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.
To access the accessible trail, enter Mt. Tom State Reservation from Route 5 at the Reservation Road entrance. If you come in from Route 141 in Easthampton, you will need to drive all the way through the park to get to Lake Bray. Here is a link to the park map for those who would like an overview. Christopher Clark Road has some roadside overlooks with views of the valley and fall hawk migration. Make sure to note the time the park closes when you arrive to ensure you leave on time. Closing time varies with the seasons - currently it is 6pm.
One of the wonderful aspects to this trail is that there is an accessible bathroom near the trailhead, not always an easy amenity to find at trailheads these days! Soon after you pass the contact station and headquarters on Reservation Road, Lake Bray will be visible. Take the left turn just after the small lake (really a large pond), pass the concrete bathroom building, and park in the lot where convenient for you. There are a few designated accessible parking spots at the trailhead, and two at the bathroom building.
Follow the green accessible trail signage from the trailhead. The lengthy grade up a smooth old roadway appears daunting at the start - it is a 5% grade for 220 feet. Some athletic wheelchair users as well as power wheelchair users can do it and others will likely need assistance. This trail has some moderate ups and downs, up to 9% where you notice the most change in terrain, and one of these sections has a very short increase in grade (14% for 10 feet). Aside from these potential challenges, the stone dust trail is in great shape and plenty wide, with benches to rest after key uphill sections.
After you head up the initial roadway, then down, you will come to a left turn following the contour of the lake edge. This starts the accessible loop portion. Tall pines here along the water make for a refreshing experience of nature considering how close to urban reality you are. When the trail turns to the right and away from the lake, take note of the trail extension to the bridge. If you bear all the way right, you stay on the loop. If you move off the loop follow the right fork as green signage indicates to stay on the accessible portion. Taking the left fork that follows the lake edge will get you into steeper territory. The start of the accessible extension is the most daunting part at 10%, but the grade lessens as you go up, and this side excursion is worth the effort, as long as you have the support you need.
On the extension, you'll travel up, pass a trail intersection and then gradually downwards, past a huge toppled pine, then angle back toward the creek that leads into Lake Bray. I met a few hikers out here and they were quick to put on masks to pass by with a friendly greeting. You will cross two bridges before you come to the wetland view at the start of a sizeable wooden bridge. A few rustic wooden benches offer low seating for those able to make use of it. The wetland has standing dead trees amidst vegetation - a wild view at any time of year, but especially nice in fall. I often catch some birds by ear, if not by sight, in this change of habitat.
The trail essentially ends here, though some may be able to navigate the 1-2" thresholds to get up onto the bridge. The other end of the bridge is not wheelchair accessible and the trail on that side is especially loaded with rocks, roots and cross grades to the left and becomes a narrow footpath to the right. Return the way you came to the loop, then turn left to complete the loop.
There are two accessible fishing docks - one on the trail and one near the building - and plenty of picnic tables visible from the parking areas. Great place for a picnic getaway not far from civilization!
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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