If you ask local outdoor fanatics about their favorite hiking haunts, chances are they will mention Bear Meadows.

Bear Meadows Natural Area is a 305-acre section of Rothrock State Forest. Located just outside State College, it is the largest freshwater bog in the East, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Web site.

It is some of the last remaining old growth forest spared from the steel teeth of logging saws; there are only 20 such forests left in Pennsylvania.

Bear Meadows is open every season of the year, and it attracts visitors at all times of the day. In the fall, many locals like Jamie Kidd and David Kophazi walk their dogs through the miles of trails to see the collage of colors that Bear Meadows has to offer.

During the winter, cross-country skiers and snowshoe enthusiasts forge their ways on the paths surrounding the frozen wetland. In springtime, mountain bikers and hikers like Penn State student Shawn Gerrity get out in the explosion of blossoming life. During the last weekend of March, for example, the usual solitude of Bear Meadows was shattered by the raucous croaks of frogs in rut.

"I parked right by the little bridge, and I thought it was a flock of geese," Gerrity (junior-biology and ecology) said.

Even though Bear Meadows is popular year round, it is a special draw during the steamy summer months of central Pennsylvania. Because it is the home to the atypical black spruce and balsam fir trees, it is green all year long. In the summer, the orchids, pitcher plants and insectivore sundew plants all make appearances. But the chief attraction at Bear Meadows is the high-bush blueberries.

It could be titled "Berry Meadows" for the number of people who come just to pick these sweet fruits in the bog.

"I've seen people in up to their knees going after those things," Kophazi said.

This abundant fruit is also the reason for Bear Meadows' name. Black bears love to gorge themselves on the fruit.

"You can tell when the bears have been feasting on blueberries," Kophazi said. "They eat them until they get sick."

Although these bears are prevalent in the area, they are not a cause for alarm. "I'm a little disappointed," State College resident Kidd said. "It's called Bear Meadows, but I still haven't seen one. One of these days, I am just going to have to wait around and try to catch sight of one."

With all these appealing qualities, Bear Meadows should be a crowded tourist trap. People frequent the area, especially on weekends, but it is seldom congested.

"Last time I was there, I didn't see anyone," Gerrity said. "I saw cars and bikes parked at the entrance, but no people."

Bear Meadow's close proximity to the Penn State campus makes it an obvious choice for students wanting some peace and quiet during the school year. It is only a 15-minute drive from downtown State College.

"I have to do it. Getting away from campus keeps me regular," Gerrity said. "We live in a cool area. There are a lot of worse places to live."