Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area

Tucked into the rolling hills of Dauphin County, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area protects 914 acres of some of Pennsylvania’s most impressive old-growth timber. Established in 1999, this state park owes its name to the towering white pines and hemlocks that have stood here for centuries — trees that escaped the logging boom that stripped most of the state bare in the 1800s. Walking among them feels like stepping into a Pennsylvania that few people ever get to see.

The preserve is a quiet destination, well-suited for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography. Trails wind through dense forest canopy where sunlight filters down in cathedral-like shafts, and the understory stays cool even in midsummer. Wildflower enthusiasts will find spring particularly rewarding, with trillium and jack-in-the-pulpit carpeting the forest floor from late April through May. Fall brings rich color as the hardwood canopy shifts from green to gold and crimson.

Camping availability has not been confirmed, so visitors should check with the Pennsylvania DCNR before planning an overnight trip. Day-use facilities are limited, so pack water and supplies.

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall, when trails are accessible and the forest is at its most alive. Winter visits are possible but expect muddy conditions on unpaved paths.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve rewards visitors who appreciate stillness and old forests. It is not a high-traffic destination, and that is precisely its appeal.

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