I got a little confused by the parking sign, but parked in the field not too far from the first row of trees.
One of the things that made this an attractive destination was the viewing platform.
I took a walk up to check the viewing platform , which offers a very nice view from Kearsarge in the west to Belknap in the east. Those and several near mountains ( Ragged, Cardigan) were visible, though there was a little haze. Washington is supposedly visible in the winter only ( trees along the sight path?) , but it would have been hazed out today anyway. There was a fellow there watching for birds; he said he'd seen an osprey earlier.
The map (see map 9) indicates there is a sort of tour based on signs, but I didnt see any. So I walked along the edge of the orchard. This turned out to be surprisingly hard; the rows are slanted and there were a lot of apples on the ground, often hidden by the grass. A good ankle workout. It was amazing how many apples were just lying on the ground!
After a walk around the edge of the orchard from 1, 2, 3 ( see map ) I cut across from the pumpkin patch to 5, and then along the fence to the gate. Shortly thru the gate is the junction with the Low Trail, so I knew I was on the correct path. Followed the Blue/Red trail and then the red trail out to District 5 Road. I walked a little down the road just to complete the connection to the Carter Hill Connector we'd walked a week or two ago, then headed back.
I then took the Blue/Red trail , now known as the High Trail. Unfortunately, no views despite its name. I came to a junction with the West End Farm Trail, but I failed to note whether this section of the WEFT is completely closed , or just closed to bikes. I think it is completely closed, though it still shows up on maps.
I continued back to the orchard along the High Trail. Shortly junctioned with the Low Trail's north end and popped out of the woods. Here, too , I saw no clear direction about where to go. Following the map I went around the pond ( very low, its been so dry !) and thru the gate , back to the store area. I stopped in the store and asked about the downed apples. They will be collected and used for animal fee they said. I was also told they had no trouble with bears or deer, which surprises me. I always thought both loved apples , and there didnt seem to be fences secure enough for either.
The trails in the woods were in good shape and pleasant walking. It was a good walk, though the tilted walk in the orchard rows was a little trying. The viewing platform was a pretty nice feature.