Hiking TrailsMeadow Trail (Yellow) - .4 mile one wayTrail begins a short walk up the hill from the Merrick House at Willow Grove Farm. Follow the tree line around the perimeter of a gently rolling meadow. At the far end, spend a quiet moment in the teepee, or sit at the crest of the hill and observe what the meadow has to offer. 
Field Trail (Green) - .2 mile one wayBeginning where the Sherwood Farm Trail (orange) crosses the stream in the woods, this trail offers a brief climb to the upper fields of the Willow Grove Farm. Rest at the benches overlooking the field, or continue up the Willow Grove Trail (red). Trail brochures are available at the information kiosk across from the Willow Grove parking lot. Willow Grove Trail (Red) - 1.1 miles one way This trail offers the park’s most strenuous climb, leading to the top of Cromwell Valley. Deer and other wildlife are often seen at this less frequented end of the park. The trail offers plenty of opportunities for detours to the Meadow Trail (yellow), Field Trail (green) or the mown paths through the upper fields. Sherwood Farm Trail (Orange) - .7 mile one way Lots of variety on this trail, from the shady path between the farm fields, to a spring-fed stream in the woods, through the heart of the park’s working farm and along the northern bank of Minebank Run. A brief walk along a portion of the Willow Grove Trail (red) completes the loop. The Sherwood Farm Trail is a self guided nature trail. Minebank Run Trail (Blue) - 1.2 miles one way Follow the farm’s dirt roads along Minebank Run through the length of the park. A flat trail with lots of opportunity to get a first-hand look at stream ecology, historic structures and the toad pond (just past the lime kilns). At the west end is Good Fellowship Farm, now producing Christmas trees and holiday wreaths. To the east the trail becomes steeper and leads to the lower dam at Loch Raven Reservoir. Please respect private property, which is posted, particularly near the trail east of the lime kilns. Lime Kiln Trail (White) - .2 mile one way From Willow Grove Farm, this short trail takes you around the top of the lime kilns to their base where it meets the Minebank Run Trail (blue). Wellington Woods East Trail (Red/White) - .5 mile one way Wellington Woods West Trail (Green/White) - .5 mile one way Access to these linked trails may be had from the orange Sherwood Farm Trail (orange) or from the screened “Summer house” that can been seen up the hill behind the Sherwood House. These trails, entirely through wooded terrain, offer a tranquil shaded walk. There are some steep grades. Along the way you will notice numbered posts for a nature guide that we hope to reissue. Let us know if you would like to help. Orienteering Course A permanent orienteering course, and eagle scout project completed by Dan Walker, begins at ath Willow Grove parking lot and winds through the park. Topographical maps are available at the mailbox at the Willow Grove parking lot for park visitors intersted in map-reading. Orange and white "control" markers will let the hikers know if they have correctly followed the map course. |