Fall Explorations at Mt. Tom State Reservation

A popular spot in the Pioneer Valley, Mt. Tom State Reservation is located in Holyoke, not far off I-91, making for an easy destination in the more populated lower portion of the valley. A wheelchair accessible loop trail along Lake Bray has been in existence for 25 years. In recent years an extension off the loop has been established to offer visitors with disabilities an opportunity to access a wetland view tucked at the base of the mountain. I investigated this season to see how well the trail has been holding up and found it in good condition. As summer winds down, the trails are less busy, so September and October are a great time to visit while the weather is warm and fall colors emerge.

Seekonk Town Hall Trails in SE Massachusetts

Trail head behind town hall.

The town of Seekonk in southeastern Massachusetts - not far from Providence, RI - has a nice accessible trail starting right at the town hall. This trails project, partially funded through DCR's Recreation Trails Grant program, offers visitors an opportunity to hike through the woods to a wetland view.

The town hall can be found at 100 Peck Street. Once there you'll find a brand new accessible playground right at the town hall, along with a picnic area and new parking lot. When I visited in August these new features were still under construction but close to being finished.

Shady deck ends the accessible trail portion.

A short partially paved access route will bring you to the start of the red trail just beyond the picnic tables. What I like about this short trail - just 1/6 of a mile - is how easy it is to slip into nature in an urban environment. The stone dust path soon reaches a trail junction. From here, the accessible yellow trail will take you through the woods to the YMCA. The red trail continues to a tiny observation deck before it changes to boardwalk that leads to a larger deck. Along this route you can observe various plants and potentially wildlife in a damp forest. Reaching the deck view completes the wheelchair accessible portion of the trail - a worthy and enjoyable journey. 

Take a Tree Walk at Beaver Brook Reservation

In Belmont, there is a paved path known as the South Loop at Beaver Brook Reservation, that offers a self-guided urban tree walk and remembers massive oaks once located here. The trail has some steep grades, but is otherwise wheelchair accessible. With assistance of a physically fit companion, many wheelchair users can access this delightful path near Boston. There are several benches along the loop to stop and rest too.

I recommend parking in a 40 car lot on Waverly Oaks Road across from #520 to begin your excursion at Beaver Brook Reservation. You'll have to contend with a downgrade to get into the park (as shown in the first photo), but the paved path is 12 feet wide, which allows other people to pass by. The downgrade is 6-13% for 160 feet, followed by another at 10-18% for 60 feet - definitely significant, but doable with support if needed. A power wheelchair is unlikely to have an issue. You could also start out taking the roadside sidewalk and do a gradual descent into the park, then return the same way after exploring the park to avoid the steepest section. Just remember either way you will have to return uphill.

The park was well visited on a Thursday afternoon and likely is on any day of the week. No bathrooms here, so be forewarned.

Explore an Accessible Trail with Pond and Pavilion at Harold Parker State Forest

In northeastern Massachusetts is a large state forest called Harold Parker, named after the first chairman of the Forestry Commission over a hundred years ago. It is a gently rolling forest land dotted with ponds, rock outcroppings, and wetlands. In the vicinity of Berry Pond is a 1/2 mile accessible trail that makes for a nice outdoor exploration.

Berry Pond, a highlight of the state forest and located at 700 Middleton Road in North Andover, has several accessible features - parking, accessible bathrooms, an accessible boardwalk to a small beach,  beach wheelchairs and a trail head for the accessible trail. This is a popular weekend swimming and picnic area open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The road into this day use area closes after Labor Day, but you can still explore the area if you park nearby.

Chicopee Reservoir Path and Healthy Heart Trail

Approaching the beach

If you live in the Springfield area, the Reservoir Path at Chicopee Memorial State Park is a wheelchair accessible getaway to a natural setting. With fall coming, this park offers a great place to watch the leaves change color along the water.

Chicopee Memorial State Park is located east of Springfield just off exit 6 on the Mass Pike. The address is 570 Burnett Road, Chicopee, MA. The park is usually quite busy in the summer, but visitation  tapers off by mid-August. When I was there two weeks ago, only a few people were sunning themselves on the beach and a few families and individuals were out on trails. Most people were not wearing masks, but this did not present an issue as the trails are very wide. Dogs are allowed on leash.