A working farm with views and an historic railroad bed along the Shepaug River, the Orzech Preserve is excellent for gentle walks and cross-county skiing. From the parking area off Botsford Hill Road, enter the preserve around the blue gate leading to the railroad bed and the Kress Family Trail, which connects to the River Road, Golden Harvest and Erbacher Preserves. Please respect private property and use only marked parking areas.

Hikers may walk 2 miles along the Kress Family Trail along the Shepaug River. At approximately 0.25 mile in, a trail on the right sweeps up through the wooded hillside bringing hikers into the upper Orzech field with two ponds, a bench and sweeping views.

As part of the Roxbury Land Trust’s “Save Our Farms” campaign, the Orzech Preserve was acquired in 2002 from Edward F. Orzech and Elizabeth M. Orzech, whose family established their farm there in 1924.