Hiking at Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area
8.4 miles of trails
The trails in the conservation area travel through forests up and down hills.
Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area Trail Map (PDF)
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.
Appalachian Trail
0.5 miles in the park | More difficult hiking | Point-to-point trail | White blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: benches
The famous, national scenic trail extends 2,000+ miles from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in central Maine. Just over half of a mile of this famed trail traverses the conservation area. The Appalachian Trail is reached from Victoria and Whitetail trails.
Evergreen Trail
1.1 miles | Easiest hiking | Loop trail | Red blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms, potable water
This trail begins at the east gate and is a nice loop trail that is good for cross-country skiing and wildlife watching.
Old Sawmill Trail
0.9 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Yellow blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
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 | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | Lime green blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
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.
Rock Trail
0.8 mile | More difficult hiking | Connector trail | Light blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
This trail goes through some very rocky areas. Rock Trail begins at the intersection of Evergreen, Pine, and Old Sawmill trails.
Turkey Foot Trail
0.6 mile | Easiest hiking | Connector trail | Lavender blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended
Trailhead amenities: none
Access this trail from the western end of Evergreen Trail. Turkey Foot Trail is a loop trail that offers many opportunities to observe wildlife.
Victoria Trail
3.0 miles | More difficult hiking | Out-and-back trail | Blue blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: none
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.
Whitetail Trail
1.8 miles | Most difficult hiking | Connector trail | Pink blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: benches
Whitetail Trail begins on the north side of Peters Mountain, ascends to the top of the mountain via switchbacks and stone stairs, crosses the Appalachian Trail, winds down the south side of the mountain and ends at the Victoria Trail. 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.