Get Off Campus and Explore Nature
Stone Valley Recreation Area (SVRA) is an almost 800-acre outdoor recreation area featuring Lake Perez, more than 20 miles of trails, cabins, meeting spaces, boating, group programming, and seasonal recreation opportunities.
Stone Valley is open to Penn State students, Campus Recreation members, and the public. Whether you are looking for a place to stay, planning a group experience, exploring the trails, or spending a day outdoors, choose the Stone Valley experience that fits you.
Stone Valley’s entrances are located roughly 13–15 miles off campus. Transportation is provided only to students participating in select programs. Check Campus Recreation’s program listings to see which programs include transportation.
Every Season at Lake Perez
Explore Stone Valley Recreation Area any time of year. Rent a canoe or kayak for a day on Lake Perez in the warmer months, or pick up cross-country skis when the trails turn white. Rentals are open to Penn State students and community members. Stop by the Visitor Center to choose your gear. It's in the log cabin near the Red Rose Entrance.
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Boat rentals typically run from the first weekend in April through the third weekend in October. The beginning and end of the season are weekends only, sometimes with a weekday. Rentals are available six or seven days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rentals are open to Penn State students and community members.
- Stop by the Visitor Center to choose your gear. It's in the log cabin near the Red Rose Entrance.
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Cross-country ski rentals are available weekends in January and February, and the first weekend of March if spring break is late that year. At least four inches of snow on the ground is required for rentals. Rentals are available six or seven days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Rentals are open to Penn State students and community members.
- Stop by the Visitor Center to choose your gear. It's in the log cabin near the Red Rose Entrance.
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Picnic areas are open on a first-come, first-served basis. For a bigger gathering, you can rent the pavilion on the Visitor Center side of Lake Perez. Groups should reserve at least three weeks ahead. Individuals can usually book with just a few days' notice.
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Cast a line from the shore of Lake Perez. If you don't have your own gear, borrow a fishing pole from the Visitor's Center. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required
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Bring friends and borrow yard games from the Visitor's Center to play near the lake.
Take a Hike
Explore more than 20 miles of trails throughout Stone Valley. The trail network includes the Ironstone Trail, which connects with the Mid State Trail in Rothrock State Forest, and two Nurture in Nature wellness trails—one between Stone Valley and Shaver’s Creek and another within the larger trail network.
All maintained trails are marked. During all Pennsylvania hunting seasons, trail users must wear orange and follow all posted safety rules. Choose a trail, bring what you need, and explore Stone Valley at your own pace.
Public Programs
Try something new with a guided program such as Glow Boating, Moonlight Boating, Birding by Boat, or a Solstice Hike. Other programs throughout the year are also open to the public.
Stone Valley programs are listed alongside all Outdoor Adventures offerings. The listing includes Stone Valley programs open to the public, as well as other Outdoor Adventures programs that are limited to students and Campus Recreation members.
Gather Outdoors at Stone Valley
Looking for a place to bring your student organization, team, or group together? Stone Valley Recreation Area gives you room to meet, retreat, and unwind, surrounded by woods and water just a short drive from campus. Reserve a space and trade the conference room for the outdoors.
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The Civil Engineering Lodge (CE Lodge) is Stone Valley’s main lodge for retreats, meetings, and other group rentals. Choose the space that fits your group or combine the lodge with other Stone Valley offerings.
The CE Lodge includes:
- Two meeting spaces: One comfortably accommodates 32 people and the other accommodates 24.
- Pavilion: Accommodates approximately 64 people.
- Meeting and event space: Use the lodge for retreats, meetings, and other organized group activities.
The CE Lodge is located at the Charter Oak Road entrance.
Planning a group event? Contact Stone Valley at least three weeks in advance at (814) 863-1164 or stonevalley@psu.edu to explore your rental options.
CE Lodge rentals are open to Penn State and non-Penn State groups. Rentals must be for an organized group or company due to insurance requirements.
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Spend time outdoors and stay overnight in one of Stone Valley’s 10 rentable cabins.
Each cabin includes:
- Heating and air conditioning
- Small refrigerator
- Small coffee pot
- Outdoor charcoal grill
- Outdoor fire ring
- Outdoor picnic table
- Table, chairs, or seating
Bed arrangements vary by cabin. Guests must bring their own bedding. A shared bathroom and shower house serves all cabins.
Cabins are located at the Red Rose Road entrance and are generally available from mid-March through early December.
Interested in staying at Stone Valley? Contact Stone Valley at least three weeks in advance at (814) 863-1164 or stonevalley@psu.edu.
Cabin rentals are open to the public.
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Bring your group to Stone Valley for an outdoor experience led by Campus Recreation’s Outdoor Adventures team.
Choose from:
- High ropes
- Low ropes and general team building
- Boat rentals and boating instruction
- Climbing programs
Group programming is available to Penn State and non-Penn State groups. Programs must be for an organized group.
Planning a group experience? Email adventure@psu.edu to explore your options.
Find Your Way to Stone Valley
Ready to explore Stone Valley? Whether you are a Penn State student, Campus Recreation member, or visiting the public recreation area, use the map to plan your visit and find your way to the activity that fits you. Stone Valley is located roughly 13–15 miles off campus. Students participating in select Campus Recreation programs may have transportation available.
Group Programs and Team Building
Want your group to do more than just show up somewhere new? Campus Recreation's Outdoor Adventures team leads programs at Stone Valley built around shared challenge, from the ropes courses to the water. Pick the experience that fits your group's goals, and let the staff handle the rest. From high and low ropes courses, boat rentals, climbing programs to general team building, our staff can facilitate a dynamic experience.
Ready to plan your group experience? Email adventure@psu.edu to explore your options.