This hike was performed by members of the Pack 802 Bear Den as part of the Fur, Feathers, and Ferns adventure. The scouts were required to complete a one mile hike and identify six signs of mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, or plants living near the hike area. We selected this trail because it is a very easy hike for all ability groups and includes several features to enhance the hike including a nature scavenger hunt. While hiking, our scouts were able to identify several signs of nature both on and off the scavenger hunt worksheet including numerous trees, hanging vines, birds, amphibian eggs, bird nests, bird houses, insects, holes in trees, and even some animal bones. A link to the park website which contains printable maps and game resources is located in the link to the right.
After the hike, some of the scouts wanted to investigate the other features available at the park within the central storybook trail spur. The park is filled with dozens of natural playground attractions including a picnic area, elevated deck, tree house, balance beams, jungle gyms, tire obstacles, bike pump track, and even an outdoor classroom area with benches and a chalk board (bring your own chalk). A lot of effort has gone into the establishment of this park through the creation of the trails and trail resources as well as the play areas within the park. This location would be well suited for hosting additional den meetings our outings that would benefit from being in an outdoor setting.
Getting to the park is relatively easy although parking is limited to about 10 vehicles in the small lot on the East side of Tollgate road. In the event the parking lot is full, additional parking is available directly across the street at Emmorton Elementary school.
