Orange: Trails, Forests and History

In Orange, outdoor experiences range from the summit of Bear Hill through wooded uplands to trails for short loops and longer outings. There’s also ice skating in winter, as well as historic houses and museums with a variety of visiting arrangements. When planning, it’s worth first choosing the experiences you want to shape your stay: a walk in the woods, an outing with children or time spent exploring local history.

Choosing a trail: from short loops to a long-distance route

Allis State Park sits atop Bear Hill. Its 0.75-mile Bear Hill Nature Trail is a family-friendly loop with lovely views. In Thetford Hill State Forest, the five-kilometer Woods Hill Trail offers a different kind of outing: the multi-use trail is used for long-distance running and cross-country skiing. The history of the forest area is also part of its character. Thetford Hill State Forest was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002 for its historic structures; some of these were developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

If you’re looking for a longer hike, consider including the Cross Rivendell Trail in your plans. It runs 36 miles from Vershire to Mount Cube, connects four towns, and passes through West Fairlee and Fairlee. The trail is maintained both for place-based education at Rivendell schools and for community recreation. This sets it apart from the shorter local trails: its length and connection between several towns make it a distinct choice for an outing.

In Tunbridge, you can compare several trails by length and use. The 0.72-mile Orchard Trail is open for a range of non-motorized uses; seasonal or weather-related closures are possible. The 0.3-mile Falls Hill Trail is open for hiking and biking. The 1.1-mile Wicopy-Woods Trail is currently open to pedestrians only; biking is expected to be allowed soon. The Strawberry Hill Trail, also 0.3 miles long, is for walking only, with parking available along Morrill Road for access.

Forest, lake and winter days

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 passes through the forest; trail conditions can vary by season. Fairlee Marsh Wildlife Management Area is open for regulated hunting and trapping, fishing, hiking and wildlife observation.

There are two public access points to Lake Fairlee in West Fairlee along Route 244: the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife access point with a boat ramp and Thetford’s Treasure Island. Fees apply at Treasure Island. In winter, the Lake Morey Skate Trail offers more than four miles of cleared ice and is free and open to the public. Its official access point is at Fairlee Town Beach. Since operation depends on ice and weather conditions, check conditions before making plans.

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. Exhibition topics include the origins of Gothic Revival architecture and Justin Morrill’s interest in this style, featured in the Homestead Gallery. The Morrill Ice House has an exhibition about the importance of ice in the 19th century.

In Braintree, the birthplace of General Sylvanus Thayer is a restored 1720 house. It serves as a museum and the town’s historic center, furnished in the style of a prominent home from around 1785. In Randolph, the Playhouse is known as Vermont’s first purpose-built movie theater and may be the oldest in the state. The Randolph Historical Society museum is open on select days outside the winter months and by appointment. In Williamstown, the Williamstown Historical Society Museum is located right on Main Street along Route 14, next to the town offices.

Tunbridge and Brookfield also add to the region’s historic character. Tunbridge has five covered bridges following the First Branch of the White River and Vermont Route 110. The Brookfield Historical Society operates the Marvin Newton House in summer. A comprehensive textile collection is part of the exhibition there; other rooms illustrate the long history of the house and its residents.

Choose the right base

When looking for a vacation rental in Orange, your preferred focus can help you decide: a family-friendly loop at Bear Hill, longer routes like the Cross Rivendell Trail, winter activities or visits to historic sites. Use the place names above as practical points of reference for planning, and choose a search area based on the destinations that interest you most on your trip.

Discover more destinations: Fairlee, Newbury, Corinth, Addison County, Orleans County, Windham County, Bennington County, Washington.

For the broader travel overview: Vermont.