Hiking
Hundreds of Miles of Adventure
The Nature Inn is nestled among the high, sharp mountain ridges of central Pennsylvania, featuring pristine streams, old growth forest, fields, and wetlands that are waiting to be explored. The inn is a prime location for various types of hiking adventures, from those looking to challenge themselves to those looking for an easy escape.
Hiking Right Here
Bald Eagle State Park's network of hiking trails provide access to a variety of habitats that offer scenic views and wildlife watching opportunities. Trails range from easiest to more difficult and wind through the main area of the park. Be sure to grab a trail map and staff recommendation at check-in.
Two park trails can be accessed right from the inn and are rated as easy hikes:
Trail: Butterfly Trail | Walkout Access from Nature Inn
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.5 Miles
This mowed trail, created for the conservation of butterflies, has opportunities for close encounters with butterflies in their natural setting. The main trailhead is west of the beach area near Pavilion #6. The Butterfly Trail loops around Frog Pond and through a mix of grasses, wildflowers, shrubs and young trees that are host and nectar plants for butterflies throughout their lifecycle. An interpretive area provides information and examples of butterfly habitat components. In September, migrating monarchs can often be seen drinking nectar on the abundant goldenrod. This trail is the most popular family hike.
Trail: Skyline Trail | Walkout Access from Nature Inn
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 2 Miles
This trail begins on Skyline Drive and meanders through a small forested ridge of mixed hardwoods to Warbler Way. Quiet hikers might catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer hiding in the undergrowth. Most of the trail is forested, but portions contain dense shrubbery reminiscent of earlier ecological succession. This area is favorite habitat for eastern chipmunks, great horned owls and black-throated green warblers and other woodland warblers. At either end of the trail, it is possible to hike on connector trails to the Butterfly Trail, for a longer and more diverse hike.
For a complete list and description of Bald Eagle State Park trails follow this link to the Bald Eagle State Park's hiking page.
Hiking the Region
The Centre region offers many trails of varying levels of difficulty. Mt. Nittany in State College, Black Moshannon State Park, Rothrock State Forest, Shinglestown Gap all offer exceptional hiking opportunities. Check out these resources for additional hiking options in the Central PA region!
