Hiking at Boyd Big Tree Preserve 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 Preserve Park Trail Map (PDF)
Trail Definitions
Difficulty Ratings
Easiest -- For beginner trail users. Grade is gentle with few obstacles.
More Difficult -- For the majority of trail users. Grade is steeper and trails narrower with embedded rocks or roots on the trail surface.
Most Difficult -- For trail users with advanced skills. Grade is steep and provides a definite physical challenge. Routes may not be well marked. Elevation gain or loss is severe.
Trail Route Type
Loop -- Start and end at the same location and follow a single trail to form a loop.
Out-and-back -- Start and end at a trailhead and follow a single trail to an endpoint or specific point of interest, then return along the same route.
Point-to-point -- Trails are generally longer in distance and parks may often contain only a portion of the trail within their boundary. Hiker starts and ends in different locations, often requiring a shuttle.
Connector -- Begin and end in connection with another trail or trails but do not terminate at a trailhead.
Coach Trail
0.9 mile | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | Yellow blazes
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.
Creek Trail
0.9 mile | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Blue blazes
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.
East Loop Trail
1.9 miles | Most difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Lime Green blazes
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.
Janie Trail
2.8 miles | Most difficult hiking | Loop trail | Red blazes
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.
Lower Spring Trail
1.1 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Lavender blazes
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.
Pond Loop Trail
1.2 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Pink blazes
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.
Upper Spring Trail
2.0 miles | More difficult hiking | Loop trail | Light blue blazes
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.