A guide to golf in the Raystown Lake Region
To be honest, I am not a golfer. I have joked when on a golf course that, “If there isn’t a clown or windmill in the way, I have no idea how to putt.” One thing I know, though, is that in the last two years, a lot of people have discovered or rediscovered the game in its various forms as a safe form of exercise and recreation while social distancing.
Another thing I know is the traditional golf courses in the Raystown Region have seen great improvements over the past few years, and there are several brand new disc golf courses for those who prefer throwing to a basket over hitting a ball into a hole. There’s even a way to golf throughout the winter with a golf simulator that also has options for home-run derby, zombie dodgeball and other exciting virtual games.
Disc Golf
Canoe Creek State Park Disc Golf Course - One of the older public disc golf courses in the area, Canoe Creek State Park offers a 9-basket course that is great for disc golf beginners with largely open fairways and just a few tree obstacles. The par 3 course was built in 2009 and has rubber mat tees with two distance options. Location: 205 Canoe Creek Rd, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648
Seven Points Disc Golf Course - The brand-new Seven Points Disc Golf Course has both a 9-basket par 3 course and an 18-basket championship course. The 9-basket course was constructed in October 2021 with concrete tee boxes and a practice basket next to the Raystown Lake Visitor Center. The championship course, built over the 2021-2022 winter/spring season is 18 baskets and a little more difficult. Both courses were created through a handshake partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Standing Stone Disc Golf Club, Friends of Raystown Lake and HCVB. Discs can be rented or bought at the Raystown Reflections Gift Shoppe inside the Visitor Center. Location: 6993 Seven Points Rd, Hesston, PA 16647
Juniata College Disc Golf Course - This 9-basket course was built in 2014 on a little-known wooded hilltop on the northwest corner of the Juniata College campus. The course has rubber mat tee pads, and is slightly over par 3 (par 28 for the 9 baskets). To access the course, follow Mifflin Street in Huntingdon until it dead ends in a parking lot near the college’s observatory. Location: 1830 Mifflin St, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort (guests only): The oldest course in the area is the private course for guests at the Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort on Piney Ridge just south of Huntingdon. If you want to play this course, you’ll need to check into one of their cabins or campsites. While you enjoy your stay, you can also play pickleball, volleyball, basketball and more, or fish in their private fishing pond. Location: 11601 Piney Ridge Road, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Mini Golf
Hemlock Hideaway Campground has a mini golf course that is open to the public as well as campground guests. The course is set in a beautiful wooded area that provides great shade while playing on a hot day. At the final hole, you get a chance to feed your golf ball to a hungry bear! Location: 17621 Seclusion Ln, James Creek, PA 16657
Pleasant Hills Campground offers a private mini golf course for campground guests. The course is located next to the campground pool, playground and pavilion area. Enjoy a game with your family while taking in the gorgeous vista views. Location: 12733 Pleasant Hills Dr, Hesston, PA 16647
Lakemont Park in Altoona has two mini golf courses along with roller coasters, a train, paddle boats, a water park and lots of great picnic areas to enjoy an afternoon before catching an Altoona Curve baseball game in the evening. 700 Park Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Gold Rush Mini Golf is located in front of the store at JAmes Creek RV Resort. This western-themed course features a rearing mustang at its center which is visible from Route 26 just south of the intersection with Route 994. Location: 2016 Pioneer Family Lane, James Creek, PA 16657
Golf
Sunset Golf Club has seen a lot of investment in the past three years under new ownership and a new name. The clubhouse and 18-hole golf course have been upgraded, the restaurant is open to the public, and a new disc golf course was added. It was designed in 1973 by Golf Course Architect Geoffrey St. John Cornish, ASGCA, and features 6,593 yards of golf for a Par 70. It has a rating of 72 and a slope rating of 126. No. 16, Sunset’s signature hole, will test even the best golfer. The featured dogleg taunts experienced and novice golfers alike. It’s a par 4 for men at 405 yards and a Par 5 for women at 324 yards. Sunset Golf Club is open to the public year-round and offers a fully stocked Pro Shop, a putting green, driving range, a bar, and dining and banquet facilities. The public is welcome, but memberships are also available. Location: 10506 Standing Stone Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652
Huntingdon Country Club changed hands in early 2019. Since then, significant investments have been made in its public 18-hole course, pro shop and clubhouse facilities. The club has upgraded its Champions Lounge and added an indoor golf simulator for year-round play that offers other fun, virtual games as well. Huntingdon Country Club's 18-hole golf course offers a blend of scenic landscape, challenging golf, and relaxing atmosphere. The course consists of 5 par-3's, 9 par-4's and 4 par-5's. The course features 6,288 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 37.0 and it has a slope rating of 135 on Rye grass. Location: 10305 Raystown Rd, Huntingdon, PA 16652
American Legion Country Club outside Mount Union is a favorite 18-hole course among many locals. First established as the Juniata Valley Colony Club in 1927, the main clubhouse building was designed by architect Anna Wagner Keichline of Bellefonte, the first registered woman architect in Pennsylvania. Keichline was also among the first registered women architects in the United States. The course features breathtaking scenery adjacent to the Juniata River as well as a lounge and second story deck. Location: 1 Country Club Rd, Mount Union, PA 17066