Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area Trails

Straddling Peters Mountain, the 370-acre Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area is dominated by large hardwood trees. This large block of nearly unbroken forest is a haven for wildlife like forest warblers and other deep-woods animals. A main attraction to the conservation area is the elaborate trail system. Evergreen Trail: 1.1 miles, red blazes, easy hiking - This trail begins at the east gate and is a nice loop trail that is also great for cross-country skiing. Victoria Trail: 1.8 miles, medium blue blazes, difficult hiking - This rugged footpath begins by the Education Pavilion, runs near the eastern boundary, crosses over to the west end of the park on the historic Victoria Road and meets the Appalachian Trail for a distance of 1.8 miles. From there, the trail winds down to Game Lands 211 and PA 325 for a distance of 1.2 miles. This is the most difficult trail in the Conservation Area. Old Sawmill Trail: 0.9 miles, yellow blazes, easy hiking - The loop portion of this trail encircles the old location of Baker’s Sawmill, the last steam sawmill in Dauphin County. This is a nice trail for cross-country skiing. Pine Trail: 0.9 mile, lime green blazes, easy hiking - This trail begins at Evergreen Trail, crosses the conservation area, and loops near the pond. Pine Trail runs through a multitude of forest habitats and is named for the many white pines along the middle section of the trail. Turkey Foot Trail: 0.6 mile, lavender blazes, easy hiking - Access this trail from the western end of Evergreen Trail. Turkey Foot Trail is a loop trail that offers many good opportunities to view wildlife. Rock Trail: 0.8 mile, beige blaze, moderate hiking - This trail goes through some very rocky areas. Rock Trail begins at the intersection of Evergreen, Pine, and Old Sawmill trails. Whitetail Trail: 1.8 miles, pink blazes, difficult hiking - This trail begins at the conservation area’s west gate, crosses Victoria and Appalachian trails and the Pond, and ends by reconnecting to Victoria Trail on the south side of Peters Mountain. The mountain section is rugged and includes switchbacks and stone stairs in places. A nice view of Powells Valley can be seen from a stone bench on the north side of the mountain. This is a good trail for viewing wildlife. Appalachian Trail: 0.5 mile, white blazes, moderate hiking - This famous, national scenic trail extends 2,000 miles from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in central Maine. The Appalachian Trail is reached from Victoria and Whitetail trails. Just over half of a mile of this famed trail traverses the Conservation Area.