Orris Falls Conservation Area

In 1889, author Sarah Orne Jewett visited this area and called the gorge where the stream tumbles 90 feet, "the most exquisite of glens." Learn more about Jewett’s connection with this site and enjoy abundant wildflowers including Carolina spring-beauty, blood-root, white baneberry, trailing-arbutus; ferns and fern allies; trees such shagbark hickory, basswood, and black oak; and shrubs like maleberry, and high-bush blueberry. The terrain includes the remains of an ancient volcanic caldera, a gigantic “Balancing Rock”, an extraordinarily rich area of vernal pools and wetlands, draining into a marshy area dammed by beaver. The trip is of moderate difficulty, covering about 3.5 miles at a leisurely pace, with a small amount of off-trail exploring. Bring a lunch, water, and insect repellent.

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.