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.

Once down in the park a flat open field stretches before you. You can take the level pathway to the other end and turn right to loop around and back up a gradual upgrade to a side street that links to a sidewalk along Waverly Oaks Road to return to your car. This is about a half mile stroll. If you bear left at the entrance to the flat field, you will create a 3/4 mile loop which will take you up and down even steeper paved grades as it passes by the spray deck, playground and picnic pavilion. This part of the loop is easy to omit. The playground area is more easily accessible if you enter off Trapelo Road, which intersects Waverly Oaks Road a short distance away. People with kids were wearing facemasks here, and well spaced out.

Along the walk wherever you go, you'll see signs at the bases of many trees. In fact, 21 tree species commonly found in urban environments are highlighted on the South Loop. This is a good little educational tour for anyone with children looking for things to do. Not all the signs are easy to access by wheelchair. They are posted low by the tree truck and the text is on the small side so you have to get close to read. I found Sweet Gum, River Birch, White Oak, Black Cherry and Norway Maple along the way.

Established in 1893, Beaver Brook Reservation was the first state park in Massachusetts, created to protect the stately centuries old white “Waverly” Oaks once found on this property. The creation of this park inspired an emerging conservation movement and the establishment of the metropolitan park system. The walk will introduce the trees that have taken the place of those cherished bygone oaks and highlight the beauty and importance of the trees here and in our communities.

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