Wildwing Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Lake

Parking for this trail is available at the Kensington Metropark's Nature Center. The loop trail begins at the northern end of the parking area, or can be picked up from the Nature Center itself. The trail is easy and consists of a mix of boardwalk, gravel fill, and paved sections. You can take it either direction.

If you go clockwise, you'll start along a road and then along a long section of boardwalk with great views to cranes' nests on a small island. However, the boardwalk is right by the road so this section isn't peaceful. The trail continues along the water's edge past a number of view points and an osprey nesting area.

On the far side of the lake, the trail passes into the woods a little more and gains a tiny amount of elevation. Along the northeastern section of the trail, you'll pass over swampy areas that are great for viewing (and smelling) skunk cabbage in the early spring.