Orange Trail

Orange Trail is a short, easy hike in Connecticut, about 2 miles from the town of Gilman. The route is an out-and-back that covers roughly 3 miles round trip, with a low point of about 440 feet and a high of about 480 feet. The climb is gentle, with the steepest stretch at about 3% grade near the start. The trail is open to horses, and bikes are not allowed. That makes it a good choice for riders on horseback or for anyone who wants to keep the route simple on foot. Late spring and early fall are the most comfortable times to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Norwich show May highs around 70°F and September highs around 76°F, while July and August climb into the mid-80s. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the trail run cooler. The Black-Dot Trail starts just 0.2 miles away, and the White Trail and Green Trail are each about 0.8 miles off. Paddlers can reach the Yantic River, about 1.7 miles away.