Exploring Hubler Gap Vista Near State College

A collage of four photos showcasing the scenic Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The top-left and bottom-right images highlight lush green forests under partly cloudy skies, revealing the sweeping, vibrant summer landscape. The top-right and bottom-left photos depict the same vista during a winter hike, with light snow blanketing the ground and bare trees exposing the rugged terrain. One photo includes a hiker in bright orange winter gear standing on the rocky outcrop, taking in the expansive view of the frosty valley below. The vista captures the seasonal contrast of this picturesque location.

If you’re looking for information about hiking to Hubler Gap Vista near State College, you’re in the right place!

A scenic view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The photo captures a tranquil forest landscape with rolling green hills extending into the distance under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. A tree trunk on the left and leafy branches on the right frame the image, while rocky terrain and a weathered wooden log in the foreground add texture and depth to the scene. The vista showcases the peaceful beauty of the area.

Hubler Gap Vista is a spectacular south-facing scenic overlook in the Huntingdon County portion of the Rothrock State Forest.

A trail map showing the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania, leading to Hubler Gap Vista. The map highlights the parking area along Route 45, the path of the trail marked in red, and key points along the route, including a wooden bridge and a power line access road. The destination, Hubler Gap Vista, is marked with a yellow camera icon, indicating a scenic viewpoint. The map overlays an aerial view of the surrounding forest and farmland, providing context for the trail's location and layout.

Hubler Gap Vista is most-easily accessed via a 2 mile hike (4 mile round-trip) along the Musser Gap Trail.

A wooden trail marker along the snow-dusted Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The marker is labeled "Musser Gap Tr" with a small hiking symbol sign beneath it. Surrounding the marker are dried vegetation and bare trees, set against a quiet winter forest landscape, emphasizing the trail's natural and serene setting.

And since the trailhead parking is located right off of Route 45, you can access the Musser Gap Trail and Hublers Gap Vista virtually any time of year, even in the dead of winter when other trailheads and vistas are tough to reach because of snow and ice.

A hiker dressed in bright orange winter gear stands at Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The hiker, holding trekking poles, gazes out over a snow-dusted, expansive valley with rolling hills and bare trees under a cloudy winter sky. The rocky terrain in the foreground emphasizes the rugged beauty of the trail and the serene, wintry landscape.

Directions to the Trailhead

As mentioned above, you’ll find the Musser Gap Trail parking area located on the south side of Route 45, roughly 5 miles south of downtown State College.

There is a large gravel parking area, with vault toilets (no running water) at the northern edge of the parking lot.

A gravel parking area at the trailhead of the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The lot features a few parked trucks, with a small wooden kiosk and evergreen trees in the background. Snow covers parts of the ground, and the surrounding area includes open fields, distant barns, and a cloudy sky, setting the stage for a winter hiking adventure.

The trailhead is located at the southern edge of the parking lot, next to a black and yellow gate.

A winter scene at the entrance to the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The foreground features a wooden trail marker labeled "Musser Gap Tr" next to a yellow metal gate marking the start of the trail. The snow-covered ground is interspersed with dried grasses, and bare trees frame the area. In the distance, rolling hills rise under a cloudy sky, adding to the tranquil rural landscape.

Hiking to Hubler Gap Vista

The hike to Hubler Gap Vista covers 2 miles (each way) along the Musser Gap Trail, and the trail itself has 3 distinct sections.

A close-up view of the trailhead marker for the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The wooden post is labeled "Musser Gap Tr" and stands amidst dense green foliage. A narrow dirt path begins at the base of the marker, winding through the lush vegetation and inviting hikers to explore the natural beauty of the trail.

The first section is essentially a slightly uphill gravel road or cartpath, popular with local dog walkers (it’s local to me, so I’m speaking from experience.)

A gravel path along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The trail is surrounded by dense greenery, with tall trees lining both sides, creating a natural canopy. The path gently ascends into the distance, inviting hikers to explore further. The vibrant foliage and serene atmosphere emphasize the trail's tranquil beauty.

After hiking 1 mile, the gravel path ends at a T-intersection next to the wooden footbridge pictured below.

A snowy winter scene along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The photo features a wooden footbridge crossing a small creek, surrounded by bare trees and patches of snow-covered ground. The forested area creates a peaceful and rustic atmosphere, highlighting the natural beauty of the trail during the colder months.

At this intersection, you want to stay to the left to remain on the red-blazed Musser Gap Trail- do not cross the bridge!

A winter scene along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The foreground features a tree marked with a bright red trail blaze, guiding hikers along the snow-dusted path. The trail is lined with scattered rocks and surrounded by tall, bare trees, creating a peaceful and rustic atmosphere. The soft light of the sky filters through the forest, enhancing the serene beauty of the snowy landscape.

Here’s where the real hiking begins, as the path transforms into a dirt, singletrack trail.

A snowy section of the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The narrow path is bordered by large rocks and surrounded by a mix of evergreen and bare trees, creating a peaceful forest setting. The snow-dusted ground and natural surroundings highlight the quiet beauty of the trail in winter, inviting hikers to explore further into the woods.

