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Tri Town Orange Trail

EasyConnecticut · United States

GPX
Distance
3.7 km (2.3 mi)
Elevation gain
61 m (200 ft)
Typical time
52 min
Difficulty
Easy
Route type
Point to point
Highest point
67 m (220 ft)

About Tri Town Orange Trail

Tri Town Orange Trail is a 3.7 km hiking route in Connecticut, United States. It climbs roughly 61 m (200 ft) along the way, topping out at 67 m (220 ft). Most people take around 52 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. The grade stays gentle throughout, so it works as a first hike of a trip.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

Spring through autumn is the natural window, and shoulder season means fewer people on the narrow sections. The nearest town of any size is Norwich, about 6.6 km away, which is where most people base themselves.

In short, Tri Town Orange Trail suits families, first-time visitors and anyone looking for a half day outdoors. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Easy3.7 km61 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation

Elevation profile

Ascent
+61 m
Descent
64 m
High
67 m (220 ft)
Low
10 m (33 ft)
3 m21 m39 m56 m74 m0.0 km0.9 km1.8 km2.7 km3.6 km

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

  • Waymarked route
  • Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season
April to October
Waymarked
Yes, signed on the ground
Surface
Mixed natural surface
Dogs
Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access
Not accessible
Entrance fee
No fee recorded
Camping
Not recorded
Drinking water
Carry your own
Toilets
Not recorded
Mobile coverage
Generally usable
Parking
Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency
112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery
38/100

Terrain features, relief and photographic interest

Adventure
16/100

Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is

Difficulty
10/100

Effort index from distance and climbing

Accessibility
83/100

Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it

Family
72/100

Suitability for children who already walk

Dogs
62/100

Access rules, terrain and water along the way

Tips from the trail

  • Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
  • Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
  • Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

  • Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

  • Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
  • Weatherproof jacket
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
  • Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

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Trails near Tri Town Orange Trail

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

The former Hallville carhouse of the Norwich Westerly Railway, now the Connecticut Brass Company foundry
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Distance
1.1 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
9 m
Typical duration
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  • Waymarked route
Overgrown right-of-way of the Norwich and Westerly Railroad on the long grade east of the old State Hospital in Preston. This view looks west up the grade towards the hospital grounds.
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Distance
2.2 km
/ 1.3 mi
Elevation gain
48 m
Typical duration
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  • Waymarked route
Connecticut Route 214 near its east end at Route 12 in December 2017
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Connecticut · United States

Distance
0.7 km
/ 0.4 mi
Typical duration
8 min
  • Waymarked route
Connecticut Route 214 near its east end at Route 12 in December 2017
Easy

Connecticut · United States

Distance
2.5 km
/ 1.5 mi
Elevation gain
67 m
Typical duration
37 min
  • Waymarked route
Connecticut Route 214 near its east end at Route 12 in December 2017
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Connecticut · United States

Distance
1.2 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
27 m
Typical duration
17 min
  • Waymarked route
Connecticut Route 214 near its east end at Route 12 in December 2017
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Connecticut · United States

Distance
1.1 km
/ 0.7 mi
Elevation gain
101 m
Typical duration
23 min
  • Waymarked route

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