PA Hiking/Biking Trails

Hiking the Bear Meadows Loop in Centre County

A collage of four scenic photos from the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Top left: A wooden sign marks the Bear Meadows Natural Area within Rothrock State Forest. Top right: A narrow trail flanked by evergreens and rhododendron bushes. Bottom left: A lush green tunnel-like pathway created by overhanging rhododendron branches. Bottom right: A panoramic view of a wetland with golden-brown reeds and a clear reflection of the sky and surrounding trees.

If you’re looking for information about hiking the Bear Meadows Loop in Centre County, you’re in the right place!

A welcoming sign at the entrance to the Bear Meadows Natural Area in Rothrock State Forest, Centre County, Pennsylvania, indicating an expanse of 896 acres. The sign is wooden with carved and black-painted letters. It stands prominently at the side of a gravel path that leads into a mixed forest of evergreen and bare deciduous trees under a partly cloudy sky. — The Bear Meadows Natural Area contains 896 acres, including a fen wetland and surrounding forest.

The Bear Meadows Loop is a 3.5 mile hike around the perimeter of the Bear Meadows Natural Area in the Rothrock State Forest.

A secluded section on the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, is framed by thick, verdant rhododendron bushes. The earthen path, dappled with sunlight and shadow, invites hikers into a lush, green tunnel-like corridor, offering a serene and immersive natural experience. — Portions of the Bear Meadow Loop pass through dense Rhododendron thickets.

This Natural Area, which is also a National Natural Landmark, protects an entire high mountain fen wetland.

A weathered informational plaque at the Bear Meadows Natural Area, which reads that the area has been designated a National Natural Landmark. The plaque states the site possesses exceptional value as an illustration of the nation's natural heritage and contributes to a better understanding of man's environment. Dated 1966, it is issued by the National Park Service and the United States Department of the Interior, affirming the significance of this conservation site. — Bear Meadows Natural Area is also a National Natural Landmark.

Unlike a bog (which is primarily fed by rainwater), the fen wetland at Bear Meadows receives its water primarily from groundwater sources, meaning its pH levels are neutral to alkaline (in contrast to the acidic environment of bogs) and it supports a more diverse array of plant and animal life.

A serene landscape along the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, showcasing a clear blue sky with wispy clouds above a wetland area. Reflections of trees and bushes are visible in the tranquil water amid the golden-brown hues of tall grasses and reeds in the foreground, with a backdrop of evergreen trees and a distant rolling hill. — The Bear Meadows Natural Area is a rare ecosystem in Pennsylvania.

Bear Meadows Trail | Details and Directions

The Bear Meadows Loop trailhead is located along Bear Meadows Road in the Rothrock State Forest.

If navigating by GPS, you’ll find the parking area and trailhead at coordinates 40.73198, -77.75378.

A vibrant orange pickup truck is parked on the side of a gravel road leading into the forested area of Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The road forks ahead, surrounded by lush greenery and trees, under a partly cloudy sky. An information kiosk is partially visible on the left, suggesting a trailhead or parking area for hikers venturing into the natural landscape. — Parking area adjacent to the trailhead along Bear Meadows Road.

The loop hike as described here utilizes 2.25 miles of the yellow-blazed Bear Meadows Trail, a 0.5 mile portion of North Meadows Road, and a 0.75 mile portion of the Jean Aron Path, for a total length of roughly 3.5 miles.

A map illustrating the Bear Meadows Loop trail in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Key points such as Bear Gap Vista, Indian Wells, the North Meadows Road Intersection, and the Bear Meadows Trailhead are marked with yellow pins. The trail is outlined by a dotted yellow line weaving through the greenery of the natural area, with 'BEAR MEADOWS ROAD' text indicating the main access route alongside the trail. — A trail map for the 3.5 mile Bear Meadows Loop Hike.

I’m going to describe the hike moving in a clockwise direction, but of course you can hike it the opposite way and enjoy it all the same.

