The trail begins near the shelter as a paved path that makes a rapid descent toward the lake, a descent so steep there are warning signs to cyclists and in-line skaters contemplating this stretch.

Within 0.25 mile you enter a marsh and continue east on a boardwalk that leads you out onto Ford Lake. For a park so small, this is an impressive boardwalk. It edges the shoreline for almost 0.5 mile, allowing boatless anglers to either cast among the lily pads along the shoreline or toss their bait into the deeper water on the other side. Most budding anglers catch bluegills, black crappies, and occasionally a largemouth bass.

At Mile 0.6 the wooden path ends at a two-tier observation tower from which you can take in a sweeping view of this 3-mile-long lake. Beyond the tower you begin island-hopping north and west across the middle of North Bay via four man-made islands connected by bridges. Each island has picnic tables and large shady trees where you can plop down, cast out your lines, and enjoy a cool breeze off the lake.

At Mile 1.1 from the trailhead you step off the fourth island and return to the mainland. At the junction, head left (west) and stay on the hiking path through the woods, not the paved trail. Within 0.25 mile you return to the boardwalk and follow the paved path back up the hill to the west entrance, reached at Mile 1.6.