Muirwood's Open Space is a tiny little hidden gem literally hidden in the northeast section, abutting the Williams-Gurski Open Space. It took a little patience and some detective work but thanks to the helpful staff at Brookfield's Park and Recreation the nine-acre parcel was eventually found. There is no parking at the Hidden Brook entrance, but enthusiastic souls can also access Muirwood through Williams Park.

The Hidden Brook entrance has a roughed-in road and storm drains going up the hill, orange signs have been posted on trees to let hikers know bow hunters may be in the area from September 15 to January 15. Several hikers on the trails were aware of this and not deterred.

The trail itself is easy to travel along and would be great for mountain bikes or for horses as there are some fallen trees over the trail to jump.

Muirwood open space is tucked in and surrounded by private property, so it is best to stay on the trails. Once past the storm drains the terrain levels out and the trail splits. There is a weather-beaten sign on a tree, bear right on the trail. If you go left, the trail will lead into a development.

The trail continues along Merwin Brook and past some interesting rock formations and piles of rocks forming horseshoe shaped mounds. One rock looked like a Bull's Eye and is likely the one referred to on the Williams-Gurski Trail Map. Past Bull's Eye rock there are several foot bridges over Merwin Brook. 

The bridges and benches were built by boy scouts. There is also a 3-foot by 200-foot pedestrian walkway built in 1999 by Graig Freeman as an Eagle Scout project. Freeman was responsible for designing and implementing the entire project, and he and his fellow scouts (Troop #135) built a very sturdy structure. From the footbridge, the trail ascends to the ridge of Williams Park.

The Muirwood parcel is interesting and fun to hike along; fortunately the Town of Brookfield had the foresight to purchase the 80-acre Gurski property in 1968. The 200-plus acres of the Williams-Gurski open space is truly spectacular and a great place to start hiking is to find the little hidden gem called Muirwood.