The landscape along the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, is captured in this image, featuring a striking contrast between live evergreen trees and a number of bare, dead trunks standing against the sky. The ground is scattered with a mix of green rhododendron and brown, fallen leaves. A mossy log lies in the foreground, leading the eye into the scene that speaks to the natural cycles of growth and decay within the forest environment. — Scene along the Bear Meadows Loop.

Hiking the Bear Meadows Loop

If hiking this trail in a clockwise direction, the first 2.25 miles of the hike can be quite wet – this portion of the hike literally skirts the edge of the wetland.

An expansive view of a lush meadow under a dynamic sky within the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The foreground is framed by leafy shrubs and the meadow stretches into the distance, with rolling hills and forested ridges on the horizon. Fluffy white clouds scattered across the blue sky cast soft shadows on the landscape, highlighting the natural beauty of the area. — Looking out over the wetland from the trail.

In some of the wettest sections, a raised boardwalk makes the trek a bit easier, but waterproof boots really are the footwear of choice for this hike.

A rustic wooden boardwalk path leading through the lush Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The path is surrounded by vibrant green rhododendron bushes and tall, leafless trees that indicate either late fall or early spring. The ground is covered with a layer of brown fallen leaves, and the clear sky above suggests a crisp, sunny day for hikers to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. — Some sections of this hike traverse a narrow boardwalk.

Of course the upside of hiking in a wetland environment is the chance to see all sorts of waterfowl and wildlife.

A duck in flight is captured against the backdrop of a clear blue sky above a thicket of leafless trees and evergreens along the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The bird's wings are outstretched, showcasing its impressive wingspan and the dynamic movement of its flight. The scene conveys a sense of freedom and the wild beauty of nature along the hiking trail. — A duck takes flight along the Bear Meadows Loop.

The wetland environment also means an abundance of highbush blueberries here in the warmer months, attracting the bears that give “Bear Meadows” its name.

The welcoming sign at the entrance of Bear Meadows Natural Area, which is part of the Rothrock State Forest in Centre County, Pennsylvania, stands against a vibrant backdrop of green foliage and a blue sky with wispy clouds. The sign indicates the area encompasses 896 acres and is dedicated to the protection of reptiles and amphibians, managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. — Reptiles and amphibians are protected within the Bear Meadows Natural Area.

Portions of the Bear Meadow Loop pass through dense Rhododendron thickets.

A narrow dirt path, marked by a yellow trail blaze on a tree trunk, meanders through a forested section of the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The trail is flanked by evergreen trees and lush rhododendron bushes, creating a serene and shaded woodland environment for hikers to enjoy. — Rhododendron tunnel along the trail.

While in other places the path meanders through towering hemlocks.

A towering tree reaches up into the sky, surrounded by the dense canopy of the forest within the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The view from the ground up captures the intricate branching pattern and the textured bark of the tree, with the sunlight filtering through the lush green leaves, creating a natural cathedral-like atmosphere. — Hemlocks along the Bear Meadows Loop.

At roughly 2.25 miles into the hike, the trail intersects with North Meadows Road – here you’ll continue east/clockwise around the northern edge of Bear Meadows.

A trail marker for North Meadows Road stands prominently in the center of the image, marking a section of the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The brown, metal sign with white lettering stands on a bed of fallen leaves that blanket the ground. Bare deciduous trees surround the area, and a hint of green underbrush suggests the resilience of life in this tranquil forest setting. The path appears well-trodden, inviting hikers to continue their journey through the peaceful woodland. — North Meadows Road on the northern edge of the Natural Area.

This is the driest and easiest portion of the hike, as it follows a gated gravel forest road.

A tranquil gravel path meanders through a forest on the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Leafless tall trees line the path, their branches reaching up to a blue sky with sparse clouds. The forest floor is blanketed with a thick layer of brown leaves, indicating the quietude of late autumn or early winter. The perspective of the path draws the viewer's eye forward, suggesting a journey through the serene and bare wooded landscape. — North Meadows Road.

After following North Meadows Road for a half-mile, you’ll bear right onto the Jean Aron Path to complete the hike.

A trail sign reading 'Jean Aron Path' stands upright on a forest trail within the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The sign, with white lettering on a brown background, is positioned at the beginning of a leaf-strewn path that cuts through the woods. Surrounding trees, some with evergreen foliage, create a canopy over the trail. A moss-covered rock lies at the base of the sign, adding a touch of vibrant green to the otherwise dormant forest floor. — Jean Aron Path marker at the intersection with North Meadows Road.

You’ll follow this trail the final 0.75 miles of the hike, back to the trailhead/parking area along Bear Meadows Road.

A narrow, earthy trail on the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, edged by lush green rhododendron bushes. A tree with textured bark is marked with a yellow rectangle, indicating a trail blaze. The trail, blanketed with fallen leaves, weaves through the dense forest, inviting hikers to explore the tranquility of this natural area. — The Jean Aron Path.

The entire hike normally takes me roughly 90 minutes at a leisurely pace, stopping to take a few photos along the way.

A vibrant forest scene along the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, with a mix of living and dead trees standing tall against a partly cloudy sky. The underbrush is lush and green, indicating a healthy ecosystem amidst the cycle of life and decay. Sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating the natural beauty and diversity of the forest landscape. — Scene along the Jean Aron Path portion of the loop.

Final Thoughts

The Bear Meadows Loop winds 3.5 miles through towering forests, skirts the edge of a rare wetland, and passes through enchanting rhododendron tunnels, offering an ever-changing panorama.

A simple wooden plank boardwalk cuts through a dense thicket of green rhododendron shrubs on the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania. The boardwalk offers a clear path over the forest floor, which is littered with fallen leaves and small plants, and provides a structured route amidst the natural underbrush. — Boardwalk through a rhododendron tunnel.

The trail’s gentle inclines and declines (less that 100 feet of elevation change) make it accessible for a range of fitness levels, yet it never feels less than a true hike.

A peaceful trail covered with a carpet of brown leaves meanders through a forest of tall conifers and bare deciduous trees in the Bear Meadows Loop Hike, Centre County, Pennsylvania. The sunlight filters through the canopy, casting a warm glow and creating a serene atmosphere. The forest floor is dotted with the shadows of the trees, enhancing the sense of depth and the quiet beauty of this natural woodland path. — Tall trees along the trail.

Whether you’re looking to explore a rare ecosystem, seeking a peaceful retreat in nature, or simply in need of a good, solid hike in Central Pennsylvania, the Bear Meadows Loop is the perfect destination!

A view from the Bear Meadows Loop Hike in Centre County, Pennsylvania, showing a diverse forest landscape with a mixture of living and standing dead trees. The foreground features rich green rhododendron bushes and a moss-covered fallen log, leading to an open wetland area. Beyond, the forest opens up to a clearing under a partly cloudy sky, with distant hills visible on the horizon, creating a scene of natural regeneration and the cycle of life in a forest ecosystem. — Remember, this is a protected area, so leave no trace of your visit behind and take only photographs with you.

Nearby Attractions

Indian Wells Overlook is an exceptional scenic vista located right along the Mid State Trail near the Centre-Huntingdon county line.

Rusty Glessner at Indian Wells Overlook in Centre County Pennsylvania — The author at Indian Wells Overlook along the Mid State Trail.

Indian Wells is perched high above Bear Meadows Natural Area, offering a great top-down view of the hike described above.

Looking out over Bear Meadows from Indian Wells Overlook in the Rothrock State Forest.

The Alan Seeger Trail is a short but beautiful loop hike through the Alan Seeger Natural Area in the Rothrock State Forest.

The Alan Seeger Trail is a 0.8 mile loop hike through the Alan Seeger Natural Area near State College.

The 20 Best Hiking Trails Near State College is your guide to even more great hikes near the Bear Meadows Natural Area and the Rothrock State Forest.

The author at Stone Valley Vista in March 2023. — The author at Stone Valley Vista along the Standing Stone Trail.

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