Follow the trail uphill along the left side of Musser Run for 2/10ths of a mile, and then cross over the small stream at this rudimentary stone bridge.

A small stream crossing along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The photo features a natural stone bridge made of flat rocks spanning the stream, surrounded by snow-covered ground and moss-covered stones. Bare trees and fallen logs frame the scene, creating a rustic and serene winter atmosphere in the forest.

Continue uphill along the winding dirt path another 4/10th of a mile until you reach a powerline access road, which doubles as the Mountain Mist Trail (popular with mountain bikers.)

A snow-covered utility corridor along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The wide, straight path is flanked by tall, dry grasses and bare trees, stretching into the distance beneath power lines. The sky above features a mix of blue patches and thick, cloudy areas, adding contrast to the tranquil winter landscape.

Cross the powerline access road and continue along the Musser Gap Trail, where the blazes change from red to yellow.

Trail markers along the snow-covered Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The foreground features a wooden post labeled "Mountain Mist Tr," while a smaller marker in the background indicates "Musser Gap Tr." The surrounding landscape includes bare trees, dried vegetation, and patches of snow, creating a quiet and natural winter scene.

Follow the rocky, yellow-blazed trail uphill through a series of switchbacks for another 4/10ths of a mile.

A snow-covered section of the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The trail winds through a dense forest of bare trees, with scattered rocks and fallen branches adding to the rugged terrain. Yellow trail blazes on the trees guide hikers along the path, creating a quiet and serene winter hiking experience in the wooded landscape.

When you reach the crest of the mountain, Hubler Gap Vista will be directly in front of you.

A sweeping winter view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The foreground features snow-dusted rocky terrain and leafless trees, leading to a distant landscape of rolling hills lightly covered in snow. A utility line cuts through the center of the vista, creating a sense of depth, while the cloudy sky enhances the quiet and expansive winter atmosphere.

Exploring Hubler Gap Vista

Hubler Gap Vista offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Rothrock State Forest, showcasing the natural beauty of Pennsylvania’s rolling hills.

A scenic view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The image showcases a lush green forest stretching across rolling hills under a vibrant blue sky with fluffy white clouds. In the foreground, rocky terrain and ferns frame the picturesque landscape, emphasizing the natural beauty of the area.

In the summer, the forest is a sea of vibrant green, with lush tree canopies stretching as far as the eye can see.

A peaceful view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The photo features an expansive green forest stretching across rolling hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. In the foreground, rocky terrain is interspersed with vegetation, and a weathered wooden log rests naturally among the stones, adding a rustic touch to the composition. The scene highlights the serene beauty and natural charm of the vista.

In winter, the landscape transforms into a serene, snow-dusted wonderland, with bare trees revealing the contours of the hills and valleys, creating a stark yet peaceful contrast against the muted tones of the season.

A winter view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The foreground features rocky terrain with patches of snow, leading into a landscape of bare trees. In the distance, rolling hills blanketed with light snow stretch beneath a cloudy sky, creating a serene and expansive vista.

Whether surrounded by summer’s dense foliage or winter’s tranquil stillness, the vista is a perfect spot to take in the expansive wilderness.

A vibrant view from Hubler Gap Vista along the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The image features a dense forest of lush green trees extending across rolling hills, with a bright blue sky and scattered fluffy white clouds adding to the serene atmosphere. In the foreground, rocky terrain and ferns provide a natural frame for the expansive landscape.

When you’ve had your fill of Hubler Gap Vista, simply retrace your steps back to the parking area along Route 45.

A snowy section of the Musser Gap Trail in Rothrock State Forest, near State College, Pennsylvania. The trail is lightly covered in snow and bordered by large rocks scattered along the path. Tall trees, some with evergreen foliage, line both sides of the trail, creating a serene and rugged forest setting. Footprints in the snow indicate recent hikers, adding a sense of exploration to the winter landscape.

Nearby Attractions

The 5 Best Scenic Overlooks Near State College is your guide to several other nearby scenic overlooks.

Beaver Stadium as viewed from the MIke Lynch Overlook.
Beaver Stadium as viewed from the Mike Lynch Overlook.

The 6 Best State Parks Near State College is your guide to more awesome outdoor adventures in Happy Valley.

Kayaking at Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County Pennsylvania.
Kayaking at Black Moshannon State Park.

33 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is an interactive guide to more local hotspots, both natural and manmade.

The best things to see and do in Centre County PA.
Scenes from Centre County.

24 Must-See Attractions in Huntingdon County highlights the best things to see and do in the region south of Hubler Gap Vista.

The best things to see and do in Huntingdon County PA.
Scenes from Huntingdon County.

Find even more great spots to explore all across Pennsylvania with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map!


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Rusty Glessner
Rusty Glessner is a professional photographer, lifelong Pennsylvanian, and a frequently-cited authority on PA's best travel destinations.