Accessible Central Mass Outing and Riverside Picnic Opportunity

I found a lovely spot recently - nice and quiet - for a wheelchair accessible outing in Ware, Massachusetts. The Mass Central Rail Trail there features a new accessible side trail to a picnic spot next to a gentle river. On a sunny and warm spring afternoon I saw only a few people on the trail. The primary use of the 8-10 foot wide trail is for people walking, biking and cross country skiing. ATVs are not allowed.

There is plenty of sun along the 1/4 mile stretch of the flat stone dust rail trail until you arrive at the entrance to the short side trail on the left, marked by a small blue diamond marker as shown in photo. Once on the side trail, you can expect some shade and moderate grades (7% for 65 feet) down to a wheelchair accessible picnic table. The Ware River is gliding along peacefully close by.

The area is a unique habitat - a sandy plain on glacial till and a former farm - where a prescribed burn took place 4 years ago. Diverse habitats from tall trees to sapling groves and scrubby brushland offer a nice array of birds. I saw or heard over a dozen species. At the picnic area there is an educational panel that helps explain the presence of the fire tolerant pitch pine in the area.

On the river side of the picnic table, stay mindful of the drop-off towards the river. Past the picnic table there is one spot (shown in photo below) with an area of deeper loose gravel that may be tricky for some to push wheelchairs or walkers through as it is at the start of a gentle incline. This part could be avoided by retracing your path the other way. Otherwise, the rest of the trail is generally firm and stable.

Some other things you may want to know before you go: The river is stocked with trout and there were fishermen using 2-3 of the parking spaces. This location has a 7 car lot with 1 designated accessible parking spot closest to the trailhead. The lot requires diagonal parallel parking as it is alongside a two lane roadway - and you have to cross the road to access the trail. There is a well marked pedestrian crossing for this purpose, as shown in the last photo.

Some may be interested in another picnic spot along this trail, before the accessible trail. You'll pass a grassy mown trail on the right that heads uphill. It's not far to a grassy mown clearing with another picnic table and a view of a small pond. The uphill distance is 145' before it levels out and the steepest part is at the beginning. Many people would find this an easy walk.

The address for the parking lot is 250 Church Street. For some reason my GPS had me arrive well before 250. You will pass beyond a residential area and into the countryside before you find this destination.

If you go, follow the necessary precautions of our times. Practice the protective measures recommended by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Health. In addition, DCR recommends the following guidelines:

• Minimize outdoor recreational time to limit potential exposure to COVID-19;
• Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;
• Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;
• Administer healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds;
• Participate in only non-contact recreational activities;
• Leave a park or area should large gatherings begin to build; and,
• Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population.