Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
- Status
- Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- None listed
- Official site
- pa.gov(717) 865-6470
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Covering about 1,044 acres, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area lies in Dauphin County, about 6 miles north of Harrisburg.
Visitors come for cross-country skiing, winter sports, hunting in season, and hiking. The official site lists about 12 miles of trails.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. Contact Memorial Lake State Park for facility seasons and hours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
- Phone
- 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Things to do
HikingHuntingWinter sportsCross-country skiing
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coach Trail | 0.9 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none A great trail to watch and listen for warblers in the spring and early summer, Coach Trail follows the base of the ridge and loops at the conversation area’s western edge.Hiking |
| Creek Trail | 0.9 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none The trail winds down to the creek near the American beech tree grove and then angles up the slope along the western edge of the conservation area.Hiking |
| East Loop Trail | 1.9 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water, benches The trail runs toward the eastern portion of the conservation area and provides a scenic view to the north into Fishing Creek Valley along the power line right-of-way.Hiking |
| Janie Trail | 2.8 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Janie Trail is the longest and most challenging trail in the conservation area. It ascends the north side of Blue Mountain and follows along the top of the ridgeline with scenic views to the south. From there the trail continues east for a short distance and then back down the mountain. Trail conditions vary from a gently sloping, flat 8-foot wide surface to a very steep, narrow, rocky, single track on its most eastern section.Hiking |
| Lower Spring Trail | 1.1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water, benches A great trail for cross-country skiing, Lower Spring Trail passes through the heart of the conservation area.HikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Pond Loop Trail | 1.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms The trail skirts the spring-fed pond which is a popular watering hole for wildlife. The pond is a haven for a number of amphibian species during the early spring and summer months.HikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Upper Spring Trail | 2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none The trail provides a nice cross-section of the conservation area. This is an excellent trail to see some of the area’s largest trees. These large second growth oaks, hickories, and beeches could be old growth stands in the future. The view of French Creek Valley from along the power line right-of-way is well worth the hike.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area
12 miles of trails
The Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area boasts an extensive trail system, which will please almost any hiking enthusiast.
Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area Map
Getting there
- Address
- 1439 Fishing Creek Valley Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112 - Nearest town
- Harrisburg — about 6 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.3591, -76.8673
- Phone
- (717) 865-6470
- memorialsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From US 322 , take the Fishing Creek Exit. Turn east onto Fishing Creek Valley Road (SR 443). The conservation area is 2.6 miles on the right. GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 40.35907 Long. -76.86732
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Jan 29, 2026
- DCNR Find a Park: content-fragment JSON feed used by the pa.gov park finder
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology