Looking to check out sunrise near State College? Check out these amazing spots for the best views (and where to eat brunch afterwards!)
Disclaimer - Many of the activities mentioned in this blog post were sponsored by the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau. As always, my opinions are unbiased and my own. I want to thank Happy Valley for their generosity!
Sunrise Spots near State College
I have always been a morning person and I LOVE a sunrise. Centre County sunrises are some of the most spectacular I’ve ever seen.
These spots in Centre County (aka Happy Valley) are all worth the early alarm! Even if you don’t love getting up early, reward yourself with a delicious coffee or breakfast after you’ve started your day with some of these amazing State College area breakfast spots.
Each sunrise spot below has a description, the distance from State College, whether or not it requires a hike, and where to go sate your hunger after your adventure.
Read on for more information on the best sunrise spots near State College (and where to go eat afterwards)!
Jo Hays Vista
Distance from State College: 15 minutes
Hike Required? Nope! This is a roadside stop.
Description: This amazing sunrise view doesn’t even require you to get out of your car if you don’t want to. This vista is right off of Route 26 and is right up the hill from the town of Pine Grove Hall in Ferguson Township. I recommend getting out of your car and watching the sunrise over the Nittany Valley from Tussey Mountain Ridgeline from the bench area.
Where to Eat After: Head to Flour & Stone, only three minutes from Jo Hays Vista. This new restaurant opened in Fall 2024. This great eatery right near Pine Grove Hall offers a breakfast menu starting at 8a, with brunch on weekends. While during my visit, I went for lunch, I am happy to say that they have my favorite item on the menu, the empanada, for breakfast as well! Who doesn’t love a breakfast empanada?
Looking for more to do in the State College area? Check out my guide to the best weekend in State College!
Mount Nittany
Distance from State College: 12 minutes
Hike Required? Yes, and it’s not easy! You can do either the 1.2 mile loop to the Mike Lynch Overlook or you can do the full over five mile loop to hit all the scenic overlooks.
Description: This hike is a rite of passage for all Penn State students. I was lucky (?) enough to share a sunrise hike in fall 2024 with a bunch of frat bros who had hidden some beers at the Mike Lynch overlook and were drinking them as the sun rose. Ah, glory days.
Whether you want to do the short loop or the long loop depends on your hiking ability and how much time you have. The overlooks differ in views depending on the foliage (or lack of it), but in my opinion, the last overlook on the loop (the Nittany Mall overlook) is worth the extra mileage. Once you hit the top of the mountain, most of the trail is flat until you descend back down. If you’re going to do the uphill portion of the hike anyway, you might as well see all the overlooks.
Where to Eat After: A State College Hike calls for a State College tradition. The Original Waffle Shop is a favorite among past and present Penn Staters for its large portions and unlimited coffee. The Original Waffle Shop has two locations – North on Atherton St and West on College Ave. Both are less than 20 minutes from the Mount Nittany trailhead. Be prepared to wait at either location as it is a very popular breakfast spot, however, it opens at 6am for the early birds.
Colyer Lake
Distance from State College: 20 minutes
Hike Required? Not if you don’t want to, but I’d recommend hiking the Colyer Lake Loop aka Hobie’s Trail which is about ~2.6 miles long
Description: This was one of the first sunrises I ever saw in Centre County and it made me speechless. I had seen signs for Colyer Lake as I was driving to a different hike and decided to pull and audible and follow signs to this lake that I had never heard of. I was all alone at the lake for an incredible sunrise and have been back many times since.
Where to Eat After: Breakfast on Boal in Boalsburg opens at 7am six days a week for the early risers. It’s only 15 minutes from Colyer Lake. This hearty American fare is perfect for post hike, pre future adventures (or a nap on the couch – I won’t judge). They also are great with getting food out quickly for hungry adventurers!
Can't get enough of hikes in the area? Check out my guide to the best hiking near State College!
Ralph’s Majestic Vista (& Ralph’s Pretty Good View)
Distance from State College: ~30 minutes
Hike Required? Yes, ~1.6 miles out and back on the Allegheny Front Trail
Description: This hike is one of my favorite in Pennsylvania and it’s because I love a good joke. Ralph was really playing a joke when he named these two viewpoints along the Allegheny Front Trail. The Majestic Vista, while a great vista, pales in comparison to Ralph’s Pretty Good View. However, beware if visiting this vista during hunting season. Dawn is when hunters are often active so if you head out at this time, wear bright orange and make noise that is clearly human.
Where to Eat After: Gigi’s Southern Table, located just under 30 minutes from the trailhead, is the best place for a hearty breakfast. It’s casual and cute, the epitome of Southern hospitality. The food is incredible, and you can tell that a ton of thought have gone into every dish.
The good news is that they don’t open until 11am, so you have more time to explore further along the Allegheny Front Trail or nearby Black Moshannon State Park to work up an appetite.
Love exploring solo? Check out my guide to solo things to do near State College!
Black Moshannon State Park
Distance from State College: Just over thirty minutes
Hike Required? Not required, but I highly recommend the 0.5 mile Bog Trail
Description: Black Moshannon State Park is one of those places I could return time and time again. This park offers both long and short hikes as well as an awesome lake for water sports. I recommend catching sunrise from the Bog Trail to listen to the daytime creatures come alive.
Where to Eat After: At 35 min from Black Moshannon, The Corner Room in downtown State College is a bit of a drive from the park. However, the large portions and nostalgic atmosphere of this diner-like spot is worth it. My favorite is the Corner Breakfast, which comes with two eggs, bacon (or sausage), breakfast potatoes, and coffee. They open at 11am Mon to Thurs but 8am Friday thru Sunday.
Can't get enough of state parks? Check out my guide to the Nine State Parks near State College!
Updated September 7 2025