The Orange Trail

At Ivy Creek Natural Area the Orange Trail travels through the northwest corner. It begins to the east of the old field just beyond the 220 year old oak at the intersection of red, brown, peninsula and orange trails. It heads north and out above the reservoir through yellow poplars, red and white oaks, cedars and Virginia Pines. In the winter the primary wildlife seems to be squirrels and woodpeckers. In short order the orange trail loops back to cross the peninsula trail and head uphill into the forest with big views overlooking Ivy Creek and the wooded islands from the silting process. Leaves are quite deep in many places along the trail. The trail heads to the western edge of the Natural Area before sweeping south and then back east. There is a short loop trail which connects to the red trail. However, staying on the orange trail brings you downhill to the western edge of the old field and the red trail and a short skip from the brown trail which is the shortest way back to the parking area.