The Orange River remains one of the least developed coastal river systems remaining on the east coast.

Downeast Coastal Conservancy began acquiring areas around the river in 2003 and has since protected over 700 acres (including 9 miles of shoreline) within the area surrounding the river. Public access points at Reynolds Marsh and Orange River Landing offer convenient access or launching canoes and kayaks. While this area is best explored by boat, a paddle-access hiking trail leading to the summit of Estey Mountain has views of Roaring Lake and the surrounding wild landscape. The Orange River Conservation Area compliments other adjacent conservation lands which provide a contiguous wildlife corridor stretching from Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge to the Bold Coast.