Two Boston Area Accessible Winter Walks

Three people, including one in a wheelchair,
walk alongside ice covered water.

With a chill in the air and a touch of snow on the ground, it is still vital for health and well-being to get fresh air and exercise. I did some exploration in the Boston area of two accessible trails to check accessibility this week.

My first stop was Webb Memorial State Park at 371 River Street in North Weymouth on Boston's south shore. I needed a dose of sea air and views of the water! This park is a peninsula that extends into Hingham Bay and offers views of Boston, the harbor, and islands. Much to my delight I found the bathrooms not only open, but heated, with warm water coming from the sink faucet at Webb Memorial State Park!! Thank you DCR! Be aware that there is about an inch of threshold to navigate to get into the restroom, otherwise the interior is accessible.

The start of the trail shows a smooth, wide path.

People were walking on this Healthy Heart Trail, including some with dogs on leash, but the parking lot wasn't even a quarter full on a cloudy day with temperatures in the mid-thirties. Four accessible parking spaces are available. There is a mix of flat ground and a significant hill on the 1 mile loop. I found it possible to avoid the large hill with its extended grades by staying to the right side of the loop just past the bathroom building. From this side it is possible to get all the way to the end of the peninsula with the least interaction with hills, although there will be a bit of an upgrade to the most scenic view of Boston from a less intense hill. 

A view across trailside brambles
of the bay with islands.

The easiest way back is to retrace your path, but there is further exploration possible on the Boston side of the peninsula by following the loop, which will meet the left (east) side again prior to climbing the hill to a memorial on upper neck. For some walkers, it will even be possible to access the beach for a bit of a walk there. The trail design offers a good array of options for different ability levels and needs. Just be aware that parts of the trail have a more natural surface so mud, puddles, or even a bit of ice may be encountered. On my walk I was able to easily navigate around such spots. At one point I was treated to a nice view of 10 Robins drinking from a puddle. It's soul nourishing to find any bit of color and life on a gray December day, and bird calls were nice to hear!

A male cardinal in the brush offers its red presence.

As you walk, there is a wonderful array of urban vegetation which includes a good supply of multi-flora roses, sumac, and bittersweet which attracts birds. I had nice looks at Mockingbirds, Robins, Cedar Waxwings and a male Cardinal. I was also surprised to come upon a pine tree decorated for the holiday on this walk. Upon closer examination the Christmas ornaments had names written on them as a remembrance of gratitude for veterans, health care workers, people who have passed on, and even DCR staff! These ornaments will be up through January 4th.

First sign at start of Braille Trail. Braille on this sign
is accessible over the top edge on the backside.

In Watertown, I visited the Watertown Riverfront Trail, which hosts a quarter mile long Braille Trail and Sensory Garden. The entrance is opposite Irving Street on Charles River Road. I used 165 Irving Street for GPS to get there. Park on the wide shoulder along the green, and stroll in on an accessible sidewalk a short distance to the start of the trail along the river. Granite markers with text and Braille plus a cable with wooden beads provide guidance and educational information.  I found just a couple of people passing by as a I walked the loop and learned more about the river history and natural life.

Two wooden boats and a wooden xylophone.

 

In the center of the loop is the sensory garden, with two wooden river boats on display and other tactile attractions among the oaks that are fun to check out. I was treated to an unexpected sensory experience, a cracking sound nearby that turned out to be Canada Geese walking on the green, breaking a thin layer of ice to sip the water underneath. I also appreciated pairs of quiet mallard ducks that were bobbing along the river edge in search of food. Again, contact with nature - so important as we spend most of our time indoors in winter! 

One cautionary note at the Watertown Riverfront Trail - the side of the loop alongside the green may have icy sections as it did on my excursion. If you have a visual impairment, bring a sighted companion to assist with avoiding any ice, which I found covered the whole path. Even if the whole loop isn't navigable due to winter conditions, the the longer riverfront trail extends on either side. If conditions are relatively dry, a riverside walk can be enjoyed.

Both of these parks have accessible benches and picnic tables, something for hearty souls to keep in mind in the event of a warm spell!

A pair of mallard ducks create ripples on the water. 

DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to stay close to home during the pandemic 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