Hiking at Big Spring State Park

11 mile of trails

Big Spring State Park Trail Map (PDF)

Iron Horse Trail

0.7 mile in the park, 10 miles total  |   Most difficult hiking   |   Loop trail   |   Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables

Only a small section of the 10-mile Iron Horse Trail is in the park. The park provides access to the Iron Horse Trail, designed for day hikes and overnight hiking in Tuscarora State Forest.

Tunnel Trail

0.2 mile in the park, 0.75 mile total  |   More difficult hiking   |   Loop trail   |   Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: picnic tables

A short, loop trail starts in the park and leads to the site of the partially completed railroad tunnel in Tuscarora State Forest. A 0.75-mile loop can be formed by combining the trail sections in the park and forestry. Historic information is provided at the trailhead.

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.