The Orange River Wildlife Management Area can be accessed from either Reynolds Marsh Overlook or Orange River Landing. The two access sites are close enough to offer an easy one-way or round-trip paddle between them. Paddlers are welcome to access Downeast Coastal Conservancy's shoreline at the designated day-use areas to enjoy picnicking, wildlife watching, and relaxing.
In addition to the paddle between the two water access sites, the Orange River offers miles of flat-water to explore.
Please note that the Orange River is dammed to provide optimal habitat. Paddlers should expect higher water in the spring and early summer and lower water levels in late summer and fall. Beavers can be quite active on the Orange River and their dams may span the width of the waterway at times. This flowage is managed by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife to benefit waterfowl, wading birds, and other wetland species.
Much of the shoreline on the Orange River is under private ownership, please respect neighboring property owners by only utilizing the day use areas designated on the map.
Downeast Coastal Conservancy's goal is to minimize human impact and protect this area's wildlife, plants, and natural features while allowing low-impact public recreation. Help us protect this special place by observing the following guidelines:
Downeast Coastal Conservancy maintains and protects the Orange River Conservation Area and works cooperatively with landowners to protect other land in coastal Washington County from Steuben to Calais and up to Route 9. Visit our website to join us and learn more!
Visit Downeast Coastal Conservancy online for more information and a printable map or contact:
Downeast Coastal Conservancy owns and maintains two sites with hand-carry access to the water, Reynolds Marsh Overlook and Orange River Landing.
Reynolds Marsh Overlook was acquired in 2008 and comprises 1.4 acres and 310 feet of shore front. The parking area is located on the north side of US-1 in Whiting, 3 miles south of the ME-189 turnoff. Water access is from a short trail that starts on the leftside of the parking area. Reynolds Marsh Overlook provides hand-carry launch only.
Orange River Landing was acquired in 2003 and consists of 8.3 acres with 940 feet of shore front. From US-1 in Whiting, travel 0.8 miles south of the ME-189 turnoff to Lubec and turn right onto Playhouse Lane. Turn onto Landing Road; follow the road past the house where it becomes gravel to its end where there is a 2-car parking area and launch, which is suitable for small trailered boats as well as hand-carry boats. The parking area is very small and space for turning and parking is limited. The property was the site of a steam-powered sawmill in the early 1920s; footings from the mill can be seen just south of the landing.
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