Homestead Trail

Dedicated as an environmental education center since 1985, Jacobsburg State Park is operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks. This park is used to increase awareness about the environment and its problems, providing environmental education programs for students ranging in age from preschool to high school students, as well as teacher workshops, historical and public interpretive programs.

The 1,168 acre park is also filled with opportunities for hiking adventures. To reach the Homestead Trail, start at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. Before you start your hike, enjoy exploring the center’s exhibits. Among other interesting features, visitors will learn about an historical area largely within the park, the Jacobsburg National Historic District. Henry firearms were produced here. They became the most prominent weapons of the early American western frontier.

The Environmental Education Center is the only facility along the trail. A vestibule is open at times when the center is closed. The vestibule provides access to restrooms with flush toilets. Adventurers may also fill water containers at the convenient water fountains before heading out on the trail.

Homestead Trail consists of a series of interconnected loops. Rated as more difficult hiking, the trail wanders through forested areas and large grassy meadows with little difficult terrain. The blue-blazed trail is generally wide. It varies from a slightly rocky path to a well-maintained grassy trail. Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen when appropriate; there are large unshaded areas along the trail. There are no benches. Hiking, mountain biking, equestrian and cross-country skiing are permitted.

Numerous bird houses are prominently placed along the meadow portions of the trail. Within the range of habitats available in the park, 160 species of birds have been documented along with 23 species of mammals, 27 species of reptiles and amphibians and 80 species of butterflies. Along Homestead Trail, hikers will see the designated food plot which was installed for the restoration and management of the American Wild Turkey.