"Eversince Area in Rothrock State Forest offers a concentrated cluster of approachable boulders set on a dramatic hillside just outside Pine Grove Mills. With a short approach, inviting classics, and year-round access, this local favorite blends ease with adventure for Pennsylvania boulderers."
High above the quiet borough of Pine Grove Mills, tucked just inside Rothrock State Forest, the Eversince Area delivers a dense collection of boulders perfectly suited for both casual outings and focused projecting. Here, the forest thickens around you, the terrain tipping sharply upward, and the soft hum of civilization quickly fades into a chorus of wind and woodland birds. For climbers seeking approachable yet rewarding problems in central Pennsylvania, the Eversince Area answers with character, variety, and the ease of a rapid approach.
The approach itself is part of the experience, setting the tone before your hands ever touch stone. Parking is as straightforward as it comes — W Chestnut Street in Pine Grove Mills marks the starting point, and from there it’s your choice: a brisk five-minute walk along the faint, white-blazed path, nearly flat and meandering past the familiar water tower, or a more involved ten-minute hike threading through a patchwork of trails, logs, and the turnings of the hillside. Both options deliver you to a cluster of eight close-together boulders, their tops peering from the slope and inviting exploration before you’ve even laced up your shoes.
The Eversince Area thrives on its practical charm. The boulders aren’t set far apart or scattered across a ridgeline, but rather arranged to encourage roving sessions, casual circuiting, and those dig-deep moments that shape outdoor bouldering in Pennsylvania. Despite the manageable elevation of 1,482 ft, the hillside’s steepness means each move comes with a sense of vertical drama. The rock here, though not specified in type, offers a reliable consistency that makes sessioning enjoyable, whether you're easing into classics or working through trickier sequences.
When it comes to must-try lines, a few standouts set the tone for the day: 'Moncler Coat' (V0) and 'My Heart' (V0) have both earned high praise for their flow and engagement, while 'Daytime Creeping' (V0) rounds out the list, favoring creative footwork and a steady head. These climbs, each with their own fan following, provide rewarding movement without the intimidation factor, making them excellent openings for both new visitors and seasoned boulderers alike. You don’t need to chase the hardest grades to get swept up in the experience — progressions on the hillside are satisfying and suited to sessioning, letting you focus on what matters most: movement, confidence, and the simple pleasure of climbing outside.
Weather in the Eversince Area swings with Pennsylvania’s seasons. Climbing is possible year-round, but the months between late spring and early fall offer the most reliable windows — fleeting shade from the hardwoods in summer, crisp friction and filtered sun as the leaves thin in autumn. With a modest elevation and mostly shaded aspects, sweating through sweltering heat is rarely a concern, but expect the hillside to hold moisture after a rain. Paths can be slick and footing uncertain, so take your time — the approach might reward rushing, but safe landings always come first.
The Eversince Area’s layout also means fewer logistics and more time on stone. Approaches are short, descents from the problems are simple walk-offs or low scrambles, and rest laps are just a few steps away. Large crashpads are recommended, especially on the steeper boulders, given the hillside’s unpredictable angles. Most landings are reasonable, though some require a spotter’s attention to keep ankles safe. Think one or two generous pads per group, and you’re set.
Beyond the boulders, the forest’s proximity to State College (only fifteen minutes away) helps keep logistics sharp. Whether you’re chasing an after-work session or planning a weekend exploration, coffeeshops, groceries, and local gear shops are never far away. Despite being close to town, the Eversince Area always feels tucked away, blending accessibility with the escape that makes Pennsylvania bouldering so appealing.
This hillside of hidden gems stands as a testament to the rewarding, unsung corners of Rothrock State Forest. The approach is brief, the adventure real, and the climbing—while welcoming—offers enough depth for you to return again and again. Whether warming up on classics or seeking quiet solitude with friends, Eversince rewards the curious and the committed.
Take care on the steep hillside, especially after rain when trails and landings can be slick. Place crashpads carefully and assign a spotter to minimize risk of ankle injuries.
Arrive early to avoid busier weekend afternoons.
After a hard rain, allow the hillside extra time to dry before climbing.
Use the white-blazed trail for the quickest, flattest approach.
Pair a session here with a visit to local coffee shops in State College.
Bring at least one or two large crashpads to cover variable landings on the steep hillside. Spotters are recommended, especially on steeper problems. No ropes or traditional gear required.
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