Living only about 30 minutes away, I had always assumed Boyd Big Tree Preserve was simply a tree…read moresapling area used by DCNR. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's actually a 1,025-acre conservation and recreation area that straddles Blue Mountain and serves as habitat for large trees of many species and deep-forest birds, especially warblers. The preserve offers a peaceful, natural setting for passive recreation like birding, nature walks, and hiking, with an extensive 12-mile trail system ranging from easy to difficult. Every trail connects to at least one other, making it easy to customize a hike based on skill level. From wildflowers at your feet to the towering canopy created by the "big trees" that give the preserve its name, the scenery feels beautifully unaltered. While the trails are best used from March through October, the area is open year-round, including winter recreation and cross-country skiing. I visited on the first Saturday in January on an overcast but beautiful 32-degree day. With no recent rain, snow, or ice, it felt like the perfect opportunity to explore. Upon arrival, I found a paved parking lot with just a handful of cars. Parking was plentiful that day, though I imagine it could get tight during peak seasons since there's only one relatively small lot. PRO TIP: Grab a printed trail map before heading out. Cell service was spotty, and my online map wouldn't load once I arrived--but printed maps were readily available at the parking area. Boyd Big Tree Preserve features seven well-marked trails, clearly blazed and varying in difficulty. For easier hikes, the Lower Spring Trail (1.1-mile loop, lavender blazes) and Pond Loop Trail (1.2-mile loop, pink blazes) are great choices. Moderate options include the Coach Trail, Creek Trail, and Upper Spring Trail, while the most challenging hikes are the Janie Trail and East Loop Trail. After some advance research, I chose the 1.2-mile Pond Loop Trail, which offers opportunities to spot wildlife near a popular watering hole. The pink blazes didn't hurt either. The trail was an easy, leisurely one-hour walk with minor elevation changes along a small gravel path. Aside from one set of fast-approaching footsteps behind me (a runner who briefly made my heart skip a beat), the trail was completely empty--perfect for quiet reflection. I spent some time sitting on a bench near the fully frozen pond hoping to spot wildlife, but the only visitor was a lone squirrel. On my way out, I stopped at Stroh's Cemetery, located near the entrance to the preserve. This historic cemetery dates back to 1819 and was originally a family graveyard before becoming a community burial ground. Though many headstones are missing, more than 130 graves remain. Recent DCNR restoration efforts are clearly visible, with cleaned and repaired gravestones and thoughtful landscaping that respectfully honors those buried there. Overall, I'd absolutely recommend Boyd Big Tree Preserve for a peaceful walk in the woods. Is this the place for extreme hiking? Probably not. But if you're looking for a quiet, scenic spot to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, and unplug for a bit--this is a solid choice close to home.

Crafted on the north side of a mountain and optimized for taking walks in the woods, Boyd Big Tree…read morePreserve Conservation Area has some nicely varied terrain and the trails are well marked. Tip: If you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded by an impressive view of the Susquehanna valley :-) While dogs are allowed in Boyd, the wilderness is largely unspoiled by facilities. About the only thing that's been built here is a bathroom at the trail head. Note that you'll need to bring water when you come, and it's wise to wear something blaze orange if you're there in season.

I love discovering hidden gems, and the Ned Smith Center for Nature & Art is officially one of…read morethose "how have I lived here this long and not known about this?" places. I first learned about it through a Facebook post advertising a free, guided January Winter Hike on a Saturday morning. The forecast called for rain, so naturally I hesitated... and by the time I committed, registration was closed. Classic. Not one to go down without at least trying, I reached out and learned they cap guided hikes at 15 people, which honestly I respect. I was bummed--but then pleasantly surprised when they offered to add me to a waitlist. Cue me quietly rooting for the rain to scare a few people off (no shame). A few days later, I got the email: spots opened up and I was in. Victory. Also, bonus points for genuinely great customer service. I arrived about 20 minutes early for the 10am hike because that's who I am, and spent some time wandering around. Parking was plentiful and easy in their paved lot. The location itself is beautiful--peaceful and tucked away, yet not "did I miss a turn and end up on someone's private driveway?" remote. The wrap-around porch on the gift shop/gallery and the huge outdoor amphitheater were unexpected and delightful. I'm already plotting a return with a lawn chair once winter loosens its icy grip. Right at 10am, our guide Emily gathered the group and laid out the plan: get in about a mile before the rain arrived. We stopped at the visitor kiosk to review trail info and then headed out to explore. We walked portions of the Fisherman's Trail, Rail Trail, and Hemlock Trail, all of which were lovely--even under gray, overcast skies that screamed "January in PA." The property is beautifully maintained, and it's very clear the Ned Smith Center puts a lot of care into creating a welcoming space. This was actually my first-ever guided hike, and I loved it. Emily was fantastic, and the damp, wintry weather gave the hike a calm, peaceful vibe--very "quiet reflection," very "main character walking through a nature montage." We ended up hiking closer to 2 miles, and somehow the rain held off until just after we finished. Nature said, "I got you today." All in all, my first visit to the Ned Smith Center was a total win. I'll absolutely be back to explore more trails and catch a performance once Central PA remembers how seasons other than winter work. If you enjoy nature, art, well-run programs, and discovering places you can't believe you've been missing, this one's worth checking out!

