The trail was in great condition with a little mud. We saw swans on Deep Lake, a beaver house in the wetland and a few mushrooms along the trail.

We took our 3-year-old on about a 4-mile loop, starting in the small parking lot in the northeast part of the park, up the Fitness Trail, along Old Growth Lane, around the Quarry Pond, back up to the Fen Way Boardwalk, along Deep Lake, and then back up the Fitness Trail.

The trail was wide and smooth, and almost entirely flat. We were glad she'd brought her boots, as there were several muddy spots with ice-covered puddles that she promptly jumped into. The only bathrooms were along the edge of Deep Lake, where there were several. Overall, it was a pretty, easy, and accessible winter walk for the family.

The trails are wide enough to walk side by side and well maintained. Even with temps in the lower 30’s and frost covering the ground and boardwalks it was not slippery. (The shoes I was wearing tend to slip easily on surfaces like these).
Restrooms with sinks were open. Trash receptacles were available.
Discover pass required. Ample parking.
Great location to bring out-of-town family of varying abilities to take in the large, moss covered trees and ferns. A satisfying circuit of the wooded areas could be accomplished in about 4 miles of walking.
Dogs on leash are welcome and a common trail companion.
Quarry ponds had a variety of waterfowl.

There is plenty of parking available throughout the day use areas of the park. A Discover Pass is required, and there's a kiosk near the main entrance if needed. The restrooms were closed on this day, likely due to freezing conditions -- it was 28 degrees at 9:00 am! A few muddy and icy spots, but the trails are in good shape. 

Our Mountaineers group of ten met at the parking area near the Deep Lake dock/boat launch. I'd moved the meet time back an hour in an attempt to avoid icy roads. We were a chatty group, which made the miles pass by quickly -- we hiked 4.5 miles in less than two hours. Some hoarfrost on the low bushes near the trail. A good day to get some exercise in with pleasant company!

Disclaimers

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Main Entrance (park info)
Round Trip: 8.1 miles
Elevation Range: 200′-300'
Essential Gear: none
Dog-friendly: yes

Even though winter hours were from 8 AM to dusk, the main gate was open when we showed up at 6:30. The north entrance off Tilley Road was gated until after 8. We hung out until then before pulling into the first parking area by Deep Lake.

As with any in-city parks, it's best to show up early (yes, at the crack of dawn) to enjoy peacefulness. The dog and I met half a dozen folks and a few dogs before wrapping up the walk. The lots were nearly full when we finished before 11.

THE TRAILS:

• Overall excellent but occasionally muddy over some parts due to recent rain.
• Every trail fork had a map stand to indicate the exact location and to keep people from getting lost.
• The first span of Fen Way Boardwalk past the third south lot as slick due to the wetness. The second stretch was covered in a thin metal grating to keep from slipping and felt way safer.
• To make the long drive worthwhile, we covered nearly all the trails, a little over 8 miles,
• The half-mile stretch from the third south lot to the retreat center was off-limits to hikers.

Our Route

1. From the main entrance, go west and clockwise through the park using different combos of trails.
2. Quarry Pond in the southwest corner can be accessed from anywhere without warning signs.

Highlights

• Doggy bags and paper maps available at the bulletin board
• Expansive view of Deep Lake from the main entrance through the north shore
• The smaller and serene Quarry Pond in the southwest corner
• Early morning solitude and partly sunny

Lowlights

• Muddy areas throughout