Trails
Macphail Woods is home to several beautiful trails, all near our main site in Orwell.
Our trails wind through the forest on both sides of Macphail Park Road. They give you a chance to see groves of old-growth hemlocks near the stream and rare native species such as hobblebush on the upper slopes.
These trails range from easy walking to steep and difficult terrain. They are not cleared in the winter. Our forestry team has made great improvements over the last several months to make the trails more accessible and safe for your enjoyment. Some updates include trail signs, a boardwalk and a new walking bridge.
Click on the map to enlarge.
A short and easy loop with an abundance of diversity to explore. Discovering the beauty of wildflowers can be both rewarding and frustrating; there are so many different ones growing in just this area alone. Unlike birds, however, they stay put and with a good field guide are quite easy to identify.
Type: Woodland
Length: 0.5 km
Difficulty: Easy
Across the clay road from the pillars, steps lead into a steep valley bordered by large hemlock, yellow birch, white pine and maples. There are three bridges crossing the stream, as the trail zigzags along its edge.
Type: Woodland/Riparian Zone
Length: 0.8km
Difficulty: Some Steep Sections
The Birch Loop trail traverses the upland portion of the MacPhail woods. The trail crosses the Orwell River in two places and hikers will encounter a number of species including birch, ferns, and hobblebush!
Type: Upland Forest
Length: 2.5km
Difficulty: Moderate
The Fox Run trail offers a diverse array of landscapes within the Macphail woods property. Newly added this year, the trail offers breathtaking views of the Orwell River.
