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.

Seasonally, much of this are is prone to being wet, which explains the hefty boardwalk system. This would be a great place to visit over the seasons. If you like to identify birds, there are many songs to learn along this trail in spring and early summer. I heard and saw at least 24 species, including Great-crested Flycatcher, Catbird, Common Yellowthroat, American Redstart, Eastern Wood Pewee, Bobolink, Killdeer, Red-eyed Vireo and Scarlet Tanager.

A few cautionary notes - watch out for poison ivy. It is growing along the wooden trail edge in a few places - a bit too easy to reach or brush against accidently though it does not stray over the trail edge much.

In the boardwalk section there is a long 8% grade - the standard for wheelchair accessible ramps, but extended well past the usual practical distance at 120 feet. You'll find a pull-out with benches and space for a wheelchair halfway up the hill and a bench at the top of the hill. Soon after that you will come to your just rewards, an extraordinarily lovely and spacious view of the Holyoke Range.

If or when you go, prepare for sun and shade and the possibility of bugs. Bring your own water and snacks of course. There are two portapotties in the sunny parking area, one of which is ADA accessible. Please also take care of yourself and others by practicing social distancing as directed by the CDC and Mass Department of Public Health, and following DCR's additional guidelines for safe park visitation:

• 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.