Linwood School Forest Trails Loop

This hike in Linwood School Forest trail system is a 3.2-mile-long lollipop loop that covers most of the trails in the park. Linwood School Forest is a 210 acres park that is mostly a deciduous forest, but also has wetland habitat. A small gravel parking lot for the Forest is located at the north end of the park just off of 227th Avenue. There are laminated maps in a mailbox near the trailhead to use during your hike.This hike begins by heading south on the Smoky Hills Trail (marked in blue) which goes through a forest containing red oaks, white oaks, and northern pin oaks. After about a third of a mile take a right onto the Chipmunk Trail (marked in red). The Chipmunk Trail passes through a dry oak forest. After another third of a mile take a right onto the Acorn Hill Trail (marked in pink). This trail is a lollipop loop that passes by a hardwood swamp; look for tamaracks here. Next take a right on the Blueberry Pass Trail (marked in light blue) which runs by a wet meadow. When the Blueberry Pass Trail ends, take a right onto the Isle of Oak Trail (marked in yellow) which goes through a lowland hardwood forest. When the Isle of Oak Trail ends take a right onto the Smoky Hills Trail, after a short walk take a left onto the Deer Trail (marked in orange). This trail loops around "poor fen" which is a wetland with few nutrients. Next take a right back onto the Smoky Hills Trail. Follow the Smoky Hills Trail until you come to the Eagle's Edge Trail. Take a right here; this trail passes through a deciduous forest and damp, shaded woodlands. When this trail ends, take a right onto the Smoky Hills Trail and head back to the parking lot.The Linwood School Forest trail system allows hikers to pass through varied habitats and chose how long of a hike they want to do. The trails are generally flat with natural surfaces. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be on a leash.