Wildwood Way features a variety of upland habitats including a meadow and forests. A variety of upland songbirds may be seen along Wildwood Way and occasionally views of the Lake. There are two trailheads. One approach is at the pavilion at the north end of the lake and the other is next to the restrooms at the south end of the Lake. Wildwood Way passes through the Olewine Nature Center parking area. Wildwood Way and the Towpath Trial combine to form a 3.1 mile loop around the lake. The loop is used extensively for walking, jogging and bike riding.
The Towpath Trail provides good views of the lake on the east and a remnant of the Pennsylvania Canal on the west. It is a good place to see wetland birds, songbirds, and turtles basking on logs in the canal. The trail runs from the pavilion at the north end of the lake to the restrooms at the south end. The Towpath and Wildwood Way combine to form a 3.1 mile loop around the Lake. The loop is used extensively for walking, jogging and bike riding, and in winter, cross-country skiing.
The East Shore Trail parallels the edge of the lake and passes through wet woodlands that border an area containing mature hardwood trees. A variety of wetland birds and upland songbirds may be seen here. A highlight of the trail is the large sycamore tree at the edge of the lake at about the mid-point of the trail. It can be viewed from an adjacent bridge. There are two trailheads off Wildwood Way. Because this is a fragile trail, bicycles are not permitted.
Tall Timbers Trail drops from a ridge into a gorge, then climbs up a steep incline to the adjacent ridge. Log steps are helpful in getting down to the bottom of the gorge and up the other side but it is still a difficult hike. One ridge contains mature beech, maples and mixed hardwoods. Birds here are primarily upland songbirds. In spring wildflowers can be abundant. The trail is entered from Wildwood Way either across from the northern trailhead of the East Shore Trail or across from the Meadow. Bikes are not permitted on this trail.
Fox Run Trail leads hikers through one of the most pristine areas in Wildwood Park. With the bog bridges, hikers are able to keep their feet dry while enjoying and preserving sensitive habitat. This is an excellent breeding area for frogs, salamanders and wildflowers.
The Delta Boardwalk meanders through a marsh and wet woodland where a variety of wetland and upland birds may be seen. The marsh is an important nesting area for wetland birds such as Canada geese, various ducks and red-winged blackbirds. Approach the boardwalk from Wildwood Way at the base of the hill behind Olewine Nature Center. No bicycles, roller blades or skateboards are permitted on the boardwalk. Bicycles must be walked on the boardwalk.
The North Boardwalk winds through a wet woodland and marsh. The blind at the end of the walkway provides excellent bird watching for much of the year. Wetland birds and a variety of marsh plants are abundant along the walk. The trailhead is on Wildwood Way just north of Wildwood Way crossing Paxton Creek. No bicycles, roller blades or skateboards are permitted on the boardwalk. Bicycles must be walked on the boardwalk.
Adventure Trail: Featuring Wildwood Park
https://www.visithersheyharrisburg.org/trails/adventure-trail/hiking/wildwood-park/
Click the link below to plan and map out your Wildwood Park adventure. Don’t forget, when you’re done walking or hiking the trails, stop in and visit our Nature Center!