Orange: Nature Trails and Historic Houses

Orange brings together nature trails and historic sites for a stay. The focus at Racebrook Tract is on the terrain and permitted activities; for other trails, specific roads, intersections, and parking areas help you find your way. Historic sites include houses from different periods and a museum. If you’re looking for a hotel in Orange, these themes can help you decide whether to spend more of your time on outdoor activities or local history. Trail and visiting conditions vary and can be factored into your plans as needed.

Nature Trails and Outdoor Activities

Four marked trails wind through mostly level terrain in Racebrook Tract, with mixed forests and impressive stands of white pine. Hiking, cross-country skiing, biking, and horseback riding are permitted. Fishing is also permitted in Race Brook and Colburn Brook. Fishing is therefore limited to two named waterways, while the other permitted uses describe activities in Racebrook Tract. Check current trail notices before your visit; a maintenance notice is posted for Racebrook Tract.

Finding Your Way on the Trails

Trail directions differ in their landmarks. The Paul Ode Nature Trail is behind the High Plains Community Center on Orange Center Road (Route 152). The hiking trail in Fred Wolfe Park can be reached via Ridge Road and Hollow Road; parking is available at the end of Hollow Road. In Turkey Hill Preserve, the blue trail forms a loop that starts at the parking area on Derby-Milford Road, at its intersection with Turkey Hill Road. These details are not interchangeable when finding your way: the Community Center is the landmark for the Paul Ode Nature Trail; access and parking are part of the directions for Fred Wolfe Park; and the loop and starting parking area are specified for Turkey Hill Preserve. Check current conditions at Turkey Hill Preserve before your visit.

Historic Houses and Museum

Historic sites offer a different focus. The Bryan-Andrew House is a residence dating to 1740 in Orange and is open by appointment. The Stone-Otis House is a restored homestead dating to the 1830s in Orange, also open by appointment. If you plan to visit these houses, make sure to arrange an appointment. The Academy was built in 1878 and now serves as a museum with the Mary Rebecca Woodruff Research Center. The dates 1740, the 1830s, and 1878 place the three sites in chronological order. Their descriptions also differ: residence, restored homestead, and museum. Their dates and stated uses thus provide two concrete points of comparison when you visit the historic sites.

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