Discover Martha's Chapel Wildlife Observation Site

Set near the northern end of Jordan Lake in the Farrington area (accessible from Apex, NC), the Martha’s Chapel Wildlife Observation Site is a small but meaningful stop on the Jordan Game Lands — the wildlife management area surrounding Jordan Lake managed by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. The site was originally home to an observation platform built and maintained by the New Hope Audubon Society, giving visitors an elevated vantage point to watch Jordan Lake’s remarkable bald eagle population — the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles anywhere in the Eastern United States.

The wooden observation platform has since been removed, though the trail, parking lot, and open shoreline access remain fully intact — and the views across the lake are as good as they ever were. Be sure to check out the YouTube video and pictures below to get a feel for the Martha’s Chapel Wildlife Observation Site before you go — or to relive the visit after.

A Still-Excellent Bald Eagle Viewing Site

The trail and parking area are still intact, and the site remains fully accessible to visitors. A short woodland trail winds through mixed hardwood and pine forest from the small gravel parking lot to the observation site, taking approximately 15 minutes each way. The walk is easy and family-friendly.

At the site itself, visitors will find the concrete footings that once anchored the observation platform’s support posts — still standing where the wooden structure was mounted. The platform’s absence is genuinely noticeable, but the site’s most important quality remains fully intact: an open, expansive shoreline with unobstructed views across Jordan Lake. The trees are set well back from the water’s edge, giving the site clear sightlines toward the north-central portion of the lake.

The shoreline itself is broad and walkable, with plenty of room to explore multiple vantage points along the water. Bald eagle viewing at the site is genuinely as good as it ever was — visitors just look from the sandy shoreline rather than from an elevated deck.

The Bald Eagle Recovery Story

The observation deck originally existed because Jordan Lake hosts the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles anywhere in the Eastern United States — a remarkable distinction anchored in one of NC’s most significant conservation success stories.

Between 1973 and 1983, there were no active bald eagle nests anywhere in North Carolina. The species had been decimated by hunting, habitat destruction, and pesticides like DDT. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission reintroduced bald eagles in 1982, and the species has since made a dramatic comeback. Today, NC hosts approximately 250 nesting pairs statewide, with Jordan Lake as the crown jewel of that recovery.

The eagles are drawn to Jordan Lake’s combination of 14,000 acres of open water, abundant fish, and the mature surrounding forests that provide undisturbed nesting habitat far from human activity. They are year-round residents at the lake, with the local population roughly tripling in spring and summer as northern eagles migrate south to breed.

Complementary Jordan Lake Birding Stops

For visitors making a broader Jordan Lake birding day, several other stops within the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area system also offer strong bald eagle sightings. The New Hope Blue Trail offers extended shoreline access along the western side of the lake, while the Seaforth Pond Trail offers excellent birding around a wetland boardwalk on the Pittsboro side of the lake.

The Jordan Lake State Recreation Area Visitors Center in Apex also hosts an extensive bald eagle exhibit and occasional ranger-led eagle programs — a good starting point for visitors serious about learning more about the recovery story.

Good to Know

Location: Northern end of Jordan Lake, in the Farrington area (off Martha’s Chapel Road, approximately 1/4 mile from Farrington Road); accessible from Apex, NC
Managed by: NC Wildlife Resources Commission (Jordan Game Lands) — distinct from the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area managed by NC Parks
Important note: The site previously housed an observation platform built and maintained by New Hope Audubon Society, but the wooden deck has been removed. The concrete footings that once anchored the platform’s support posts remain visible on-site. The trail, parking, and open shoreline access are all still fully accessible — and the views across the lake are as good as they ever were
Also known as: Former Audubon Observation Deck, Former Bald Eagle Observation Platform, Former Wildlife Observation Deck, Former New Hope Audubon Society Wildlife Observation Platform, or the Former Eagle Platform
Trail: Short woodland trail, approximately 15 minutes each way from the parking lot to the observation site
Difficulty: Easy — family-friendly grade
Wildlife: Year-round bald eagles at Jordan Lake, migratory ospreys (peak summer visibility), cormorants, gulls, herons, songbirds
Best viewing seasons: Fall through spring (leaf-off cover); winter and spring migration (April–June), particularly strong
What to bring: Binoculars or a spotting scope (recommended for detailed eagle spotting); comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate layers
Facilities: None on-site (no restrooms, water, or visitor center)
Best for: Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, families interested in wildlife, and visitors curious about NC’s bald eagle recovery story
Pair with: A hike along the New Hope Blue Trail or a visit to the Seaforth Pond Trail; a broader outdoor day at Jordan Lake State Recreation Area; a walk through downtown Apex

An Apex Highlight

The Martha’s Chapel Wildlife Observation Site is the kind of stop that stays with you for the sheer scale of Jordan Lake’s bald eagle population — the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles anywhere in the Eastern United States. Fewer than 50 years ago, there were no active bald eagle nests anywhere in North Carolina. Standing today on the same open shoreline where New Hope Audubon Society once built its observation platform, watching the birds that anchor one of NC’s most remarkable conservation success stories, feels genuinely singular.

The wooden platform is gone, but the concrete footings remain — and the open shoreline offers views across the lake that are as strong as they ever were. It’s still one of the best bald eagle viewing spots you can walk to anywhere in central NC.