🌤 Weather at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–86 °F | 32–77 °F | 20–42 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Carlisle Wtp, 8 mi away, elevation 430 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Giant Trees — 87-acre old-growth forest preserve protecting some of the LARGEST trees in Pennsylvania — white pines over 150 feet tall and 200+ years old
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area protects 87 acres of magnificent old-growth forest near Harrisburg — featuring some of the largest trees remaining in Pennsylvania! The preserve’s towering white pines exceed 150 feet in height and 200+ years of age — remnants of the vast forests that once covered all of Pennsylvania. By 1920, nearly every acre of Pennsylvania’s original 28 million acres of forest had been logged at least once — making surviving old-growth stands like Boyd Big Tree exceptionally rare. Pennsylvania’s name means “Penn’s Woods” (named by William Penn in 1681).
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Cumberland County, PA |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Trees | 150ft white pines — 200+ years! |
| History | “Penn’s Woods” — 28M acres logged by 1920! |
About Boyd Big Tree
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area in Cumberland County protects 1,007 acres of exceptional old-growth and mature forest along the Yellow Breeches Creek — one of Pennsylvania’s finest limestone spring creeks for trout fishing. The preserve harbors some of the largest trees in the Cumberland Valley, with tulip poplars and white oaks exceeding 100 feet in height. The Yellow Breeches is a limestone-fed stream that stays cold year-round.
Things to Do
Fly fishing on the Yellow Breeches Creek (legendary trout water — catch-and-release sections), hiking through old-growth forest, wildlife observation, photography of massive trees, and nature study in one of central Pennsylvania’s most pristine forests.
Insider Tips
Old-growth giant: Boyd Big Tree Preserve protects one of the finest old-growth white pine and hemlock forests in Pennsylvania — trees reaching 125+ feet tall and 300+ years old. Pro tip: Pennsylvania was once 90% forested with trees like these — by 1920, virtually all old-growth had been logged. Boyd is a rare survivor. Cathedral-like: The massive trees create a cathedral-like canopy — standing among them is humbling.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: Old-growth is impressive in all seasons. Spring: Wildflowers beneath the canopy. Summer: Cool shade under giant trees. Winter: Snow on massive branches — breathtaking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much old-growth is left in Pennsylvania?
Less than 1% of Pennsylvania’s original forest is old-growth — the state was nearly completely logged between 1850 and 1920. Pennsylvania was the nation’s largest lumber producer in the 1800s. Old-growth remnants like Boyd survive because they were too remote or on land held by conservation-minded owners. These fragments preserve a glimpse of the forest that covered the entire state.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Gifford Pinchot State Park (a short drive away) or Pine Grove Furnace State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
