Description
About 10.5 miles of trails form a network within the 1,025-acre Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area, which straddles Blue Mountain. Its habitat of various large tree species provides homes for deep forest birds, especially warblers. In the summer and fall, the old field is filled with blooming wildflowers like butterfly weed. In late-July and early-August, the flowers also attract field birds and many varieties of butterflies.
About 800 acres of the conservation area are open to hunting, trapping, and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species include black bear, deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit, and squirrel. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited on the property. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply.
Trails
- Pond Loop Trail (1.2 miles, pink blazes): This easy trail follows the perimeter of a spring-fed pond, which is a watering hole for wildlife and habitat for amphibians.
- Lower Spring Trail (1.1 miles, lavender blazes): Another easy trail, this path passes through the heart of the preserve and is great for cross-country skiing in the winter.
- East Loop Trail (1.9 miles, lime green blazes): This moderate hiking trail runs towards the eastern end of the preserve, following powerlines for a short portion.
- Creek Trail (0.9 miles, medium blue blazes): Another moderate hike, the trail winds down to a creek amidst an American beech grove and slopes up to the western end of the preserve.
- Janie Trail (2.8 miles, red blazes): The longest and most difficult hike in the preserve, the trail follows the ridgetop and descends in a steep slope.
- Upper Spring Trail (2 miles, light blue blazes): A moderate trail, this cross-section of the preserve showcases some of its largest trees, including oaks, hickories, and beeches.
- Coach Trail (0.9 miles, yellow blazes): Following the base of the ridge, this easy trail is recommended to watch and listen for warblers in the spring.
Parking and Trail Access
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.
Parking and trail access can be found off of the main entrance road, which is located off of Fishing Creek Valley Road.
Map
Map courtesy DCNR
