![Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-State-College-PA-October-2021 Looking out over the water from the Colyer Lake Trail near State College.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-State-College-PA-October-2021-696x497.jpg)
Hobie’s Trail (formerly known as the Colyer Lake Trail) is a scenic and relatively easy to hike 2.6 mile trail that loops around the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s Colyer Lake in Centre County.
![Bridge along the Colyer Lake Trail near State College Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Bridge-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
The trail is named in honor of Hobart “Hobie” Kistler, who originally conceived and built a trail around Colyer Lake as his Eagle Scout service project in 2006.
![Hobart King Kistler originally conceived and built a trail around Colyer Lake as his Eagle Scout service project in 2006.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobart-King-Kistler-Plaque-Hobies-Trail-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The trail was dedicated in Hobie’s name in April, 2022, and several markers along the trail are reminder’s of his vision and hard work.
![A map of Hobie's Trail near the parking area on the south shore of Colyer Lake in Centre County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-Map-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
How to Find Hobie’s Trail at Colyer Lake
Located 10 miles east of State College, just off of Route 322, there are two trailheads/parking areas for this loop hike.
![Looking across Colyer Lake towards the Lingle Road parking area.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Colyer-Lake-Trail-near-State-College-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
On the north shore of the lake you’ll find the Lingle Road parking area/boat launch; on the southeastern shore you’ll find the Lake Road parking area/boat launch.
![A map to the parking areas for the Colyer Lake Trail near State College Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Colyer-Lake-Trail-parking-areas-map.jpg)
If navigating by GPS, use coordinates 40.77808, -77.68377 for the Lingle Road lot, use coordinates 40.77247, -77.68094 for the Lake Road lot.
![A map of the Colyer Lake Trail posted near the Lake Road trail head.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Colyer-Lake-Trail-map-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
No matter where you park or which direction you hike the loop, it’s a beautiful trail in all seasons.
![Autumn colors along the Colyer Lake Trail in Centre County, PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-October-Centre-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
It’s an especially peaceful hike in the winter, when you’ll often have the trail all to yourself if you hike it on a weekday.
![Bench along Hobie's Trail at Colyer Lake in Centre County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-At-Colyer-Lake-near-State-College-Centre-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Exploring Hobie’s Trail at Colyer Lake
The Colyer Lake Loop is relatively flat with some slight undulations, there’s really no “easy route” or “hard route”.
![Fall foliage along the Colyer Lake Trail near State College, Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-Centre-County-PA-October-2021.jpg)
A series of bridges carry you over water crossings, a recent improvement to the trail if you hiked it in the past.
![Bridge below the spillway along the Colyer Lake Trail near State College PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Bridge-Near-State-College-PA.jpg)
The American flag near one of the bridges is a particularly nice touch, and a fitting tribute to Hobie’s service in the United States Navy.
![Winter day along Hobie's Trail at Colyer Lake in Centre County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-Around-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-winter-American-Flag.jpg)
I find this a relatively easy winter hike, as it lacks any really steep, slippery sections.
![Hobie's Trail near the boat mooring area on the north shore of Colyer Lake.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-At-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-Boat-Launch.jpg)
And the reflections of the winter sky off the non-frozen portions of Colyer Lake certainly make for some pleasing photos.
![Reflections of a winter sky on the surface of Colyer Lake as viewed from Hobie's Trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-At-Colyer-Lake-near-State-College-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-Winter-Sky-reflections.jpg)
Scenes Along the Colyer Lake Trail
As you’d probably expect with a lake loop trail, there are plenty of excellent views of Colyer Lake along this trail.
![Autumn leaves of red and gold along the COlyer Lake Trail in Centre County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-State-College-October-2021.jpg)
Even the views from the parking areas are impressive.
![A tree casts a long winter shadow along Hobie's Trail at Colyer Lake near State College Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-Around-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-winter-view-Lingle-Road-Parking-Area.jpg)
The trail passes below the spillway of the lake.
![View of the spillway on Colyer Lake from the trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Spillway-View-near-State-College-Pennsylvania.jpg)
There are benches at several points along the trail to relax and take in the scenery.
![Bench along the Colyer Lake Trail in Centre County, PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-bench-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
This is a popular lake for the fishing crowd in the warmer months, so don’t be surprised to see folks wetting a line at just about any point along your route.
![Folks enjoying the afternoon fishing at Colyer Lake in Centre County.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Fishing-at-Colyer-Lake-near-State-College-PA.jpg)
There are also a few spots where the trail skirts private property – please respect the homeowner’s privacy and stay on the trail easements.
![Signpost along the Colyer Lake Trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-State-College-PA-Centre-County-October-2021.jpg)
Hobie’s Trail is far enough outside State College to enjoy some starry nights, without the light pollution of the “big city”.
![Starry night along the Colyer Lake Trail.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Night-Sky-State-College-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Towards the northern end of Colyer Lake you’ll hike amongst some particularly tall pines.
![Tall pines along Hobie's Trail at Colyer Lake in Centre County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-Tall-Pines.jpg)
The sheer amount of diverse scenes along this relatively short trail makes it a wonderful beginner’s hike or hike for/with children.
![Wildflowers along the Colyer Lake Trail in early May.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Wild-Flowers-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
As a fall foliage hike, this is a fantastic trail as well.
![Golden foliage along the Colyer Lake Trail in October.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Colyer-Lake-Trail-Fall-Foliage-State-College-Pennsylvania-Centre-County-October-2021.jpg)
And don’t forget about Hobie’s Trail when the snow starts to fly!
![View of Colyer Lake from Hobie's Trail near the dam.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Hobies-Trail-Colyer-Lake-Centre-County-Pennsylvania-Winter-View-From-Dam.jpg)
If you enjoy boating, bring along the canoe or kayak (PA Fish and Boat Commission regulations apply).
![View from the Lake Road parking area and boat launch at Colyer Lake.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Colyer-Lake-Loop-Trail-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
Nearby Attractions
The 13 Best Scenic Overlooks in Centre County will introduce you to some of the best mountain vistas in the area, including Bear Meadows Overlook less than 5 miles away.
![Bear Meadows Overlook in Centre County Pennsylvania](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Bear-Meadows-Overlook-Centre-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
If you’re looking to stay closer to State College, be sure to check out The 5 Best Scenic Overlooks Near State College.
![Blue skies over David's Vista near State College.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Davids-Vista-Jackson-Trail-Near-Penn-State.jpg)
And of course there’s the granddaddy of all State College hikes, the trek to the top of Mount Nittany!
![Penn State campus as viewed from the MIke Lynch Overlook on Mount Nittany.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Mount-Nittany-View-of-State-College.jpg)
The Arboretum at Penn State is a fantastic collection of botanic gardens, fountains, ponds, walking trails, and pollinator habitats all located on the north end of the Penn State main campus in State College.
![Childhood's Gate at the Penn State Arboretum on a spring day.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Arboretum-Penn-State-Childrens-Garden-Spring-Blooms.jpg)
Exploring the Ghost Town of Scotia Near State College will introduce you to a truly unique hike on State Game Lands 176.
![How to find the Ghost Town of Scotia near State College Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Exploring-the-Ghost-Town-of-Scotia-in-Centre-County-PA.jpg)
The 6 Best State Parks Near State College will show you more of the outstanding outdoor recreational opportunities near Happy Valley.
![The Lake Loop Trail at Black Moshannon State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Lake-Trail-Black-Moshannon-State-Park.jpg)
Centre Furnace Mansion in State College is significant for both its industrial heritage and as the birthplace of Penn State.
![Front of Centre Furnace Mansion in State College PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Centre-Furnace-Mansion-Fall-Foliage-State-College-PA.jpg)
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