🌤 Weather at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–72 °F | 60–85 °F | 34–75 °F | 22–41 °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 Harrisburg 1 NE, 5 mi away, elevation 420 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a 1,025-acre conservation area in Pennsylvania’s state park system, on Blue Mountain in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, north of Harrisburg. DCNR manages it from nearby Memorial Lake State Park.
About Boyd Big Tree
The preserve straddles Blue Mountain and protects a forest of large trees of many species. That forest is home to deep-forest birds, especially warblers. In summer and fall the old field fills with blooming wildflowers such as butterfly weed, and in late July and early August the flowers draw field birds and many kinds of butterflies.
The land was donated to DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks as a conservation area: few improvements, no through roads and only passive, low-impact recreation. Under the deed’s restrictive covenant, horseback riding, biking and motorized equipment are prohibited, except for official use and accommodations for people with disabilities.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Off Fishing Creek Valley Road (PA 443), Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County |
| Size | 1,025 acres |
| Hours | Daily, sunrise to sunset; day use areas close at dusk |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Activities | Hiking, hunting, wildlife watching, winter recreation |
| Not permitted | Horseback riding, biking, motorized equipment |
| Reservations | No reservable facilities |
| Contact | Memorial Lake State Park, 717-865-6470 |
Getting There
From US 322, take the Fishing Creek exit and turn east onto Fishing Creek Valley Road (SR 443). The conservation area is 2.6 miles on the right. The park’s coordinates are 40.3591, -76.8673. Cell service is unpredictable here, so download the park map from DCNR before you go.
Programs
Memorial Lake State Park staff run public programs at the preserve, from guided outdoor recreation to hands-on activities and special events. Schools and organized groups can book environmental education programs; DCNR recommends booking school programs at least three months ahead. Current dates are in the DCNR calendar of events.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Gifford Pinchot State Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Pine Grove Furnace State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Editor’s note (October 2026): Earlier versions of this profile placed the preserve in Cumberland County on the Yellow Breeches Creek and described an 87-acre old-growth stand. We have rewritten it from DCNR’s park page.
🐾 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 Map
Plan your gear for Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