An incredible art and performance venue tucked away in a beautiful setting. This was my first…read morevisit but I thoroughly enjoyed the amazing art, the delightful gift shop, the incredible indoor beehive, and the access to miles of lovely trails. Tip: we were harassed by comical numbers of tiny flying insects -- they were going in our ears and up our noses and we needed wipers on our spectacles -- despite drenching ourselves in bug spray. Enjoy the trails in cooler months or bring bug netting for your head!

I am a frequent bike-rider on this wonderful and wild trail. An extremely diverse trail that goes…read moreon for around 20 miles! Pines, hardwoods, mushrooms, river views, mosses, stones, animals galore! Terrific for a fair weather picnic or just a stroll. I have gone here in all seasons! It's just lovely when the snow starts falling too!

Detweiler is one of our favorite places to visit and offers so much. The trails can be as…read morechallenging or as mild and casual as you'd like depending who you're with and what you want to do. In our minds, the real attraction is the close proximity to Harrisburg and the magnificent, tall trees and pine needle-carpeted wooded areas. It's a treat walking down the long, tree-lined trails and, especially, listening to the trees "talking" as they rub against each other in the wind. When visiting in warmer months, it's always delightful to stop at 3B's for ice cream or other treats after hiking.

What a fantastic park! So many great walking paths to pick from for a nice light stroll. Well…read moremaintained walking paths with minimal effort. Lots of wildlife, foliage and flowers. The parking lot is split into multiple sections so there is plenty of parking. Dog friendly, just keep them on a leash and pick up after your 4-legged family member. The visitor center is nice with very clean bathrooms. Lots of pollinator gardens spread along the visitor center. Multiple locations to sit and enjoy nature. Downside, they have a lot of poison ivy and poison oak and a lot of introduced invasive plants like the rosa multiflora. Pretty, but shouldn't be in the US. Overall, definitely recommend this park for a nice relaxing walk.

Stopped in at Blue Mountain Outfitters because we are looking to purchase kayaks. We are…read morerelatively new to the activity but know what we want. We wandered around the small, cluttered shop for 15 minutes before anyone asked if they could help us or what we needed. When we did talk to a salesperson at the store he was knowledgeable and straightforward. Unfortunately, they did not have kayaks for us. There was one there that fit my requirements but it was already sold. When we asked, we were told they have no idea if or when they would get another one like it. For that reason, I cannot recommend them for kayak sales, however, their stock of paddles, life jackets and other accessories was unparalleled.

Last year, my wife and I decided to park our tandem kayak and paddle our own boats. We made a…read morevisit to BMO and described our paddling plans and goals. Mary matched us with a pair of kayaks and explained that we could demo the boats on the trip down the Susquehanna. The demo went well, and we returned this spring to purchase both kayaks. Everyone we interacted with at BMO was pleasant and knowledgeable. It's a 30-minute drive from home, but I won't hesitate to come back for any accessories or another river trip. Good selection, good people and good advice!

This was an amazing free event posted in December 2025. I spent over an hour from the trains…read moredisplay, to the cooking classes, and the fort couture such a beautiful festive time at Fort Hunter.

This is my beautiful, peaceful view of the Susquehanna River at Fort Hunter Mansion on the first…read moreday of May while eating my BonBon Tea lunch. Fort Hunter is a relaxing place to walk, sit, and enjoy the beautiful, serene views of the Susquehanna River.

The Canadian Geese are not the only ones delighting in the quiet, manicured beauty offered by the…read morelake/park. I enjoyed a walk around the lake on this last full day of winter 2025. Italian Lake is a wonderful outdoor space for observing waterfowl, as well as for walking, sitting, dog walking, or even picnicking in summer.

4/30/26 Beautiful views all around--gorgeous lake w/fountain sculpture on 1 side & spray fountains…read moreon the other. Azaleas & flowering princess trees in bloom. Docile Canada Geese feeding lakeside. Picturesque neighborhood of lake-facing homes 1 street over w/many English style cottages w/stone or brick facades & shaker shingle roofs. Covered concert stage & uncovered bench seating is ready for summer concert season. Center bridge could use new paint on rails. Picnic tables would be nice addition, but then it might require more maintenance to keep area trash-free. Street parking is available on either side of lake.

Very very nice quiet spacious park, very well kept. Nice place to take a picnic lunch tooread more

This is our first time here but clearly it was recently renovated. Everything is brand new and…read morewell maintained. Lots of new playground designs that we have never seen at any other playground before. Also there is an adult fitness area, tennis and basketball courts, and a pavilion. Parking lot for about 15-20 cars available.

Nice little trail connecting to Big Boyd Tree Preserve. Some picnic tables and a trail that's…read morepartially paved to get you started. Easy parking right off the road, near the top of the mountain. Since it connects to a much larger park, it gives a nice head start to the top. Didn't see many stopping spots along the trail. Dogs allowed, preferably on leashes. Not sure what the situation is during hunting season.