Orange: Trails, Museums, and Historic Sites

If you choose Orange as your destination, you can plan your trip around nature trails, winter activities, and historic sites. Trails vary in length and permitted uses; some museums have seasonal visiting hours or require visits by appointment.

Trails by Length and Use

Allis State Park is located on the summit of Bear Hill. There, the Bear Hill Nature Trail is a 0.75-mile, family-friendly loop with beautiful views. The five-kilometer Woods Hill Trail runs through Thetford Hill State Forest. This multi-use trail is used for long-distance running and cross-country skiing. The Cross Rivendell Trail offers a longer route option: it runs 36 miles from Vershire to Mount Cube, connects four towns, and passes through West Fairlee and Fairlee. It is also maintained as a resource for place-based education at Rivendell schools and for community recreation.

Several trails in Tunbridge differ considerably in length and use. The 0.72-mile Orchard Trail is open to various non-motorized uses; seasonal or weather-related closures may occur. The 0.3-mile Falls Hill Trail is open to hiking and biking. Walking is currently the only permitted use on the 1.1-mile Wicopy Woods Trail; biking is planned to be allowed in the future. The Strawberry Hill Trail is also 0.3 miles long and intended for walking only. Parking for access to the trail is available along Morrill Road.

Forests, Winter, and Water

In Washington State Forest, elevations range from 1,650 feet at Cooksville Brook to 2,000 feet on a wooded hardwood ridge in the southern part of the area. A VAST snowmobile trail also runs through the forest; seasonal conditions may vary. Fairlee Marsh Wildlife Management Area is open to regulated hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching.

The Lake Morey Skate Trail includes more than four miles of cleared ice and is free and open to the public. Operations depend on ice and weather conditions; the official access point is at Fairlee Town Beach. Lake Fairlee has two public access points on Route 244 in West Fairlee: the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife access point and boat launch, and Thetford’s Treasure Island. Fees apply at Treasure Island. Check fees and seasonal conditions before visiting.

Historic Sites and Museums

The Justin Smith Morrill Homestead is currently closed to the public for extensive repairs to the house and grounds. Guided tours are expected to resume in summer 2027. Topics in the Homestead Gallery include the origins of Gothic Revival architecture and Justin Morrill’s interest in the style. The Morrill Ice House features an exhibit about the importance of ice in the 19th century. Thetford Hill State Forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 for its historic structures; some were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

The birthplace of General Sylvanus Thayer is a restored 1720 house that has been established as a museum and historic center for the town. Its furnishings reflect the style of an outstanding home circa 1785. The Playhouse in Randolph is considered Vermont’s first purpose-built movie theater and possibly the oldest in the state. The Randolph Historical Society Museum is open on selected days outside the winter months and by appointment. In Williamstown, the Historical Society Museum is located right on Main Street on Route 14, next to the town offices.

More Things to See in the Region

In Tunbridge, five covered bridges follow the First Branch of the White River and Vermont Route 110. At the county level, the Brookfield Historical Society’s Marvin Newton House adds to the region’s historical attractions: it operates in summer and features an extensive textile collection, along with rooms that illustrate the long history of the house and its residents. Northeast Slopes serves burgers made with locally raised, pasture-fed beef and Cabot cheese; offerings may change.

You can choose a hotel in Orange based on the planned focus of your trip, such as trails with different permitted uses, winter activities, or historic sites. The specific visiting conditions for each destination remain important, especially for seasonal offerings and the Homestead, which is currently closed.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Fairlee, Newbury, Corinth, Washington, Franklin County, Lamoille, Essex County, Rutland County.

For the main travel overview: Vermont.