Natural Resources

Hiking, boating, hunting, horseback riding, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and bird watching are just a few of the recreational opportunities in Orford. Outdoor recreation provides an opportunity for town residents to experience nature first-hand and increase appreciation for the natural world, and also promotes an active, healthy lifestyle.

Existing trails or trail networks in Orford include:

The Appalachian Trail and connecting trails on Mount Cube, The Cross Rivendell Trail, a 36-mile trail connecting Flagpole Hill in Vershire, VT, past Rivendell School and over Sunday Mountain to Mount Cube in Orford, Daniel Doan Trail to Smarts Mountain and the Indian Pond Heritage Trail.

Access to the Connecticut River is provided at the boat launches at the Orford Boat Launch and Reeds Marsh Wildlife Management Area. There are also boat launches on Indian Pond, Upper Baker Pond and Lower Baker Pond. The Town maintains a beach adjacent to the boat launch on Indian Pond.

The Connecticut River Birding Trail lists Mount Cube and Reed’s Marsh Wildlife Management Area as two good bird watching locations. The Richmond Conservation Land offers excellent opportunities for birding as well as insect, plant and mammalian study.