Unfortunately, Halloweekend is over and it’s time to hang up the black dress and cat ears in the closet and save it for next year. It’s now November and that can only mean one thing for Happy Valley: the Arctic temperatures are right around the corner. With a minimum of only a couple weeks left of tolerable weather, it’s time for all you fellow wanderlusters and bouldering enthusiasts alike to get outside and explore a new and wild trail that quite possibly has some of the best views in Central Pennsylvania: Hunter’s Rock.

Located in a State Game Land 25 miles south of State College, the trail starts off with a log connecting the road to the trail side jutting over a small creek-carved valley. As you veer off the log, continue up a small makeshift trail to the main trail. There, take a left and then make another immediate right on the trail that goes up. The ascension of the mountain is gradual, and it provides some spectacular views of fauna and other wildlife. Weaving through small patches of juvenile pine trees offers a beautiful walk through a sea of green, eventually landing you at the top of the mountain to the boulders (They’re hard to miss).

The sandstone boulders jut out on top of the mountain over the tree line. There are blazes on smaller rocks and trees that you can follow that meander through the gigantic rock outcroppings, helping to find your ideal vista to rest up and absorb the magnificent views. Others, however, prefer Hunter’s Rocks for the sport of bouldering. A sport that provides adrenaline junkies a good fix, bouldering is fun yet challenging, and Hunter’s Rocks is considered one of the best places for this activity. However, as an avid backpacker myself, I think the huge rocks are best because of the views they offer. I must say to exercise extreme caution climbing to the top of these giant rocks, because falling from one can be dangerous and potentially fatal. (Also if you are afraid of heights, don’t even think about attempting the climb).

Some of the best vistas on the East Coast can be viewed here and enjoyed for hours. Sitting atop of a 60 foot rock looking over the vast valley really makes you worry a little less about that paper due in a couple of days. Click here for directions to Hunter’s Rocks.

Go outside and enjoy the last couple weeks of good weather, Penn State! Before you know it, sub-zero temperatures will be plaguing the happiest of valleys.