Best for:
Art Lovers, trips with friends, day trips with the kids, solo reflections, trail lovers.
Winter Snow Hike Conditions and Essentials
On February 12, 2026, snow covered the trails, sunlight flickered through the trees with a light breeze. The temperature though still under 50° F felt unusually warm after the previous cold weeks. Jackets were carried most of the trip draped on backpack straps, an unnecessary thing to bring.
The Troll Trail links three paths:
Cardinal Trail, Geology Trail, and Warbler Way. Completing the full loop including all troll sculptures takes just over three miles. Trails are uneven under snow with hidden roots, making traction essential especially in the snow. Dogs are welcome on leash. The nature center and farm areas are ADA accessible, though the troll trail paths themselves are not.
Winter isn’t just a season to hibernate; it’s a canvas for seeing the landscape with total clarity
Thomas Dambo Troll Sculptures Along the Trail
The trail features three permanent Thomas Dambo trolls from the exhibition The Troll That Hatched an Egg.
Bibbi: The first troll we encountered. Tall and statuesque, ready for flight, and framed naturally by filtered sunlight.
Bo: The second troll approached, this time from above. A bold and photogenic creature sitting among the snow on the thawing creek bank.
Bodil: We approached this troll at last I finally see her but from the back. Bo is bent over on her knees, holding her egg, playful and surreal. As we sing I like big butts approaching her at last!
They are all perfect for photos or videos. Don’t forget trolls love hugs.
Each sculpture blends into the forest, making encounters feel natural like they fit into the views.
This isn’t just art; it’s a massive, physical reclamation of discarded materials built directly into the forest landscape.
Sensory Forest Walk and Nature Experiences
Snow crunches underfoot while cedar, pine, and earthy scents fill the air. Sunlight glints off snow-covered ground as it peaks between every greens and bare trees. Near the farm sheep and goats seek attention. Horses quietly observe hikers and chicken coops are near the sheep pens,chirping and clucking loudly. Currently along the nature trails, a bird trivia stations allow visitors to answer a question and enter a giveaway, adding a playful educational element.
Farm Animal Encounters
The self-sustained farm offers hands-on interaction without feeling commercialized.
Sheep from Tunisian, are eager for pets, across from them in another pen you’ll find the pigmy goats are as well.
One horse is observing quietly from the pasture. The other inside the barn, either can enter or exiting their pen when they please.
The farm complements the Troll Trail’s whimsical sculptures while adding a variety of fun for hikers of all ages. Oh, I can’t believe I almost forgot their cat!
Hiking with Friends, Kids, and Personal Reflections
Today I hiked with Hayley and her daughter. Decided leaving Luna at home this trip was best. Hiking with a child changed pacing and focus, mainly focusing on bathroom breaks this trip. Laughing at Bibbi’s playful pose with others visiting the statue added genuine laughs. The couple we shared a laugh with told us they split the trail in halves to avoid the hills in the snow. This social interaction offered accessibility options for those who could do the walk broken up. Sometimes bringing along friends instead of hiking solo can enhance your experience and overall enjoyment.
Nearby Thomas Dambo Troll Trails
Other Thomas Dambo Troll installations exist within driving distance.
Bernheim Forest in Kentucky features forest trails with the iconic large troll sculptures integrated naturally per usual.
In New Jersey, the Rusty Trolls use recycled steel and metal products to create whimsical art.
These exhibits share the ethos of reclaimed materials, natural integration, and playful surprises.
Winter Forest Wrap-Up: Adventure, Play, and Snow
The Troll Trail at Aullwood Audubon in winter blends snowy forest paths, giant sculptures, farm animals, learning experiences, and playful discovery. Crunching snow, earthy scents, sunlight through trees, animal encounters, and whimsical trolls make this a memorable winter hike.
What to bring in winter:
- Traction boots or shoes
- Coat and gloves
- Poles
- Plastic grocery bags to cover socks and insulate your feet
- Friends for laughter company
- Curiosity and a sense of play
- A backpack for snack, water, and trash
- A disposable or digital camera
- Your dog
Check out my last trip to Aullwood Audubon.
Check my Etsy for physical products made from things I find in the wild.
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