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DCNR Home : Forestry : State Forests : Bald Eagle

Bald Eagle State Forest

Bald Eagle Maps

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.

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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
This area of the Pennsylvania was settled in the late 1700s and was the last stronghold of the mountain buffalo in the state. The large landholdings that make up much of the present-day Bald Eagle State Forest were assembled from original land grants given to Revolutionary War soldiers. They were purchased by the major logging and lumbering companies in the late 1880s and 1890s. Over 120,000 acres were either sold to the state following extensive logging or were bought at tax sales. The average price for land at that time was $2.30 per acre, a great bargain for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Road Closures

Sand Mountain Road will have little to no access from the intersection with State Route 322 and continuing east for two miles onto state forest lands on May 23 to May 24 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm due to a road resurfacing project. Road project dates and times are subject to change due to changing weather conditions.

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.

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 sf-trillium anagement Plan.

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, (MST) is a 189-mile cross-country hiking trail that parallels the route of the old Penns Creek Indian Path. Following the MST across the Bald Eagle from south to north, it follows the ridge top northeast from Route 322, through Poe Paddy State Park, across Penns Creek, and into Hairy Johns Picnic Area. It then continues through The Hook Natural Area, R.B. Winter State Park, and continues north into the Tiadaghton State Forest.

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
Horses may be ridden on most state forest roads and trails except the Mid State Hiking Trail and within state forest natural areas. Some trails are very steep or rocky, and their use may be limited. The Central Mountains Shared Use Trail is recommended for this activity, and maps may be obtained from the district office.

Mountain Biking
Mountain bikes may be used on most roads and trails in the Bald Eagle State Forest. The degree of difficulty varies considerably. Only the natural areas and Mid State Trail are closed to mountain biking.

Motorized Trails
The East Kettle Trail has been designated for winter and summer riding opportunities. ATV’s must be registered with DCNR and comply with other regulations. There are also two designated motorcycle trails within the state forest. One is a dual sport trail and one for off highway motorcycles which is found on Shade Mountain. For more information visit the ATV Information web pages.

Winter Activities
Snowmobiling: Bald Eagle State Forest has over 300 miles of state forest roads and trails open for snowmobiling. Maps showing the location of the roads and eight access areas are available from the district office. Properly registered snowmobiles may be operated on these roads following the official closing of antlerless deer season.

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
Bald Eagle State Forest has over 200 miles of hiking trails. Features of the Mid State Trail are detailed under the "Trails" tab of this web page. Local trails are shown on the Bald Eagle public use map.

Picnicking
There are four designated State Forest Picnic Areas located within the Bald Eagle State Forest. Rock Springs and Snyder-Middleswarth picnic areas are located in Snyder County. Fishing is available in Swift Run at Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area. Hairy Johns Picnic Area is in Centre County, and Bear Gap Picnic Area, located in Mifflin County, offers fishing in Treaster Run. Picnic tables and grills are also found at the Tea Springs Trailhead in Clinton County.

Camping
Motorized camping is allowed at approximately 40 designated locations throughout the Bald Eagle State Forest. These sites have a fire ring and off road parking. Camping permits are required for those sites and are available from the district office. Backpackers may camp along the hiking trails if they stay no more than one night in any location and follow Bureau of Forestry camping guidelines.

Hunting
Hunting for deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, rabbits, and black bear is a popular use of the forest during the designated seasons. Other than a few safety zones around buildings and picnic areas, hunting is permitted throughout the state forest.

Fishing & Boating
Fishing is permitted during the appropriate season in the 14 streams within the Bald Eagle District. Particularly noteworthy are Penns Creek and White Deer Creek. Along the Centre and Mifflin County sections of Penns Creek, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has established a “trophy trout” stretch of stream where year-around trout fishing is permitted. An artificial lure, catch and release area is located downstream.

