Thanks again to Laila Soleimani, from DCR's Universal Access Program, for finding a quiet spot in the Worcester Area we can recommend for local folks.
Last Wednesday, I visited Jordan Pond Walking Trail in Shrewsbury. I’ve gotten several inquiries about accessible hiking areas in the Worcester area so I was excited to check out this trail in central Massachusetts. The address to the best, most accessible parking lot is 34 Ridgeland Road in Shrewsbury. This trail provides many beautiful views of Jordan Pond. In fact, you’re so engulfed in the greenery and scenic views that surround the trail, it’s hard to believe that you’re just a few minutes away from busy Route 9.This accessible walking trail is paved, flat, about 7.5 ft wide and runs along Jordan Pond (please note: there is also a non-accessible wood path/dirt road which runs along the other side of the pond). From the parking lot down the paved trail and back is just shy of a mile at approximately 0.8 miles long. There are no restrooms here, but there are many fast food restaurants located about a half mile away where you can find bathrooms available. I barely heard the sound of cars or traffic in the area.
About midway along the trail, you will come up to a short red walking bridge-this section has about a 1/2” high change in surface level from the pavement, but the other end of the bridge is level to the pavement which you will notice on your way back. As you’re coming towards the end of the trail before turning around, you will also notice there are 2 benches a few feet apart from each other along the accessible route. Pack a lunch and enjoy the nature that surrounds you!I visited this trail around 1pm on a Wednesday and throughout the day only saw about 12 other people pass by. I observed half of these folks wearing masks. I would suggest visiting this trail with one or two other people, when possible. While I was there, the quiet provided a lovely sense of calm, but it was also also comforting having someone else there with me, particularly because it was my first time here. This is also a popular spot for dog walking so it may be busier on weekends and other times of day. There is no swimming or wading in the pond and the area is closed from 10pm to 4am.
GPS users take note: it’s important to make sure you type the address into your GPS along with the location name. I initially only typed the trail name and was brought to a road in a neighborhood nearby and this involved a little backtracking. There are 7 parking spots here, one of which is accessible. Your GPS may also bring you Calvin Coolidge School on Florence St. If you pull into the parking lot of the school, pass the basketball courts on your left, you will see a road on your right that will bring you to tennis courts with several parking spots in front. There are 2 accessible parking spaces here, however, depending on the time you visit, I could anticipate this area being pretty busy. There is a gate to the left of the parking lot which is closed, but a 4 ft wide pathway that leads to pavement (which eventually brings you down to the trail). This short pathway is rocky and unstable and there are no signs indicating that you are at the Jordan Pond Walking Trail- this side is actually the end of the trail so you’d be starting in the opposite direction. Parking and starting at the Ridgeland Road entrance is my recommendation!
DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) 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
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