Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area - Whitetail/Victoria Trail

From USHikingtrails

Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area - Whitetail/Victoria Trail
Whitetail trail is located in the Joseph E. Ibberson Conservation Area, about 15 miles north of Harrisburg, PA. It is a short trail that begins near the parking lot and rapidly gains elevation after a quarter-mile. This trail goes up and over the mountain, crossing the Appalachin Trail, and terminates at Victoria Trail. Hiking a combination of Whitetail and Victoria trails provides a loop-trail.

Fast Facts
Trail Distance (Miles):	1.8 miles, one-way
Trail Surface & Condition:	Dirt-Rocky in places
Other Trail Users:	Hikers
Trail Ownership:	State Parks
Best Hiking Seasons:	Year around weather permitting
Trail Type:	Loop Trails
Trailhead Beginning Elev (Feet):	650
Ending Elev (Feet):	1350
Elevation Gain (Feet):	700
Hike Difficulty Rating:	5
GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: 40.442222 Longitude: 76.859722
GPS Coordinates:	Latitude: Longitude:

[[Image:|400px|thumb|left|]]

Maps & Trailhead Directions

'
Near To: Matamoras, PA, Pennsylvania

Driving Directions To Trailhead From PA route 225 take Camp Hebron road and follow signs. Turn on to Back Rd. Park is about 6 miles from 225.

Maps and Satellite Images

Elevation: 650'

Maps & Images Lat: 40.442222 Long: 76.859722

Street map from Google Maps or Yahoo! Maps

Satellite image from Google Maps or Microsoft Virtual Earth

Aerial image or topographic map from TerraServer-USA

Trail & Hike Description

Trail starts out as a gentle walk in the woods with not much elevation change. Start with Victoria Trail (blue blaze markers) as it is near the parking lot. You will slowly gain elevation until you make the first intersection with Whitetail trail. Once you pick up whitetail trail (Pink Blazes), you will rapidly gain elevation to the top, making frequent switch backs. The upper elevations of this trail are very rocky, so watch your step and keep an eye out for copperheads and rattlers. I did not see any, but it would be a great place for them. As you continue up the trail you will have some 'sneak a peak' views through the trees of the valley below. Once you reach the top, you will cross the Appalachian Trail and continue down the other side of the mountain. There won't be as many views here due to trees (if you go when leaves are out), but it is a neat trail. Eventually, when you have descended about 400 ft elevation you will intersect with Victoria Trail (Blue Blazes). Take this back up the mountain to intersect with the Appalachin Trail. Follow the AT to the left for several hundred yards, until the Blue Blazes appear again, with a well worn trail/road going down the mountain. Follow this road until you intersect with Whitetail Trail (Pink blazes), and take Whitetail downhill. After you pass a pond, you can link up with another trail (Red Blazes), and head right on this trail as it will lead you back to the parking lot.

My personal opinion - I was disappointed with the trail. If they would cut a handfull of trees near the top you could have some really scenic views and only have a minimal impact on wildlife. One large benefit of these trails is that there are not many people on them. I only saw two other sets of hikers, so if you don't like crowds you will enjoy it.

External Links & References

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/josepheibberson.aspx#trails ==> Park site

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/josepheibberson/josepheibberson_mini.pdf ==> Map (pdf)