Dunn State Park Offers Accessible Trails and More

A walk in the woods can be refreshment for the soul, even close to civilization. In north central Massachusetts, Dunn State Park offers a wheelchair accessible excursion into the woods and more. It's a good day trip for locals in Gardner and the surrounding area - also easily accessible off of Route 2. Bring a picnic and your bathing suit in case you are inspired to take a dip from the beach. Dunn State Park is popular for fishing and has 2 accessible fishing docks.

I was there a few times recently this summer. Yesterday was partially overcast and sometimes sunny, with temperatures in the low seventies. The park was surprisingly quiet, with only a handful of people around. When I was there in June during a heat wave, the beach was busy with families and kids. On any weekday it seems - and park staff verified this - the accessible Woodland Trail has few hikers during the late morning and afternoon. Most people hike the mile loop around the pond, which is not wheelchair accessible - although if you park at the Betty Springs Road entrance, there are 2 accessible parking spots and an accessible fishing pier, and the trail there is navigable by wheelchair for a ways.

The Woodland Trail is a 1/2 mile accessible loop with a connecting trail in the middle of the loop, and a couple of trail extensions off the loop, so the total distance is 3/4 mile if you explore everything. You'll find the trailhead off the paved roadway between the parking lot and the Pond House. The trail is wide and shaded and during the pandemic it is one way. Ferns, scattered boulders left by the glacier, and rock outcroppings will grace your journey.

As you follow the trail there will be two right turns for the smaller and larger loops. If you continue on the dirt road without turning right, you'll get into my favorite section of the park - the deep woods portion furthest from the sounds of the park and adjacent suburbia. Here you can be serenaded by the Hermit Thrush, who's ethereal flute music always delights my spirit. I love how this bird sings in the middle of summer days when most other songbirds have quieted down. I'm amazed you can hear it here!

You'll see a few exercise stations, and the third one is beyond the loop network and an important turnaround point as the dirt road continues from there into rougher territory.

As you venture back, if you take the first left turn onto the outer loop, you'll come to another left turn that takes you to a lovely quiet spot with a bench and view of the pond through the forest, my other most favorite spot in the park. Great place to relax for a bit!

The trail is part dirt road and part stone dust. There are three stretches of the trail that are steeper, with grades over 10%. The dirt road has shallow tire grooves and looser stone in places, particularly on the ascents, so some people may need an assistant to help get through a few rougher spots. One such spot is early on the hike - don't be thrown by a rough section early on - the rest of the trail is far easier! Overall the accessible trail is in good condition and should be a pleasant outing. The bugs were not bad!

For those interested in the Pond Loop trail, there are several staircases throughout as the one mile trail goes up and over a few knolls. The well-worn trail has intermittent sections of roots and rocks. In some spots these tread obstacles are 3-5" or more high, so this trail does require the ability to pick up your feet and place them well.

A very helpful aspect to the the trails at Dunn State Park is that there is a map with "you are here" posted at all the intersections, with color-coordinated trail blazes and matching map trail colors. This is a great aid for sighted people who might have difficulty navigating. Click here for an online copy of the map (without colors). The pond makes a good landmark, and the sounds of road traffic can help keep you within park boundaries.

Currently during the pandemic, the Pond House is not open to the public. There are accessible portapotties in the main parking lot. The beach has lifeguards and beach wheelchairs available. If you have questions about visiting, call 978-632-7897.

DCR advocates for people to stay close to home and visit parks within walking distance or a short drive. If you plan to venture further afield, as well as on any outing, please protect yourself and others. In addition to following safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health, please be sure to follow these additional DCR guidelines for safe park visiting:

• 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.