Easy Hikes in the Vicinity of Mt. Greylock

The northwest corner of Massachusetts offers beautiful mountain scenery where it is possible to find a few accessible and easy trail experiences.

Driving to the top of Mt. Greylock State Reservation, our tallest peak at 3491 feet, will bring you to a beautiful stone lodge and a 1/4 mile wheelchair accessible paved trail. Here you can circle the summit of Mt. Greylock around the War Memorial Tower and enjoy extensive views
across western Massachusetts. I always enjoy the cooler temperatures, fresher air and shorter trees in places like this! Plan to bring and wear a mask as the summit may be well-attended on beautiful days this summer, though there is plenty of room to spread out on the open summit field. Wheelchair users may need to be ready to ask people to move off trail if other users don't recognize they should do so to allow safe passage in the Covid-era.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the valley east of Mt. Greylock offers a more extensive wheelchair accessible trail opportunity - more details on the rail trail at the end of this post.

Stroll Through Former Estate Grounds in Leominster

This week I ventured to Leominster to investigate wheelchair accessible trails in north central Massachusetts on a Trustees of Reservations property. The trails were easy to locate off Route 2. I was happy to discover 1.5 miles of accessible trail at the Doyle Community Park and Center are in good condition with much to enjoy along the way.

The Doyle Community Park and Center offers two wheelchair accessible loops through forest, meadows and parklands of former estate property. The Doyle Estate trail is .8 mile and the Pierce Meadow trail is .4 mile. There is a  quarter mile connector trail between them that passes through the main visitor parking lot. Both trails are 6 feet wide - sometimes wider - with hard packed stone dust for easy travel. The park offers several interesting highlights, as well as places to picnic and sit along the trails. The visitor center and restrooms are not currently open, so be aware there are no restrooms available.

Eagles Reserve - A Wheelchair Accessible Walk on the Wild Side

For those in north central Massachusetts looking for a new vista, Eagle's Reserve Conservation Area is a worthy drive. The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has built a beautiful wheelchair accessible trail to the water's edge of an extensive wetland where yes, you can see eagles soaring.

It is probably a lengthy drive to Eagles Reserve for most visitors and on back roads so you will definitely see countryside on your way. The destination is ultimately local, just perfect for those seeking some quieter time away from people. You might see another vehicle in the 6-8 car lot, but most likely you won't. Watch for the small sign along the road at 55 Winchendon Road, Royalston.

A kiosk with map awaits you at the start of the trail, where you can get oriented and learn a bit more about this wild spot not far from Royalston center. The David H. Small Community Nature Trail is named after a wonderful local independent naturalist, president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club, and former DCR Assistant Regional Director for the Quabbin Reservoir. Dave's enthusiasm about nature has been a gift to his community for decades and he remains actively involved in everything to do with birds, dragonflies, moths, and more.

Mutters Field - A Respite in Nature in the Pioneer Valley

If you are seek to get outside in the Pioneer Valley, there are several good wheelchair accessible opportunities to avoid crowds. Part of the trick is to go in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays.

Looking for a quiet wheelchair accessible spot in nature not far off the beaten track? Mutters Field in Easthampton offers a gentle third of a mile stroll around a field surrounded by trees, with a view of a narrow brook and a glimpse of Mt. Tom. Along the way you can learn about rain gardens, invasive species, monarch butterflies, bluebirds, and more by reading colorful interpretive signs. There are 6 benches with pullout space around the loop, 2 picnic tables, and a pavilion with benches as well. While you can hear occasional cars passing by on East Street, I discovered that this spot truly offers respite in nature. While there I saw a couple of people who were easy to see in advance and avoid or pass.

Revisiting the Fort River Accessible Trail in Hadley

It had been five years since I last visited the spectacular accessible trail in Hadley. The Fort River Trail is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge located in the central Pioneer Valley. I checked out the trail after it opened in 2014 and was pleased to see that this 1.1 mile loop has been well cared for and has weathered all seasons since. I also couldn't help but notice that this is a great accessible trail option for our current era of social distancing.

The trail has a big parking area at 69 Moody Street in Hadley, and at least 10 pull over areas including observation decks and pavilions. There are plenty of benches along the 5' wide stone dust and boardwalk trail. I was surprised to see about 6 cars in the lot and only a few people on the trail during my hour and a half there on a refreshingly cool morning before temperatures hit the 80s. The trail is one-way to support social distancing as well. There could have been many more people on the trail and it still would have been easy to minimize contact.
 

The meandering loop takes you through a hayfield, across a broad section of young tree growth in seasonal wetlands, into the forest, along the quiet river and close to completion there is a wonderful view across hayfields to the Holyoke Range. In late May I found the area rich with diverse birdsongs as a result of this multi-habitat area. The hayfield shows off a large pollinator garden with educational signage. The trail features a children's story book that can be read as you walk along. Curiously, it currently is winter themed - interesting to contemplate the opposite time of year surrounded by green foliage.

There are a few ponds along the way, starting at the parking lot, so your walk will keep water in view as you go. Young mallard duck families were busy feeding in a few spots. This is a great trail for families with young children who are likely to enjoy the many things to see and the extensive boardwalk section 3/4 of the way through the loop, quite reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson. With clear trail definition and railings along the boardwalks, it is easy to stay on the path. I especially appreciated the opportunity to be in a hayfield, even feel the grasses swaying alongside the trail, without having to put myself at undue risk of acquiring ticks.