Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area

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.

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Trails  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching  - What is a Conservation Area  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

From PA 322/22, take PA 225 north for 4.5 miles. Just before entering the village of Matamoras, turn right on Camp Hebron Road and follow it for 4.5 miles. The conservation area is on the right.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Cross-country Skiing 

Cross-country skiing: All hiking trails in the Conservation Area are open for cross-country skiing. Evergreen and Old Sawmill trails are good trails for cross-country skiing. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Hunting and Firearms: About 320 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are black bear, deer, turkey, grouse, rabbit and squirrel.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply.Contact the Little Buffalo State Park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Hiking

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.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

The Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office at Little Buffalo State Park.

Programs are offered from April through October. Many programs feature the abundant wildlife and forest management practices that can be seen in the Conservation Area. For more detailed information on programs, contact the Little Buffalo State Park office.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Harrisburg Hospital
101 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-782-3131

What is a Conservation Area?

This designation is for land donated to the Bureau of State Parks and managed for the purposes of preserving open space, conserving natural resources, and providing opportunities for passive, non-motorized, low density outdoor recreation and environmental education activities.

A conservation area is characterized as a large area with few improvements and no through roads. Recreational facilities and development are minimal. Conservation areas are used for low impact recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms. Conservation areas serve as examples of proper stewardship and resource management. The donation of land can be covered by a restrictive covenant.

What is a Restrictive Covenant?

A restrictive covenant is a condition that is written into a deed, either by the seller or person donating the property, that must be adhered to by the person or organization that assumes possession of the property. Some of the restrictive covenants placed on the transfer of this property include:

• The land is intended for use, enjoyment and education of all citizens of the Commonwealth. Environmental, outdoor, and forest resources management education will be emphasized.
• Only passive recreational activities will be allowed. Horseback riding, biking and motorized equipment, with the exception of official use equipment and accommodations for disabled people, are prohibited.
• Acceptable forestry practices will govern resource management. Generally, only dead and downed trees should be harvested, except on forest demonstration areas.

Nearby Attractions

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: Along PA 443 north of Harrisburg, this 40-acre Dauphin County park was a settlement fort in the 1750s during the French and Indian war. The park has playgrounds, picnic areas and tours of the mansion. 717-599-5751 www.forthunter.org

Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area: One mountain range to the south is Boyd Big Tree Conservation Area, one of the newest Pennsylvania state parks. Large trees of numerous species are scattered throughout the area, which provides habitat for deep forests birds, especially warblers. The large field is filled with blooming butterfly weed in late-July and early-August and attracts many butterflies.

City of Harrisburg: The historic capital of Pennsylvania has many attractions, including: PA State Museum, State Capitol, Governor’s Mansion, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, National Civil War Musuem and other attractions. For information, contact the PA Hershey Harrisburg Regional Visitors Bureau. www.pacapitalregions.com

For More Information Contact

Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area
c/o Little Buffalo
Newport, PA 17074
717-567-9255
Manager: Brett Fromm

E-mail: littlebuffsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.