Orange Trail
Meduxnekeag Valley Nature PreserveVideo
Quick Facts
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trail Type | loop |
| Distance | 2.1 km |
| Estimated Time | 1 hour |
| Surface Type | forested |
| Elevation Change | 43 metres |
| Features | river, floodplain |
| Trail Markers | orange posts |
| Scenery Rating | beautiful |
| Maintenance Rating | well maintained |
| Cell Reception | weak |
| Dog Friendly | on a leash |
| Fees | donations accepted |
Gallery
Directions
The Orange Trail travels through and old field off the end of the parking lot . The trail then enters the woods and travels straight for a distance before it turns to the right and descends the hill on an old road. At the bottom of the hill you will find the black trail vear off to the right and into the woods. The Orange Trail continues to the left and enters into the hardwood forest that makes up part of the floodplain for the Meduxnekeag River. In the gravelly material that makes up the floodplain you will find many flowers like bloodroot. Be diligent in the summer months (June to October) when Poison Ivy may be found along the trail in the floodplain.
The trail comes to the shore in several places as it follows down along the river. The trail passes several areas that are seasonally wet causing Ostrich Ferns (fiddleheads) and several other different plants to grow. The trail eventually crosses two streams that enter the river. The second stream is encopassed by the Yellow Trail on the upper side of the Orange Trail Loop. The lower loop of the Orange Trail continues through the floodplain hardwoods and eventually turns back up away from the river to follow the base of Wilson Mountain.
The steep sides of Wilson Mountain are a contrast to the flat floodplains, and makes an interesting backdrop for this part of the trail. Once you pass Wilson Mountain you will come to the Yellow Trail on your right climbing up through a stream valley. Continue across the stream using a plank bridge and a rope to cross. On the other side of the stream you will find the other side of the Yellow Trail making it a loop.
The trail crosses back over the second stream and gradually climbs the hill away from the river valley. The trail climbs into a more mixedwood forest. There are several stairs to help in the steeper parts of the trail. Before returning to the parking lot the trail passes two large rock outcrops that are interesting to explore.
Map
Store
Description
For directions to the park see the Meduxnekeag Park Page.
The best way to access the Orange Trail is from the second (Leonard Woods) parking area on Red Bridge Road (not where NB Trails crosses the road). This is shown on the top of the map above. The trail begins off the end of the parking area. Either follow the trail through a field and down over the hill towards the river (overlapping the black trail) or turn left and enter the woods to loop the other way.
The Orange Trail can also be accessed from the Yellow Trail which enters the woods near where the NB Trail crosses the Red Bridge Road and follows a stream valley down to the Orange Trail.
Other Trails in the Park
External Links
Trail Last Hiked: May 22, 2011.
Page Last Updated: September 17, 2013.