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.

Scenic Treasures on the Taunton River

A man sitting along a boardwalk views a battleship.

I was driving in southeastern Massachusetts this week of Veteran's Day and re-discovered a couple of short accessible trails well worth mentioning for their historical significance.

The first is in Fall River, at Fall River Heritage State Park. Though the visitor center remains closed during the pandemic, the urban waterfront park and its three-quarter mile trail are open. Most helpful of all, the accessible bathroom is open and can be accessed from a separate door on the building's exterior.

Park your vehicle in one of two small parking lots off Davol Street near a community sailing facility or at Battleship Cove on 5 Water Street. This historical area is located very close to I-195 along the Taunton River. A paved and boardwalk trail circles the Heritage Park Visitor Center with a short connecting bridge to Battleship Cove. The ships sitting right there in the cove are quite impressive, as is the highway bridge over the river. It all makes for some very dynamic visuals. The USS Massachusetts is resting here, a well decorated battleship from WWII.

Wheelchair Accessible Trails and Outings on Cape Cod

Fall is a fabulous time to visit Cape Cod - the weather is often milder than on the mainland and the crowds tend to thin out. I just spent Columbus Day weekend in the mid-cape area and discovered that there are quite a few wheelchair accessible trail outings available to those seeking quiet time in nature. Freshwater ponds and wetlands, cedar swamps, and salt marshes are just some of the exciting options to explore. You never know what you'll find on the way to such places too. I lucked out and came upon a cranberry harvest along the roadside!

Key information for visitors with disabilities to Cape Cod include two foundational opportunities. The 22 mile Cape Cod Rail Trail offers a paved linear bike trail through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans  Eastham and Wellfleet, passing through Nickerson State Park about mid-way in Brewster. Both of these state parks offer accessible opportunities managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Find Fall Delights at the D.A.R. State Forest

Fall is a great time to visit the Daughters of the American Revolution (D. A. R.) State Forest in Goshen, Massachusetts, part of the Berkshire region. Color is already well underway around beautiful Highland Lake. Yesterday I observed a few people on the beach and trails and kayaking on the water. Often busy in the summer, the park remains active but attendance is low in fall - perfect for a pandemic getaway day. 

Though 25 years old, the lakeside wheelchair accessible trail is in fantastic condition, thanks to park staff maintenance and a recent re-surfacing. This quarter mile stone dust trail runs from the first boat launch - known as the "kayak beach" to the campground road. It is entirely forested and along the way you'll find accessible fishing spots, a gazebo, and numerous benches. The trail is often flat, with some gentle grades that shouldn't pose a significant challenge.

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.

Reflect on Healing in Nature at Attleboro Springs

Located in southeastern Massachusetts, the Attleboro Springs All Persons Trail is a fun and accessible exploration. This Massachusetts Audubon property has a special contemplative focus as it is just behind the national Catholic shrine known as Our Lady of La Salette. Here, along Brothers Pond, you can reflect on whatever needs your spiritual attention, or simply enjoy the nature of the place. This trail is also called the "Reflection Trail" and is on the grounds of a former healing sanitarium - a place devoted to healing conditions that cause suffering, often using the power of nature to support this process. 

The Reflection Trail is a half mile loop on level ground, with a six foot wide stone dust trail and several interesting stops along the way. It is almost entirely forested with a mix of oak and pine. Many trees are quite tall and in one spot along this trail you will likely notice a huge oak that has been blown down. After the pondside section near the beginning, you pass through a vernal pool - a seasonal pool often filled with water in spring and fall but typically dry in the summer, as it is now in our present drought conditions. There is an interesting side trail to an outcropping of puddingstone, as well as one into a circle of oaks. Puddingstone, said to resemble English plum pudding, was formed a billion years ago in northeastern Canada and delivered by glacier to this spot as well as other locations in New England. I learned this from the audio tour available for this trail.

Lake Park in Worcester Provides One-way Trail Loop

Thanks again to Laila Soleimani for her post!

I visited Lake Park, part of Quinsigamond State Park, on a hot summer Friday afternoon. Located at 283 Lake Avenue in Worcester, this urban park is across the street from Buffone Skating Arena, with tennis courts visible from the road which you will pass on your right as you pull into the parking lot. There are several accessible parking spots here: 2 in front of the tennis courts, 4 across from the trailhead, and 4 more by the swim beach. I was inspired to visit Lake Park after hearing there was a one-way trail loop system implemented in an effort to reduce contact with other trail users and promote social distancing while still being active outdoors.  You may also want to visit nearby Regatta Point at 10 N. Lake Ave. for views of Lake Quinsigamond. Both locations constitute Quinsigamond State Park.

