Mill Pond Conservation Area

Acres: 13
Total Trail Length: 1 mile
Parking: 13 Champlain Road, Orleans
Conservation History and Importance:
Orin Tovrov, one of the original founders and first President of the Orleans Conservation Trust, placed a Conservation Restriction over the land in 1975, one of the first of its kind for OCT. After his passing, Orin’s children subsequently donated the land outright to the Trust in 1996. The preserve is made up of 13 acres with a 1-mile trail stretching from Champlain Road to the shores of Mill Pond. Just a few of the unique features found on site are the historic stone walls, a vernal pool, and a coastal plain pond that is a hot spot for observing migrating water fowl, including Wood Ducks.

Trailhead Parking: 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 to Hopkins Lane where you will take a slight right (.5). Continue to Brick Hill Rd and bear left (1mi), take a slight right on Champlain Rd. and park along the split rail fence on the right.

Notes: It is best to park along Champlain Road, walk the trail south to Little Cove, follow the coastal bank east towards the Mill Pond landing, and walk the road back around to the location of your parked car. This will be the most enjoyable direction of travel.