Just a simple, short day hike in Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area (map). It is a brand new conservation area in PA, and it’s pretty small, but it’s a nice way to spend an afternoon if, say, you drove a friend a long way so that he could take a big exam and you have a few hours of downtime.
I brought my camera along, just so I could bring you; don’t you feel special?
Most of the trails are this crushed limestone. If you notice the “Caution!” sign on the tree to the right, this area is mostly used by hunters. The trails are all well-blazed, and all pretty easy.
Some wild looking trails, overgrown by tearthumb…
Tearthumb with its pretty blue berries, what a nasty weed! (aka Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata))
Along the ridge, the trees slowly open up, until…
You bust out on the powerline meadows.
Still some Bombus about.
I made a friend. More about her later.
The Janie Trail is my favourite.
Not really any clean vistas, but these powerline meadows give you a chance to see the surrounding mountains.
Let’s play on the boulder field for a while!
Caterpillar of Giant Leopard Moth or Eyed Tiger Moth (Hypercompe scribonia) (aka black fuzzy caterpillar with red stripes)
Showing red stripes
A pleasant day! Thanks for coming.
Great hike!!
It was a nice day.
Beautiful autumnal scenes, I love when leaves carpet the ground at this time of year. Cute fuzzy caterpillar too!
I love the leaves, but I am always a bit saddened by the loss of summer!
I like your new friend..Michelle
Me too! She is fabulous.
I enjoyed your hike and photos. I have to see the State Park when I am home in PA next time. PA is like one big state park itself with so many natural places to explore.
Glad you liked them! PA is a very beautiful state. It sorta kinda stole my heart when I moved here.
Since you are near Harrisburg, I will look you up next visit. You are very close to where I am from. Also, did you read of the new robobees? I have two videos on my post today you might be interested in all about the new technological little buzzers.
Actually…I am *even farther* west than Harrisburg, haha. I did not read about robobees, but I will go check out your post!
Beautiful! I’ve never been to Pennsylvania (except a flight to/from Pittsburgh). So it was nice to get an idea of the native terrain.
Ah yes, this is very typical PA. You should visit sometime! It is very different from CO. The colours are beautiful in the fall.