Orange Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Part of the Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, the Orange Trail spans much of the western portion of the Glendening Nature Preserve. The lightly trafficked loop is good for all skill levels and offers the chance to see wildlife and a grand view of the Patuxent River.

No restrooms at the Wrighton entrance.

Much of the trail is old roads, and the terrain is sometimes sandy but relatively flat and smooth--unless you visit the boardwalk.

Beginning at the Wrighton entrance parking area, proceed north up the Red Oak Trail. In 0.2 miles, cross Wrighton Branch Creek on a culvert and turn left onto the Cliff Trail. In 0.4 miles, you'll come to a T-intersection. Taking a left dead-ends, but allows for a clear view of the Patuxent River wetlands (and homes). Taking a right at the T-intersection, proceed north passing the Dogwood Trail and Blueberry Trail (taking a right onto these trails will return you to the Red Oak Trail).

At about 1.0 miles in, there are sandy steps carved into the cliffs that lead to the Chris Swarth Boardwalk. The narrow boardwalk ends at a small pier, where Patuxent canoeists and kayakers could stop or launch. The pier permits extensive and beautiful views of the wetlands--with some traffic noise from MD 4.

Returning to the Cliff Trail, continue north for 0.1 miles and take a right onto Holly Trail. Continue east for about a 0.1 miles and then take a right and head south on the Red Oak Trail. You'll continue to take this south--crossing the Blueberry, Dogwood, and Spicebush Trail --until you reach the trail's end.

Beaver, Otter, Muskrat, Deer, Squirrel, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard Duck, Rock Pigeon, Canada Goose, Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Black Duck, Red-eyed Vireo, White-throated Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Common Grackle, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Wood Thrush, Dark-eyed Junco, Chimney Swift, Turkey Vulture, Acadian Flycatcher, Blue Jay, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ring-billed Gull, Osprey, Fish Crow, Loblolly Pine, Horse Mint, Camphor Weed, Prickly Pear