Bald Eagle State Forest has more than 300 miles of hiking trails. Local district trails (foot travel only) are shown on the Bald Eagle Public Use Map (PDF) and indicated in yellow. All other trails and roads shown on the map are open to hiking.
For safety and navigating, recreationists in Bald Eagle State Forest should understand the color-coded trail blazes posted on district trails. The Bald Eagle State Forest Trail Blaze Guide (PDF) explains the meanings of the shapes and colors of encountered blazes.
Local District Trails
Snyder-Middleswarth Trail
The Snyder-Middleswarth Trail consists of both a long (3 1⁄3-mile) and short loop (1-mile). Both loops begin at the Snyder-Middleswarth Picnic Area along Swift Run Road. Both trails are rated moderate.
Ryan’s Loop Trail
Ryan’s Loop Trail is a 3-mile loop that can be accessed from Paddy Mountain Road -- just west of the intersection with Cherry Run Road.
Stony Run Demonstration Forest Trail
The Stony Run Demonstration Forest Trail (PDF) is a 6⁄10-mile loop that traverses through 25 acres that have been broken down into nine different blocks, ranging in size from 2 to 4 1⁄2 acres.
Eight different harvesting methods are shown, along with a control block where no cutting was done. There are interpretive signs along with 23 tree and shrub identification points located along the trail.
Hook Natural Area
The Hook Natural Area (PDF) covers 5,119 acres and preserves an entire watershed within its boundaries.
Utilizing state forest roads, drivable trails, and trails that make up the boundary of the Hook Natural Area, a nearly 30-mile contiguous trail system is present.
State Forest Hiking Trail
Mid State Trail
The Mid State Trail is a 327-mile State Forest Hiking Trail that travels for 45 miles through Bald Eagle State Forest.
The trail follows the ridgetop northeast from Route 322, through Poe Paddy State Park, across Penns Creek, and into Hairy Johns State Forest Picnic Area.
It continues along the boundary of the Hook Natural Area, through R.B. Winter State Park, and north into Tiadaghton State Forest.
The Mid State Trail is a rugged and demanding mountaintop trail, and hikers must strongly consider the difficulties and possible dangers involved.
Marked with orange rectangles, the Mid State Trail 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
P.O. Box 167
Boalsburg PA 16827
District trail maps can be obtained at the district office.
Additional information on hiking in state forests can be found on the department's hiking web page.
Central Mountains Shared Use Trail
The Central Mountains Shared-Use Trail System (PDF) is a group of interconnected trails (totaling 120 miles) developed for non-motorized use (hike, bike, and horseback) in the northern third of Bald Eagle State Forest and southern Tiadaghton State Forest.
This map has labeled trail/road segment distances in miles to help users create loops and plan routes based on ability.