Centred Outdoors invites people of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy free guided outdoor adventures throughout Centre County and the surrounding region.
This year marks a major milestone – a decade of helping residents connect with nature, discover new trails, and explore the landscapes that make Central Pennsylvania special.
The 10th season officially begins the week of April 12 at Dry Hollow, one of ClearWater’s conserved easement properties.
Kickoff events will include Guided Outings and an outdoor yoga Wellness Program at Stone Valley Recreation Area, giving participants a chance to reconnect with nature while caring for their physical and mental well-being.
“Mount Nittany Health is honored to carry on our collaboration with ClearWater Conservancy,” said Karissa Thal, MD, of Mount Nittany Health Primary Care. “Initiatives like Centred Outdoors give community members meaningful ways to enjoy the mental and physical rewards of being outdoors, and we’re proud to support a shared commitment to healthier people, stronger community.”
To take advantage of the area’s best hiking weather and avoid midsummer heat, most programming will run April through June and September through November.
The season features Wellness Wednesdays, weekly evening events incorporating mindfulness practices, forest therapy, art, and other wellness-centered activities. Guided Outings are short, 1- to 2-mile walks appropriate for all ages and experience levels.
Led by knowledgeable guides, these outings offer an engaging way to enjoy nature while learning about local history, wildlife, and conservation.
For those looking for a tougher challenge, Adventure Hikes offer longer, more strenuous treks through scenic and rugged terrain, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore deeper into the region’s natural spaces.
New - Special Topics
New to this year, Special Topic programs are designed to highlight local partners and introduce participants to a broad range of outdoor-related subjects, activities, and places throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Each session offers opportunities to build skills, deepen knowledge, and connect with the people and organizations that support the region’s outdoor community.
Access to nature is a core priority for Centred Outdoors. The program offers a free gear library to help make time outside safer and more enjoyable.
Participants can reserve trekking poles, child carriers, daypacks or rain jackets for use during Centred Outdoors outings by emailing info@centredoutdoors.org.
Children are welcome at all Guided Outings and can borrow a Jr. Naturalist Toolkit, which includes simple tools and guides to help young explorers observe wildlife, identify plants and engage more deeply with the natural world. Toolkits are available at the check‑in table before any Guided Outing.
The full 2026 schedule and registration options for event updates are available at the Centred Outdoors webpage. All events are free and open to the public.
Additional Support
In addition to funding by Mount Nittany Health and PA DCNR, Centred Outdoors is supported by the Hamer Foundation, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, and The M&T Charitable Foundation; as well as partners including Appalachian Outdoors; Centre Region Parks and Recreation; Cole Transportation; Jana Marie Foundation; Millbrook Marsh Nature Center; Organic Climbing; Rhoneymeade Arboretum and Sculpture Garden; Shaver's Creek Environmental Center; Spring Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited; and Webster’s Bookstore & Café.
Centred Outdoors is a program of ClearWater Conservancy made possible with financial assistance from the Environmental Stewardship Fund Grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation. Financial assistance is also provided by the Hamer Foundation, Mount Nittany Health, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, The M&T Charitable Foundation, and community organizations.
The ClearWater Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and nationally accredited land trust with a mission to conserve and restore the natural resources of central Pennsylvania through land conservation, water resources stewardship, and environmental outreach in the community.
Mount Nittany Health is a comprehensive healthcare system headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania. Comprised of Mount Nittany Medical Center, Mount Nittany Physician Group, The Mount Nittany Health Foundation, and the Mount Nittany Health Children’s Advocacy Center, the system serves six counties and offers more than thirty medical specialties, including Cardiology, Orthopedics, Oncology, Urology, and Neurology.
Related Articles This Week:
-- Gov. Shapiro, DCNR Announce Grand Opening Of Laurel Caverns State Park In Fayette County, Pennsylvania’s First Underground State Park [PaEN]
-- Lt. Gov. Davis, DCNR Turn On Point State Park Fountain After $3.4 Million In Park Upgrades Ahead Of NFL Draft In Pittsburgh
-- Pennypack Ecological Restoration Trust Earth Day Trail Run/Walk Race Set For April 18 In Montgomery County [PaEN]
NewsClips:
-- Post-Gazette - Mary Ann Thomas: Longtime Owners Of Laurel Caverns Trust DCNR To Take Care Of Natural Attraction As State Park
-- Observer-Reporter: Laurel Caverns Becomes First Subterranean State Park In PA
-- Erie Times - Brian Whipkey: Pennsylvania’s First Underground State Park Opens To Public
-- WESA: Point State Park Water Fountain Flows After $3.4 Million Upgrade Ahead Of NFL Draft In Pittsburgh
-- PennLive: Wildfire Season Is Here: Why Spring Is So Dangerous In PA And How You Can Help
-- Tribune-Democrat: Birdwatching ‘Nest’ Planned For Lake Somerset
-- PennWATCH: Pennsylvania Braces For ‘High-Risk’ Tick Season As Spring Temperatures Rise
[Posted: April 8, 2026] PA Environment Digest
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