The park's 1,730-acre reservoir is named after Foster Joseph Sayers, a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Howard, Pennsylvania.
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle is one of the few overnight lodging facilities within the Pennsylvania state park system that incorporates sustainable green-building technologies.
The park contains a specialized wildlife observation blind designed to allow quiet viewing of nesting raptors and shorebirds.
The reservoir area covers a portion of what was once the valley floor of the Bald Eagle Creek, which was dammed for flood mitigation.
The park serves as a popular regional site for viewing migrating ospreys and bald eagles, especially near the dam breast area.
Bald Eagle State Park is a 5,900-acre public recreation area centered around the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. The park features a diverse landscape of forests and wetlands, providing critical habitats for bald eagles and migratory birds. Visitors can stay at The Nature Inn, an award-winning, LEED-certified facility overlooking the reservoir. The park offers extensive water-based recreation including boating, fishing, and a sand beach for swimming. Terrestrial activities include 14 miles of hiking trails that traverse various ecological zones. The reservoir is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers primarily for flood control. The site is a key destination for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers during spring and fall migrations. It is located within the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains.
The observation deck at The Nature Inn providing a panoramic view of the reservoir against the mountain backdrop.
Book rooms at The Nature Inn months in advance as they frequently reach capacity during peak migration and summer weekends.
Check water levels at the marina office before launching, as the reservoir elevation fluctuates significantly throughout the year.
Bring binoculars specifically for the waterfowl observation areas located in the park's wetland sections.
Attempting to swim outside of the designated beach area or failing to secure food items in campgrounds due to local wildlife.
The beach area is open seasonally during the summer months; some hiking trails may close temporarily for maintenance or hunting seasons.
Leash pets at all times, practice carry-in/carry-out waste disposal, and maintain distance from nesting raptors.