Sightseeing
Twenty-five vistas within the Bald Eagle State Forest offer varied views of both state-owned and private land within and surrounding the district. Most of these vistas are marked on the public use map. Driving and walking for pleasure are major recreational uses of the forest. The district has 340 miles of roads and over 200 miles of trails. Deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, and black bear are common game species that visitors may encounter on the State Forest.

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
A small, 32-acre relic community of old growth hemlock, birch, yellow poplar, and ash, this natural area is located south of Woodward in eastern Centre County at the intersection of Bar Run Road and Cherry Run Road.

Joyce Kilmer Natural Area
Located on Paddy Mountain, six miles west of Hartleton in Union County, this 77-acre tract contains old growth white pine and hemlock.

Halfway Run Natural Area
Comprised of 407 acres, this natural area is a rather unique tract of mixed oak and scattered conifers located in an area of pingo scars, which are small depressions with low ramparts left over from glacier activity. It is found in Union County, directly east of R.B. Winter State Park, between Sand Mountain Road and Boyer Gap Road.

The Hook Natural Area
Encompassing 5,119 acres, this tract is located on the North Branch of Buffalo Creek, three miles north of Hartleton in Union County. Access is provided by a number of rugged foot trails. A complete watershed is preserved within this area.

Mt. Logan Natural Area
Located east of Castanea in Clinton County, this 512-acre tract contains old-growth hemlock and an outcrop of Tuscarora sandstone.

Rosencrans Bog Natural Area
Comprised of 152-acres of high mountain swamp, this area is located north of Loganton along Cranberry Trail in Clinton County. It contains cranberry, mountain holly, and high-bush blueberry.

Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area
Containing old growth white pine, hemlock, and pitch pine, this 500-acre tract is located five miles west of Troxelville along the Swift Run Road in Snyder County. The existing old growth was saved from the loggers’ saws in 1902 when a 14,000-acre tract was purchased by the Commonwealth and a stop-cutting order was issued. Good access is provided by foot trails.

Tall Timbers Natural Area
Located just west of Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area along Swift Run, this 660-acre tract is covered with a second-growth forest of oak, white pine, hemlock, and hard pine.

White Mountain Wild Area
Encompassing 3,581 acres, this tract is located southwest of the town of Weikert. It covers the eastern end of White Mountain, is bounded on the north by Penns Creek and on the south by Weikert Run. Many of the north and south facing slopes are blanketed with large scree and talus deposits, which were formed from fractured upslope outcrops of white Tuscarora sandstone. Thus the name White Mountain. The wild area is only accessible by the Long Path, now part of the Reeds Gap Spur to the Mid State Trail and White Mt. Ridge Trail. The area shows little evidence of man’s activities, and will, for the most part, be kept in this undeveloped state.

Mohn Mill Ponds Wild Plant Sanctuary
This 381-acre area of mixed oak forest with vernal ponds and springs is located along Mohn Mill Road at the tri-county boundary of Clinton, Lycoming, and Union counties. The two-mile long Merrill Lynn Trail circles through this plant sanctuary.

Poe Valley State Park
Poe Valley State Park is closed. The park is undergoing renovations and upgrades to park facilities during 2009. A complete draw down of the lake has occurred. At this time, an opening date for the park and Poe Valley campground cannot be determined.

R. B. Winter State Park
Located on PA Route 192, 16 miles west of Lewisburg, R. B. Winter State Park features the first stone masonry dam built by the CCC in the United States. The dam combines the waters of Rapid Run and Halfway Run, forming a six-acre lake. Rapid Run flows through the Park and provides fine trout fishing.

Reeds Gap State Park
This State Park is a 220 acre tract located 8 miles east of Reedsville on Legislative Route 44008. Large white pine and hemlock trees enhance the Park. It was named for the Reed family, who were the original settlers in this valley.

For more information about Bald Eagle State Forest, feel free to contact us at:

Bald Eagle District Office
18865 Old Turnpike Road
Millmont, PA 17845
(570) 922-3344
fd07@pa.gov

State Forest Rules and Regulations

State Forest Picnic Area Rules and Regulations