Bald Eagle State Forest

[jrichbrew]

Looking for good entry points for accessing Bald Eagle State Forest from the southern end as I would be coming from Lancaster County, PA. Would like to explore the "driveable trails" that are shown on the Purple Lizard maps. Also, any B&B's in the area that could be used as a base for a weekend trip? My rig is a 2016 Wrangler JKU, stock for now. Thanks!

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Looking for good entry points for accessing Bald Eagle State Forest from the southern end as I would be coming from Lancaster County, PA. Would like to explore the "driveable trails" that are shown on the Purple Lizard maps. Also, any B&B's in the area that could be used as a base for a weekend trip? My rig is a 2016 Wrangler JKU, stock for now. Thanks!

Can’t help with the B&B part but heres my thread with downloadable routes.

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/pennsylvania-bald-eagle-state-forest.22173/

 

[jrichbrew]

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately I could not open the attachments.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Thanks for the reply, unfortunately I could not open the attachments.

Sorry to hear that. Do you use anything for off road navigation? I primarily use Gaia but those files can be opened up in pretty much any navigation app.

 

[DevilDodge]

We are planning to go explore the BESF around May (sooner hopefully to check it out, but probably won't camp).

We have been through it on road many times but didn't realize that you could off pavement travel/dispersed camp there until we spent the weekend at Fowler's Hollow State Park and found some literature about state forest.

We drive around the state gamelands in Central PA from October to February when they open the gates.

While researching BESF I found this site and another and started lurking.

Found your info @Wawa Skittletits and finally decided to join and get this next adventure started.

 

[jrichbrew]

From what I can gather the trails at BESF aren't real hard, but there are some that require 4 X 4 and decent clearance. Looking forward to checking it out at the end of April.

 

[DevilDodge]

Part of what makes it nice for me. I travel alone (well with family) and I wouldn't be doing crazy stuff anyways.

It seems there is just enough challenge to keep it interesting, but nothing I need a team of friends to do.

We have had mild weather so far, so maybe in the next couple weekends will make my first trip to the off road there.

Anxious to check out the camping spots as well.

I believe you can get a trailer to some, so that will entice my wife more than a tent, but my son and I are anxious to just take the truck.

 

[jrichbrew]

Sounds good, look forward to reading a post on how it was and any recommendations on what trails to do. Have you checked out Purple Lizard, they have three blogs/posts on three different areas of Bald Eagle, it was what got me interested.

 

[Dustinfromohio]

I’d love to see a trail report after. BESF is on my list this winter/spring.

 

[DevilDodge]

I would love to go this weekend but got to much to do.

I hope to get there very soon and have been running a plan through my head.

We will be going up 99 and across 322 to Potters Mills. Then will go in on Sand Mountain rd to site 48 which is listed as a large trailer site. Then from there just explore and see where this long ass RAM will fit.

Probably spend til dusk and then pop out on main road and head home. Will take a lunch and have a picnic.

Anyone else got a set in point planned?

 

[DevilDodge]

I will be getting the full Pennsylvania map set from Purple Lizard. I am already in the Moshannan State Forest. Rothrock is on the way to BESF.

There are so many things to see in Pennsylvania and I have checked off quite a few, but these vistas and such in BESF are high on the list.

 

[DevilDodge]

State Park Lodge | Pennsylvania | The Nature Inn

The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is the premier lodge, meeting and event destination within the Pennsylvania State Park system. With 16 overnight guest rooms and multiple meeting spaces, the Inn offers sweeping lake views, comfortable modern accommodations and amenities all within Bald Eagle State Park.

www.natureinnatbaldeagle.com

There is the Nature Inn.

Lots of cabins around and State parks too.

 

[jrichbrew]

I have the Purple Lizard map for Bald Eagle and Michaux State Forest. Will look into Moshannan and Rothrock State Forest.

 

[DevilDodge]

So I got there today. Drove from route 192 north to interstate 80 and hit 2 of the motorized camping sites.

Check my Bald Eagle State Forest thread for a full report.

 

[jrichbrew]

Looks nice, snow on the ground! Most roads/trails open?

 

[DevilDodge]

All of the forest service roads appear to be open. The ones that show a gate...the gates are closed.

@jrichbrew check out my Bald Eagle thread for more info from that trip

Bald Eagle State Forest in a RAM or 2

We are planning an off pavement travel/dispersed camping trip to BESF this year. Nothing fancy with tents and stock trucks. We will be using our 2015 RAM 2500, BUT may also trek out with our 03 or 99 Dodge 2500s. We camp every weekend from start of fishing season in April til November in...

www.overlandbound.com

I did see the Forest Service did close the roads due to ice back on 5DEC.

And they also closed these trails for the season.

I do not use Facebook, but it seems they do post on it.

 

[jrichbrew]

Thanks for the information. I'll track it on Facebook.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Just a heads up @jrichbrew @DevilDodge and anyone else that reads this. It doesn’t necessarily take ice to cause drivability concerns there. With no winter maintenance if you go there during or following a snow storm the packed tracks on forest roads turn to ice and there are plenty of sections that see zero sunshine this time of year. Brandon Road is such a road and a popular choice. I’d recommend only driving it in a westerly direction so that you can drive uphill in the shadow of the mountain. Hopefully you don’t run into someone trying to come down the mountain. I stopped a ranger at the top my last time through because he had no idea how bad it was.

 

[DevilDodge]

@Wawa Skittletits I definitely agree.

One thing I didn't know until I got there this weekend is how thick the Forest is. I didn't realize how sharp the switchbacks are and that you can not see up them from the turn until you have made the turn.

Another thing to consider, especially if temps are near freezing is that the mud can turn to ice aswell.

A thought I had while there was, it maybe a good idea to stop before the sharp turn of a switch back and scout ahead to make sure no one is coming down.

We were there at dusk and the Forest was very dark on the tighter areas.

Thanks for the thoughts. It was very easy to see how conditions can go from good to bad with just a change of direction.