Colyer Lake (Hobie's Trail)

This is an easy, beginner’s-level 2.6-mile hike – a stroll really – on a gentle forest trail (Hobie’s Trail) around a popular fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking reservoir in Centre County. The 77-acre impoundment along Sinking Creek known as Colyer Lake was built in 1966 (59 years ago) for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The lovely, accessible trail that circumnavigates Colyer Lake was conceived by Hobart (Hobie) King Kistler (1990-2021), and constructed in 2006 as his Eagle Scout Project. Hobie was a husband, father, brother, son, and friend, as well as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. “His love for the outdoors and this community fueled his desire to make it a better place for all.”

Colyer Lake is located about 15 minutes east of State College, just 5 minutes off U.S. Route 322. Follow 322 to a right turn on Taylor Hill Road. Follow Taylor Hill Road for a mile or two to another right turn on Lingle Road. These are paved, but curving rural roads, so drive carefully.

Hobie's Trail meanders through a couple of secluded coves with evergreen forest stands of native white pine and red pine, and non-native Scotch pine and Norway spruce introduced from Europe in the last century. The final half-mile of trail runs downstream of the impressive earthen and concrete embankment that impounds waters to form the Colyer Lake impoundment.

We will meet in the Lingle Road parking area at 10:30 a.m.

Colyer Lake Trailhead – Lingle Road Parking Area – LAT and LONG
LATITUDE 40° 46’ 41’’ N (40.77805556)
LONGITUDE 77° 41’ 01” W (77.68361111)