From the top of Mount Nittany to the bottom of the Whipple Dam, State College can be quite an adventure -- at least according to National Geographic, which has named State College one of the "50 next great adventure towns."

"National Geographic Adventure Magazine looked for innovative towns that aren't just prime relocation spots now, but also smart choices for the future," said Ethan Fried, of National Geographic's communications department.

The September 2008 issue's State College blurb reads: "Ah, to be young and live in a rugged corner of the Alleghenies. Eighteen- to-24-year-olds make up nearly two-thirds of this Penn State playground's population -- the rest just act that age. Grads land gigs at the gear shops and outfitters among the tap rooms and taverns here. On their days off, they ride singletrack on Mount Nittany, fly-cast in one of the 19 trout streams, or race the Tussey Mountainback, a 50-mile ultramarathon in October."

The small amount of space allowed for each city didn't let the magazine go into a lot of detail, but Fried said the magazine emphasizes some of State College's most impressive features.

"We had to pick and choose, but I think we've noted some key aspects of State College that landed it on the list," he said.

The list breaks down the country into four regions: West, Rockies, Central and East. State College is the only Pennsylvania city on the list. The cities are not ranked one to 50, but editors did choose a top 12.

State College's attractive downtown area and beautiful natural features in close proximity to one another are some of its attractions, State College Mayor Bill Welch said.

"That's why I've stayed here for 66 years," he said, adding "magazine editors have had their way with us from time to time. ...I have pictured them throwing darts at the wall to determine some of these, but I would hope National Geographic would have more solid criteria."

Justin Penfield, assistant manager of Appalachian Ski and Outdoors, which specializes in outdoor sporting gear and is located at 123 S. Allen St., said State College has a variety of outdoor activities.

"There's definitely a lot of recreation to be had ... there definitely is a ton of hiking and a ton of state parks," Penfield said, adding "the mountain biking is phenomenal."

The September 2008 issue of National Geographic Magazine hits newsstands today.