The Happy Valley PA GeoTour

The Happy Valley PA GeoTour (GT4E2) invites you on a journey through Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, to experience the small-town charm of State College and surrounding villages.

Happy Valley is known for its abundance of natural beauty and cultural heritage. As you venture through local and state parks, you’ll find yourself immersed in the wonders of nature. Throughout this GeoTour, you will stroll through lush forests, follow gentle trails, and discover hidden gems in picturesque corners. Whether you are a seasoned geocacher or new to the game, this captivating GeoTour will surely create lasting memories.

Image by Happy Valley Adventure Bureau.

With 75 Favorite points to date, GC8KW5G is a highlight of the Happy Valley GeoTour. This adorable birdhouse is easy to spot but thought and determination are necessary to open the container. Many geocachers report spending about 15 minutes on this gadget cache. Your time and effort will all be worth it when you access the logbook!

Image by VernContra.

Hidden in the woods are the Scotia Mines, which date back to the iron ore era. This structure is one of few remnants of the 19th-century town of Scotia. Scenic trails lead you to this interesting historical site and GC8NKPR.

Image by Frogmore.

GC8PZ2M brings you to the H.O. Smith Botanic Gardens at The Arboretum at Penn State. This traditional cache is located within the Children’s Garden, which provides the perfect opportunity for young cachers to enjoy a break in a space designed to spark learning and exploration. Among many other creatures, a larger-than-life caterpillar stands guard over the geocache.

Image by weathernowcast.

Located near what is considered one of the best viewpoints in the county, GC8VKB4 is a geocache that should not be missed! Penn’s View boasts a 135° panoramic view of Penns Valley and Penns Creek.

Image by Team Gamps.

The Happy Valley GeoTour has a lot to offer for the whole family. Geocacher “NoBlueCircles” writes:

…Scenic overlooks, several hikes in the woods, quaint little parks, historic locations, and a nice blend of cache types provided an enjoyable mix and experience. Our kids also loved the playground stops and traded a LOT of swag! … We then explored the Penn State campus and Arboretum, and the Pennsylvania Military Museum grounds. By the end of our visit, we had put 20 miles under our feet, finished five short Adventure Lab® Locations, made many new memories, and received a nice coin to commemorate the adventure.”

To help you maximize your time in Happy Valley, download your GeoTour Passport in advance to plan your caching adventures while also building in time to visit the sites you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau hours to ensure that you leave with the coveted GeoTour geocoin.
You receive a collector’s GeoTour coin once you find 45 of the 59 caches along this tour and turn in your passport. Kids 12 and under also receive a prize.

#HVPGT #HVAB #HappyValleyPA

Dana is a Community Coordinator at Geocaching HQ. If Dana isn't out geocaching, she is probably snuggling with her cat, drinking coffee, and daydreaming about her next trip to Germany.