Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Trail

On May 15, 1829, Joseph Smith and his scribe Oliver Cowdery “went into the woods to pray and inquire of the Lord respecting baptism for the remission of sins as we found mentioned in the translation of the [Book of Mormon] plates.” God answered their prayer by sending an angelic messenger: John the Baptist, who had baptized Jesus Christ. “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah,” John said after placing his hand on their heads, “I confer the Priesthood of Aaron.”

John explained that this Aaronic Priesthood held “the keys of the . . . gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.” He also promised that another priesthood, with the “power of laying on of hands, for the gift of the Holy Ghost,” would be given later. After Joseph and Oliver were given the Aaronic Priesthood, John directed them to baptize one another in the nearby Susquehanna River.

While the exact location where John the Baptist appeared to Joseph and Oliver is unknown, a path beginning at the northwest corner of the Visitors’ Center leads to a peaceful grove of maple trees, like the location described in the historic records. To preserve the sacredness and beauty of this grove, visitors are asked to stay on marked trails, respect the natural habitat, and speak in whispers.

360° Walkthrough

What to Expect

The trails are not part of the guided tour given at the Priesthood Restoration Site. Feel free to explore them on your own. There are three trails that form a loop around the area. The longest trail is about 0.11 miles, and the shortest trail is about 0.03 miles. The short trail is lined with interpretive signage.