It takes about one hour to complete the round trip. The varied plant communities along the Forest Stroll attract many species of birds throughout the year, but their numbers increase in April when the summer residents arrive to breed. Migrant birds also pass through in the spring on their way north and again in the fall as they fly south to their wintering grounds in Central and South America. Wood Thrush, Scarlet Tanager, and Red-Eyed Vireo are all common, but are more often heard than seen. Other secretive birds breed along the Forest Stroll and may be found with patient searching.
Most mammals stay away from the trails during the tourist season.
However, you may see squirrels and chipmunks scampering about and an occasional groundhog trying to escape into his burrow as you approach. There are deer in the Park in the woods above and below the trail system. At dawn and dusk they may be seen browsing on the Meadows. Raccoons and gray foxes are more active at night and rarely encountered by visitors. The following is the trail guide to the Forest Stroll, keyed to lettered stations along the way.