Join us for an extraordinary adventure on the Happy Valley PA GeoTour!
Prepare to explore breathtaking vistas, stunning local and state parks, and captivating historical sites as we guide you through an unforgettable geocaching experience.
Our dedicated team of volunteers has carefully curated cache types to keep the tour both interesting and challenging, ensuring an exciting journey for all participants.
Prepare to embark on a quest that will challenge your skills, ignite your curiosity, and leave you with a profound appreciation for the wonders of Happy Valley, Pennsylvania. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Happy Valley, uncover hidden treasures, and delve into the region's fascinating history. So grab your geocaching gear, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy caching!
It is an easy hike in from the parking area, 2.1 miles roundtrip on game land road, you can follow the road all the way close to GZ, but you will have to bushwhack from the road and into the Chimney Rock.
“The Barrens” is mainly occupied by State Game land # 176. It is far from barren as wild plants cover every inch, and there is a lot of wild life .Once covered by dense pine forest an iron mining boom in the 1880’s brought several towns, sawmills, and charcoal furnaces to the area. A rapid deforestation caused an overall change in the weather. Data collected from 1977 into 1997 by Jay Schlegel at PSU Weather Station indicate that “The Barrens” are one of the coldest places in the state. Sub-freezing temperatures have been recorded in every month of the year.
You will be seeking a rock formation called “Chimney Rocks” and you will find the cache nearby. On the rock formation you will find some cucumber trees and a native magnolia tree. On the lower slopes you will find Vine, ferns and spring-blossom type flowers. Follow the rules for State Game land and wear Orange during hunting season.
State Game Lands No. 176, consists of 6,500 acres, located in Centre County northeast of State College. The terrain is generally level and interspersed with herbaceous openings. Scotia shooting range and the Commission's Barrens Grouse Habitat Management Study Area are located on this tract. Primary game species are bear, deer, turkey, rabbit, and grouse.