-mile expansion of the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest on June 25.
The expansion represents the second phase of a multi-year project aimed at creating a 50-mile sustainable trail network.
State officials committed nearly $3 million to land acquisitions and development for the broader network, with $500,000 dedicated to this specific phase, according to an article by lehighvalleylive.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn stated the project connects people to nature and supports the state’s $20.4 billion outdoor recreation economy.
The overall project aims to complete a 50-mile loop for biking, hiking, and equestrian use, linking to existing trails across Centre and Huntingdon counties.
The department recently awarded $375,000 for a third phase to connect the trail to Greenwood Furnace State Park, which will extend the new system to approximately 30 miles.
Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins noted that tourism generates more than $1 billion for the county and employs over 8,000 individuals.
Happy Valley Adventure Bureau President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Engelbart II added that trail projects strengthen the local visitor economy.
Engelbart stated that while the trails serve residents, they also attract visitors who utilize local lodging, dining, and retail options.
The project utilized partnerships between the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Rothrock Trail Alliance, ClearWater Conservancy, and local governments.
Rothrock Trail Alliance Board Chair Jay Ziegler reported that volunteers and local officials have built 18 miles of trail within the forest to date.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy grew by $3.5 billion.
Since 2023, the state has completed $228 million in infrastructure improvements across public lands.
For the outdoor recreation and campground industries, expanding interconnected trail networks on public lands serves as a significant driver for regional tourism.