Bald Eagle State Forest
 |
Detailed maps can help you plan your trip. Download the public use map and other trail and recreational activity maps. |
Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American, Chief Bald Eagle, includes 193,424 acres in Snyder, Union, Centre, Mifflin, and Clinton counties. It spans across the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old growth forest.
|
|
|
Don't Move Firewood To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer. Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it. Poe Paddy Tunnel Closed Poe Paddy Tunnel which is part of the Cherry Run Railroad bed and the Mid-State Trail is closed until further notice due to structural issues. Roads Impacted for Resurfacing Hunter Run Road will be undergoing resurfacing work starting at the intersection of 235 and going west for four miles. Days of resurfacing are May 23, 24, 28 and 29. McCall Dam Road will be undergoing a resurfacing project beginning at the Eastville Maintenance Headquarters and going south for approximately three miles. This project is scheduled to run June 3 through June 6. Treaster Valley Road will be undergoing a resurfacing project beginning at Bear Gap Picnic Area and going west three miles. Days of resurfacing are May 22, 23, 28 and 29.
Bald Eagle forest district lies in the beautiful ridge and valley section of the state. From the limestone-rich Susquehanna Valley in the southeast to the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest, the forest district is dominated by a series of sandstone ridges some of which reach heights of 2,300 feet above sea level. The confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna River occurs on the eastern boundary of the district, opposite the town of Northumberland. The many streams within the area have their origin in the forested ridges and flow in several directions eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River. Public watersheds comprise over one-third of the Bald Eagle State Forest, making the wise management of this land essential. History DCNR Bureau of Forestry manages our state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide a whole suite of uses and values to Pennsylvania citizens, all while maintaining the forest’s wild character. Our state forests are managed for pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and natural gas, and many other uses and values. The management of our state forests is guided by the State Forest Resource M Ecosystem Management The Bureau of Forestry has adopted “ecosystem management” as its principal strategy for managing state forests. This approach seeks to conserve the natural patterns and processes of the forest while advancing long-term sustainability. Ecosystem management promotes the conservation of plant and animal communities and the landscapes and habitats that support them. It also accounts for needs and values of people and communities. This results in a holistic, integrated approach to managing forest resources. A Working Forest As you travel throughout the state forest, you’ll see examples of our forests “at work.” Some of these management practices are more noticeable than others, such as active timber harvests, deer exclosure fences, natural gas drilling sites, prescribed fires and gypsy moth spraying. Others are more subtle, such as the protection of a vernal pool, the buffering of a stream from timber harvesting, or the setting aside of a special area to conserve its wild character or protect a rare plant community. Each of these management practices and activities play a vital role in the management and conservation of our state forest system.  Certified “Well Managed” Pennsylvania’s 2.2-million-acre state forest system is one the largest certified forests in North America. The forest is certified (FSC-C017154) by the Rainforest Alliance under the Forest Stewardship Council™ standards. The FSC® is an independent organization supporting environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world's forests. Forest Stewardship Demonstration Area A forest stewardship demonstration area, located on Stony Run Road, one-half mile north of Route 45 near Laurelton in Union County, contains a self-guided trail that highlights the results of various timber harvesting practices.
Mid State Trail The Mid State Trail is a rugged and demanding mountain top trail, and hikers must assess their own ability to cope with the difficulties and possible dangers involved. The MST is marked with orange rectangles. It was developed and is maintained by the Mid State Trail Association. A detailed trail guide, including maps, is available for a small fee from: Mid State Trail Association at P.O. Box 167 Boalsburg PA 16827 or http://hike-mst.org. Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Motorized Trails Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: 24 miles of cross-country ski trails have been developed, with trail-heads at R.B. Winter State Park and Hairy Johns Picnic Area. Hiking Picnicking Camping Hunting Fishing & Boating Sightseeing Horseback Riding Mountain Biking Motorized Trails Winter Activities Cross-country Skiing: 24 miles of cross-country ski trails have been developed, with trail-heads at R.B. Winter State Park and Hairy Johns Picnic Area. Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes dozens of special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide backcountry recreational opportunities. Bear Run Natural Area Joyce Kilmer Natural Area Halfway Run Natural Area The Hook Natural Area Mt. Logan Natural Area Rosencrans Bog Natural Area Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area Tall Timbers Natural Area White Mountain Wild Area Mohn Mill Ponds Wild Plant Sanctuary For more information and maps to these and other State Parks visit the "Find a Park" page. Poe Valley State Park R. B. Winter State Park Reeds Gap State Park For more information about Bald Eagle State Forest, feel free to contact us at: Bald Eagle District Office |
anagement Plan. 