During 2002 Orange City Council completed the construction of an exciting new shared 12 kilometre walking and cycling trail from the city to Lake Canobolas. This trail was achieved with the assistance of the Australian Department of Defence – 1/19th Royal New South Wales Regiment.
The trail commences on the outskirts of Orange, although there are numerous locations from which to commence a walk or bikeride, depending on the distance people wish to undertake.One point of commencement is at the end of Woods Lane, where cars can be parked. Following the Crown Road Reserve to Molong Creek, approximately 500 metres north of Lake Canobolas Reserve, riders or walkers can complete a two kilometre loop of the trail.
The trail from the end of Woods Lane to Lake Canobolas Reserve has a gravel surface suitable for mountain bikes, pedestrians and strollers. The gravel trail leads down to Molong Creek, where the trail crosses a suspension bridge, built by the 1/19th Royal New South Wales Regiment, and then an elevated boardwalk constructed over a native grass wetland. Just prior to a small timber and steel bridge over a gully, there is a choice of trails to Lake Canobolas Reserve. One trail will lead you along a contour above Molong Creek and the other passes through farmland undergoing revegetation with endemic native trees and shrubs. Both trails enter Lake Canobolas Reserve within 100 metres of the northern boundary.
On arriving at Lake Canobolas Reserve, there is much to enjoy, including barbecues, playground, swimming, fishing, bird watching and exploring a looped walking trail around the southern end of the lake.
