Hiking at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area in Dauphin County

The Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is located in Dauphin County, between the city of Harrisburg and Dauphin in Pennsylvania. From US 322, take the Fishing Creek exit. Turn east onto Fishing Creek Valley Road and travel approximately 2.6 miles. You'll find it located on the right. The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

To enter the park you'll turn in at the main entrance and travel up a paved and curvy road to arrive at the paved and unpaved parking lot. There are plenty of parking spaces. If you're handicap, I recommend parking close to the picnic pavilion, where you'll find both steps and a path leading up to the picnic pavilion, public restrooms and the hiking trails. The trails are not really handicap accessible in my opinion.

The 1,025 acre Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is part of Blue Mountain and is habitat  for large trees, deep forest birds, small mammals, deer, red tail fox, bears, snakes, turkey, grouse, butterflies, etc. During the summer and fall months the field is filled with blooming wildflowers. In late-July and early-August, the flowers attract field birds and many varieties of butterflies. The road leading up to the parking lot and surrounding the parking lot contains Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes.

There are 12 miles of trails for you to enjoy and are perfect for almost any level of hiking enthusiast. There are easy trails, moderate and difficult trails for you to choose from. There is a park map with all of the trails listed on it that you can grab at the entrance. In total there are 8 trails and I recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes, dress appropriately for the season, carry along bottled water & snacks, wear sunscreen and bring along bug spray!

We spent approximately 2 hours walking a few of the easy to moderate hiking trails at the preserve. We enjoyed the East Loop Trail, Pond Loop Trail, and Lower Spring Trail. They're great trails for those who want to enjoy an easier walk. We were in the shade and deep forest area for the majority of our hike, but at certain areas the bugs got pretty bad. Hence, why we recommend that you bring along bug spray.

On the property located near the entrance you'll find a covered picnic pavilion that you can use. You'll have to bring along your own picnic-style lunch. There are no grills or cooking facilities. Nearby you'll find a public restroom and a water fountain where you can refill your water bottles. Please clean up all trash and items that you bring with you to the park.

Throughout the year they offer a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, you can gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. If you're interested in these programs you'll want to contact the Little Buffalo State Park Complex Office at 717-567-9255 or check them out online at VisitPAparks.com.

The land was donated to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Mr. Alexander Boyd (1925-2013). The stated purpose of his donation was to set aside the area for the perpetual management and protection of big trees. He received a Conservation Landowner of the Year award in 2001 from the Pennsylvania Wildlife Federation and Audubon Society for his donation of this beautiful conservation area.

You can visit the Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area year-round, from dawn to dusk. Dogs are permitted in the park and on the trails as long as they remain on a leash. Alcohol and drugs are not permitted. Hunting and trapping during hunting season is permitted and they recommend that you stay on the trails, and wear orange colored clothing during hunting season. You're not permitted to feed wildlife and always observe wildlife from afar.

After you're done hiking for the day head on over to the Chestnut Tree Plantation area to learn about the American Chestnut Trees, blight and the current restoration project that is going on. You'll find the plantation area right in front of the parking lot with a fence running around it. There is an information board sitting in front of it where you can learn more about it.

We had a great time visiting the park and will definitely be planning another visit. The next time we want to bring along a picnic-style lunch, binoculars and other items, so that we can hike some of the longer and more difficult walking trails. If you enjoy being out in nature, we highly recommend that pay the Body Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area a visit.

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