Central Indiana Birding Opportunities - Lieber State Recreation Area
Lieber State Recreation Area (SRA) comprises a few hundred acres of upland mature woods that include a campground, trails, paved roads, a beach, a marina, and a boat launch.
Lieber SRA lies within the greater Cagles Mill Lake watershed, encompassing about 8,075 acres including the 1,400-acre lake. In 1952, Cagles Mill Lake was built as Indiana's first flood control reservoir, protecting the Eel and White river watersheds. Birding opportunities are present throughout the entire SRA site.
The campground areas are partially wooded and attract a variety of songbirds and sparrows. Four trails totaling approximately 2.5 miles take you into prime habitat of mature woodlands, thick scrub brush, and lake views. The Cemetery Trail begins just north of the campground gatehouse and leads through scrub brush and mature pine groves. These pine groves attract Pine Warblers year round and have also attracted Red Crossbills in the past. The Covered Bridge Nature Trail is handicap accessible and leads through mature forests where Wood Thrush and Hooded and Kentucky Warblers are commonly seen and heard during nesting season.
The Peninsula Trail, extending from the south end of the park, takes you to a narrow point on Cagles Mill Lake where both sides offer beautiful views. Bald Eagles, Osprey, ducks, loons, coots, grebes, herons, and egrets are often seen from this vantage point, along with warblers and sparrows in shrubby habitats. Lieber SRA beach is a good destination for accessible views of the larger lake, along with about a half-mile of shoreline. Gulls, shorebirds, terns, loons, ducks, eagles, Osprey, and swallows are frequently observed here. A large colony of Cliff Swallows nests under the beach pavilion. A spotting scope is recommended for viewing the larger lake area.
eBird Hotspot Link:
ebird.org/hotspot/L1011144
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Address:
1317 W Lieber Rd
Cloverdale, IN 46120
Ownership: Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Admission: Lieber SRA charges an entry fee unless you have a valid park pass. Park hours may vary by season and facility, so visitors should check posted hours upon arrival.
Restrictions: Motorized vehicles are not allowed on trails. Pets must be leashed. Hunting is not permitted within the recreation area. Additional regulations may apply in designated zones or during certain seasons.
Parking: Parking areas are available at the campground, marina, beach, and other main access points within Lieber SRA. Visitors should use designated parking areas.
Nearby Amenities: Camping, restrooms, picnic areas, fishing, boating, a boat launch, and a nature center are all onsite. Cloverdale is a few miles away with restaurants, gas stations, shops, and lodging. Cataract Falls SRA, Cagles Mill Dam, and Owen-Putnam State Forest are nearby and offer additional trails and birding opportunities.
Accessibility: The Covered Bridge Nature Trail is handicap accessible and provides a level route through mature forest. Other trails vary in surface and may include natural or uneven terrain.
Website: in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/cagles-mill-lake-lieber-and-cataract-falls-sra
Phone Number: 765-276-0194
Written by: Rod Wilson
Photo by: Rod Wilson