Hiking at Bald Eagle State Park

14.5 miles of trails

A network of hiking trails guides hikers through a variety of habitats that offer scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. Additional unnamed extension trails lead to recreational facilities like boat launches, the marina, the modern campground, and the beach.

Some trails wind through areas open to hunting. Hikers should wear fluorescent orange clothing during hunting seasons.

Trails are open year-round from sunrise to sunset.

Bald Eagle State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Trail Definitions

Difficulty Ratings

Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.

Trail Route Type

Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.

Butterfly Trail

1.5 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables, benches

The Butterfly Trail is an easy walk from the beach day-use area to the Frog Pond and back. This trail is used heavily by families and birders, as it is easy to traverse. There are many opportunities to see wildlife and birds along the trail. The Frog Pond is popular for spotting frogs, turtles, and waterfowl. 

Hunter Run East Trail

2.3 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none

This loop trail that has a mix of mowed grass in shrubby landscape and hardwood forests. Look for signs of coyote, deer, or bear on the trail. Areas of the trail are steep.  

Hunter Run West Trail

2.2 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none

Sloping through a mix of forested areas and field habitats, This mowed path guides hikers through natural forest succession. Areas of the trail are steep. Wet areas do not have bridges or boardwalks.  

Lakeside Trail

5.6 miles  |  More difficult hiking  |  Loop trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, benches

This rocky, flat trail runs along the base of Bald Eagle Mountain. Beginning at Bald Eagle Launch Access Area, the trail follows in between the lake and the railroad. It loops around to the Rustic Campground and follows the campground road until the first railroad tunnel where users will follow the same trail back to Bald Eagle Launch Access Area.  

Skyline Drive Trail

2.0 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, picnic tables

The trail begins on Skyline Drive and meanders through a small forested ridge of mixed hardwoods to Warbler Way. Most of the trail is forested, but portions contain dense shrubbery reminiscent of earlier ecological succession. At each end of the trail, it is possible to hike on connector trails to Butterfly Trail for a longer and more diverse hike.  

Swamp Oak Trail

0.5 mile  |  Easiest hiking  |  Connector trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, picnic tables

This trail can be accessed from the amphitheater in the Modern Campground or from the top of Skyline Drive Trail. The largest tree in the park is along the trail near the amphitheater -- it pre-existed before the park. A portion of the trail follows the old farm road to what was the Day Farm.  

Woapalanne Path

1.75 miles  |  Easiest hiking  |  Out-and-back trail  |  No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables