Eat and visit in West

Harry's Valley Vista is a roadside overlook in Rothrock State Forest, along Pennsylvania Furnace Road in West Township. A small pull-off sits right beside the vista, with more parking a few yards up the road at the crest of the ridge. From the overlook, the views run south and west across Harry's Valley and the forest.

Pennsylvania Furnace Road is not maintained in winter, so snow or ice may keep cars from reaching the overlook. Hikers can reach the vista on a 2-mile out-and-back hike up the Pump Station Trail, with parking just off Harry's Valley Road. A 4-mile loop combines the Indian Steps Trail, the Mid State Trail and the Pump Station Trail.

A county attractions roundup last modified on 2 October 2026 still lists it as a place to visit.

• Pull-off parking right beside the vista, and more parking a few yards up the road at the ridge crest. source
• A 2-mile out-and-back hike up the Pump Station Trail, with parking just off Harry's Valley Road. source
• A 4-mile loop combining the Indian Steps Trail, the Mid State Trail and the Pump Station Trail. source
• Pennsylvania Furnace Road gets no winter maintenance, so snow or ice may block access. source

Shavers Creek Firemans Park is at 8707 Firemans Park Lane, Petersburg, Pennsylvania 16669. The Huntingdon Daily News describes the park as being in West Township. The Shavers Creek Volunteer Fire Company lists the park and its community building for rent on its own site. The building is air conditioned and smoke free, with a sound system, wireless microphones, ample parking and an outdoor stage with a roof and pavilion.

Rental rates are $250 for one day, $400 for two days and $150 for a half day, plus a $100 deposit. A fully equipped kitchen costs extra, and janitorial service is available for a fee. Rentals and date checks go to 814-667-3843.

The Huntingdon Daily News reported in July 2024 on the company's first Community Day at the park, planned for Saturday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It listed games for children, horse and pony rides and local vendors. The company's calendar lists a square dance at the park on 16 January 2027, with a $6 charge for people 12 and older.

• Rental rates: $250 for one day, $400 for two days, $150 for a half day, $100 deposit. source
• Community building: air conditioned, smoke free, sound system with wireless microphones, handicapped accessible. source
• First Community Day planned for Saturday, July 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., per the Daily News article dated July 25, 2024. source
• Square dance at the park listed for 16 January 2027, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., $6 for people 12 and older. source

“The beautiful firemen’s park provides a space for events like this to unite the community.”Maggie Fipps, Huntingdon Daily News, 25 July 2024

“It’s just a good time to get the community together”fire company vice president Mary Watson, Huntingdon Daily News, 25 July 2024

The Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is a folk music camp weekend held each September at Camp Blue Diamond, near Petersburg. The Huntingdon County Arts Council organizes it. The event's own site says it was formerly the Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering and has a new location. A 2022 StateCollege.com column places the earlier gathering at Greenwood Furnace State Park.

Workshops cover instruments, singing and dancing, grouped by skill level from beginner to advanced, and Try A workshops suit non-musicians. Staff give concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings. A Saturday contradance has an open band, and visitors who have never danced are welcome to join in. Jams run during workshop time and after the concerts.

The Daily News reported 2026 registration at $87 for the Saturday and $130 for the full weekend, and WPSU lists $87-$130. Camp Blue Diamond sits in Rothrock State Forest, midway between State College and Huntingdon, and the camp provides the meals. The 2026 weekend ran September 11 to 13, and the event's site lists September 10 to 12, 2027 for the next one.

• Camp Blue Diamond sits in Rothrock State Forest, midway between State College and Huntingdon. source
• 2026 registration: $87 for Saturday, $130 for the full weekend. source
• Free registration for south central Pennsylvania military veterans who have never attended a Folk Gathering. source
• Act 48 credit is available for Pennsylvania school teachers. source
• The gathering began in 2004 as a joint project of the Huntingdon County Arts Council and Simple Gifts. source

“The Pennsylvania Folk Gathering is a wonderful weekend of playing, singing, jamming, dancing, and listening to folk music.”Huntingdon County Arts Council, 2026

“The Pennsylvania Folk Gathering brings a full weekend of music, dancing, and good vibes to a scenic camp setting.”VisitPA, Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, 27 August 2025

“The Greenwood Furnace Folk Gathering is a partnership between Simple Gifts and the Huntingdon County Arts Council.”Matt Maris, StateCollege.com, 27 October 2022