Ice House & Reuben’s Pond Conservation Area
Acres: 25+
Total Trail Length: 1.5 miles
Parking: 245 Tonset Road & 64 Captain Curtis Road, Orleans
Conservation History and Importance:
In 1992 Charles F. Moore Sr. began buying land between Tonset Road and Hopkins Lane, eventually owning 27 acres with significant frontage on Ice House Pond. In 1973, just three years after the Trust was founded, the Moore family donated the first of three parcels of land totaling 17 acres. During that same time the Wilber and Hopkins family donated an additional 7 acres, amassing a total of 24 acres of conservation land to be preserved for all time. Today the 1.5 mile long trail winds through Pine and Oak woodlands with access to both Ice House and Reuben’s Pond. Ice House is recognized as one of the cleanest ponds in Town and is a hot spot for ice skating in the winter. Trail parking can be found on Tonset and Captain Curtis Roads.
Trailhead Parking: This trial has two trailhead parking spots.
1. 245 Tonset Rd: From the intersection of Rt. 28 and Main Street in Orleans, drive east on Main Street (.4 mi) towards Nauset Beach. Turn left on Tonset Rd at the lights and follow Tonset Road to destination on right (1.4 mi). Look for OCT kiosk and sign. Parking is along the roadside.
2. 64 Captain Curtis Way: From the intersection of Rt. 28 and Main Street in Orleans, drive east on Main Street (.4 mi) towards Nauset Beach, turn left on Tonset Rd at the lights and follow road to Hopkins Lane where you will take a slight right (.5mi). Follow Hopkins Lane (.8mi) and take a left onto Captain Curtis Way. Take first right to follow Captain Curtis Way and park in pull-off on right (.2mi). Look for the Reuben Hopkins Memorial Stone.