Eagles Mere: Lake, Nature and History

Eagles Mere combines a natural glacial lake with a rich local history and protected landscapes. Eagles Mere Lake is about one mile long and one-third of a mile wide, covering 116.5 acres. Springs partly feed the lake, whose water is considered exceptionally pure. For anyone interested in a trip focused on nature and water, this is a useful starting point for exploring your options.

The Lake and Trails Offer Different Nature Experiences

Eagles Mere Lake has been used for swimming, sailing, canoeing, and fishing. There is also the Laurel Path, a walking trail about two miles long that circles the lake. It is available as part of a temporary membership. This condition is important when planning: the trail is not described as an unrestricted public loop.

The Eagles Mere Conservancy also shapes the town’s connection to nature. It preserves natural resources in Eagles Mere and the surrounding area through land acquisition—for the protection of water and soil, as a wildlife sanctuary and refuge, and to preserve the area’s scenic beauty. Its holdings include 450 acres of wooded mountainside with three miles of marked trails. The lake and wooded landscape thus offer distinct ways to experience nature in Eagles Mere.

Discover the Town’s History

The Eagles Mere Museum preserves and presents the history and heritage of Eagles Mere. The museum features interactive exhibits and a model railroad room. In the Research and Reading Room, visitors can also explore family trees and cottage stories. Those interested in family history will find a dedicated focus there alongside exhibits on local history.

The Eagles Mere Train Museum exhibition offers another historical perspective. It presents the history of the narrow-gauge railroad built from Sonestown to Eagles Mere in 1892. The Eagles Mere Historic District is also part of the town’s cultural character: it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its areas of significance include architecture, entertainment and recreation, and conservation.

In summer, the Eagles Mere Summer Antiques Market has been one of the town’s traditions for five decades. In winter, the Eagles Mere Toboggan Slide has thrilled winter visitors since 1904.

Practical Information and Special Conditions

The Eagles Mere Visitor Information Center offers about 65 brochures, maps, and other guides to attractions and activities in Eagles Mere and the surrounding area. These can help you choose topics and destinations that suit your stay. If golf is one of your travel interests, note the restrictions on using the course: guests may use the Eagles Mere Country Club golf course no more than four days per calendar year. This limit does not apply to Member-Guest tournaments. The club has an 18-hole golf course designed by Flynn.

As part of a temporary membership, the Hardly Able also offers a free ride on Eagles Mere Lake. Together with the Laurel Path walking trail, this is another way to experience the lake from a different perspective—both subject to the membership condition noted above.

When looking for a vacation rental, you can start by considering whether the lake, cultural history, or protected landscape is the main reason for your trip. If you’d also like to discover nearby places, you can find the town pages for Dushore and Lopez.

For the broader travel overview: Sullivan County.