Bald Eagle State Forest

Overview

Brochure Info Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American Chief, Bald Eagle, includes 194,602 acres in Snyder, Union, Centre, Mifflin, and Clinton Counties. For more information visit the Bald Eagle State Forest website and Facebook Page Geography: w This state forest spans the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles of pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old-growth forest. 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 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. Many streams within the area originate in its forested ridges and flow in several directions, eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River. Recreation: w The Bald Eagle’s expansive forests offer limitless recreational opportunities. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike will find over 300 miles of trails to explore. Just a few highlights include the old-growth forest of Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, the large, remote and undeveloped Hook Natural Area, and the Stony Run Forest Demonstration Area. There are 26 vistas throughout the forest that overlook the stunning valleys. Hunters and fishermen will find rewarding opportunities in the nearly 200,000 acres of forest where there are numerous fishable streams including the acclaimed Penns Creek and White Deer Creek. For those with an interest in motorized recreation, the Bald Eagle offers 20 miles of ATV trails, as well as dual sport motorcycle and off-highway motorcycle trails. In the winter there are over 250-miles of state forest roads and trails open for snowmobiling. Families can picnic at the four State Forest Picnic Areas and at other trailhead locations where picnic tables and grills are offered. Camping in the Bald Eagle State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. The designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost with campsite number. They are remote, designated sites with no amenities other than a fire ring and picnic table For trail maps and more visit the Bald Eagle State Forest Map web page. Facilities: w The Bald Eagle State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are limited. The several State Forest Picnic Areas offer the most improvements including pavilions, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Trailheads and parking are available throughout the forest. The designated, roadside campsites offer no amenities other than a picnic table and fire ring. Nearby Attractions: w Bald Eagle State Park, Poe Paddy State Park, Poe Valley State Park, RB Winter State Park, Reeds Gap State Park "Brochure Info - Orientation This state forest spans the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles of pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old-growth forest. 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 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. Many streams within the area originate in its forested ridges and flow in several directions, eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River.Brochure Info - Recreation The Bald Eagle’s expansive forests offer limitless recreational opportunities. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike will find over 300 miles of trails to explore. Just a few highlights include the old-growth forest of Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, the large, remote and undeveloped Hook Natural Area, and the Stony Run Forest Demonstration Area. There are 26 vistas throughout the forest that overlook the stunning valleys. Hunters and fishermen will find rewarding opportunities in the nearly 200,000 acres of forest where there are numerous fishable streams including the acclaimed Penns Creek and White Deer Creek. For those with an interest in motorized recreation, the Bald Eagle offers 20 miles of ATV trails, as well as dual sport motorcycle and off-highway motorcycle trails. In the winter there are over 250-miles of groomed snowmobile trails. Families can picnic at the four State Forest Picnic Areas and at other trailhead locations where picnic tables and grills are offered. Camping in the Bald Eagle State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. The designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. They are remote, designated sites with no amenities other than a fire ring and picnic table For trail maps and more visit the Bald Eagle State Forest Map web page.Brochure Info - Facilities and Restrictions The Bald Eagle State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are limited. The several State Forest Picnic Areas offer the most improvements including pavilions, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Trailheads and parking are available throughout the forest. The designated, roadside campsites offer no amenities other than a picnic table and fire ring.Brochure Info - Nearby Attractions Bald Eagle State Park, Poe Paddy State Park, Poe Valley State Park, RB Winter State Park, Reeds Gap State Park Key InfoOccupants are also subject to the following permit conditions: 1.  Campfires, when permitted, require that adequate precautions be taken to prevent the spread of fire into the forest. All other fires are prohibited. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires in both fire rings and in fireplaces are prohibited when the forest fire danger is determined by the Department to be High, Very High, or Extreme and between March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester or designee. This prohibition does not apply to self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, costs of extinction and fines. 2. Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned when permitted but may not be removed from the site. Power tools and chain saws are not permitted. 3. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited. 4. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred. 5. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if they are kept under control and attended at all times. Manure and pet waste must be disposed of properly. 6. Disorderly conduct including the following is prohibited. Fighting or other behavior that is threatening, violent or tumultuous; using obscene language or making obscene gestures; creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which does not serve a legitimate purpose of the actor; creating an unreasonable noise that may disturb other visitors to State Forest land. 7. Sanitation and Food Storage:Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging trailer, camper or motor home sewage, sink or bath water on or into ground or surface waters is prohibited. Toilets must be used where provided. In other locations, self-contained toilets must be used when required or human waste deposited in hole 4-6 inches deep, 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails and covered and disguised. Food must be stored properly to prevent interaction with wildlife. Littering or disposal of garbage, paper, household refuse, waste or other material is prohibited. 8. Parking which obstructs a gate, road, trail, footpath, bicycle path, access way, entrance, exit or road turnaround on State Forest land is prohibited. Parking in area designated for a person with a disability, by the Department, is prohibited unless the vehicle has a valid plate or valid placard. 9. Cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing a living or dead plant, vine, shrub, tree or flower on State Forest land without written authorization of the District Foresters or a designee is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered without authorization if they are gathered for own personal or family consumption. 10. Removing or disturbing historical or archeological resources from State Forest land without written authorization of the District Forester or a designee is prohibited. 11.Target Shooting with firearms, bows arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles, causing injury to persons or property is prohibited. This includes paintball guns. Violations: Violations of forest rules and regulations, or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This would result in the occupants being required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the forest. 3. The occupants may be cited for a violation of the forest rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any damage to campsite and related facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionThe State Forest Resource Management Center is centrally located in the forest district. From US-15, take PA-45 W in Lewisburg and continue 17.6 miles to the office on left. From US-322, which can be easily accessed from I-99 or I-80, take PA-45 E for 39 miles to the office on right. GPS: 40°54'26.4 N 77°12'41.7 WBooking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies