Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area — Attraction in Middle Paxton Township

Boyd Big Tree Preserve, a 1,025-acre conservation area nestled on Blue Mountain in Harrisburg, PA, is a true gem for nature lovers. Offering over 10 miles of well-maintained trails, it caters to hikers of all skill levels, from easy strolls around the spring-fed pond to more challenging ascents providing rewarding ridgetop views. The preserve lives up to its name, boasting an impressive array of mature trees, including a 75-acre section of old-growth forest with trees over a century old. This dense canopy provides a haven for diverse wildlife, especially deep-forest birds like warblers, making it a birder's paradise. Keep an eye out for amphibians around the pond and various wildflowers during warmer months. While it might not feature dramatic waterfalls or expansive vistas, Boyd Big Tree offers a serene and...

Just minutes from downtown Harrisburg, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a convenient and well-maintained nature destination. It's perfect for disconnecting from technology and enjoying nature while walking, hiking, having a picnic, or reading a book. It offers a variety of marked trails with varying levels of difficulty, grassy lawns, a bathroom facility, a pavilion with seating, a pond, a paved driveway, and parking area. The preserve is home to a variety of plants and animals, including deer, foxes, turkeys, and many species of birds. Visitors can also enjoy scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll or a hike, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area has something...

There are a decent number of trails here so you can tailor your hike to suit your difficulty and available time. The trails are very clearly marked so there is pretty much no chance of accidentally wandering off your trail. There's also loads of tree cover to protect from sun exposure, with the only really open areas being the trail along the transmission line and at the edges of the pond.

Maps at the trailhead are often unavailable so if you plan to do multiple trails, I recommended downloading one from the DCNR website to take with you just in case, or at least taking a picture of the map at the trailhead because otherwise you could get a little...