The Orange Land Trust will be leading a guided hike at the Howard Brooks’ Wepawaug Conservation area on Saturday, Nov. 10. Hikers should meet at 9:30 a.m. at the parking area on Mapledale Road in Orange, across from Cherry Hill Road.
This moderate to challenging hike will include information on the historical highlights of the area: a view of an old mill foundation and flume cut through solid rock, and a walk through the Wepawaug Ravine. The area’s beauty is visible this time of year with the reduced foliage, and it contains a rich history of early Orange water-powered industry. The remains of a mill that, at one time, made fabric for union soldiers’ uniforms during the Civil War is located here.
If you have visited the grist-mill and saw-mill at Sturbridge, Massachusetts, you can easily imagine how this area looked with several mills in operation along the river, from the early settlement days of the seventeenth century to the turn of the twentieth. The Alling Tavern, where the mill workers often ate their meals, was still standing until recently across Route 34 at Mapledale Road.
With the leaves mostly fallen, hikers will be able to see more of the landscape, including the natural rock-walled ravine.
Additionally, participants will have the chance to look over the remains of a 20-foot stone chimney and learn the folksy story of a depression-era structure known as “Jim Neal’s cabin.”
Wear appropriate footwear as there are some rocky areas and some ups and downs in the trail. Hiking boots/shoes or shoes/sneakers with a good tread are recommended. A good hiking stick or trekking pole(s) can be helpful.
The Orange CERT Emergency Communications Team will serve as trail assistants while they get to know the area terrain and perform a simulated search, rescue and escort exercise.
The free hike, conducted by volunteers of the OLT, is not difficult for those who are sure-footed and presents an opportunity to reconnect with the town’s history and beauty. All are welcome. Only steady rain showers will cancel.
For more information, call Lawrence Messina at 203-980-4111.