Along the Old Mill Trail in the Berkshires

I visited the Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale, Massachusetts this spring. Located in the southern Berkshires off Route 8, this trail is an inviting streamside experience.  Recent improvements to correct a few bridge access issues along the trail have inspired me now to let others know about this wonderful accessible trail opportunity. It is a refreshing place to be outdoors on a hot day. The further you go down the trail, the deeper and cooler the woods become.

The wheelchair accessible portion of the Old Mill Trail is 3/4 of a mile along the 1.5 mile linear trail that starts at the intersection of Old Dalton Road and Route 8. Continuing on beyond the 3/4 mile accessibility point will soon get you into more roots and rocks as the trail crosses under Route 8 to its final turnaround point. Either way, bear in mind to double the distance for your total hiking mileage. The trail is flat to moderate terrain and hard-packed dirt and stone dust. A kiosk at the trail head will help with onsite orientation. You can also click here for a map.

Jordan Pond - A Quieter Trail Outing Near Worcester

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. 

The Canalside Rail Trail - Spacious Outing Along a Power Canal

Water is power - and you can see this truth all along DCR's 3 mile Canalside Rail Trail in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. From Unity Park  - with an adjacent dam below the bridge leading into town from Route 2 - to the Connecticut River, most of the pedestrian and cycling path follows a power canal. This trail is well-used but surprisingly uncrowded during the pandemic. 

Rail trails are by nature wheelchair accessible, since they follow old railroad beds with flatter grades. This is one of DCR's shortest rail trails, and least known, making it a good candidate for anyone who'd like to venture out onto a rail trail these days. I hear many reports and concerns about overcrowded rail trails as people flock to major places to recreate this summer. I've been to Canalside several times and always see people, but well spread out. Several access points help to users maintain good distance.

For best accessibility to the Canalside Rail Trail, I recommend the quieter Connecticut River end of the trail in Deerfield. From River Road find McClelland Farm Road where you will quickly locate a paved parking lot with a level access route to the trail. For a good overview of the trail, click here for a map. This will help reference the various highlights mentioned next.

Beautiful Belle Isle Marsh in Boston

Last week I finally made it to Boston to assess a trail and was surprised to find Belle Isle Marsh Reservation remarkably people-free. Just a few cars were in the parking lot all morning on a Thursday. This delightful location offers a breathtaking opportunity to travel a half mile plus on the Meadow Loop Trail with abundant wildflowers and birds and views of the salt marsh. 

Once an island, Belle Isle is now connected to the mainland. It has a long history of changing hands and names since Europeans arrived on this coast. Today it is the last remaining salt marsh in the city.

Located at 1399 Bennington Street in E. Boston, Belle Isle Marsh is a place of natural respite. Even without advance notice on the street, you'll know you are there when you see a lot of greenery along the roadside, which is otherwise a city neighborhood environment. You'll find three accessible parking spaces and a flat 8-10 foot wide, wheelchair accessible stone dust trail. There are no restrooms here, but there are some fast food places along Bennington Street where you can find available bathrooms. While the lack of restrooms, as well as the signage regarding salt marsh mosquitoes on site, may be daunting, this outing is well worth it.

Accessible Outing and Scenic Sights at Stanley Park in Westfield

Thanks to Laila Soleimani for this Guest Post on Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts!

Stanley Park, home of the black squirrel, is considered a blissful treasure amongst locals and visitors alike. Having grown up here, I am continuously impressed by the site improvements Stanley Park continues to make. This family-friendly park has much to explore and something for everyone to enjoy in the lower Pioneer Valley. 

There is no parking or entrance fee. I was there twice last week, on Tuesday and Thursday. Both days were very sunny and humid with temperatures above 90. There were not many park visitors and folks I did see were not wearing face coverings. Masks/face coverings are required unless you are maintaining a minimum of a 6 foot distance from others. 

There are a few different ways to enter the park, depending on what you’re interested in doing. Descriptions of the playground, accessible walks and parks highlights follow here. Bring a lunch and plan to spend a couple hours here to take in all the beauty. All gates are locked at 7pm so please plan your trip accordingly. 

Dunn State Park Offers Accessible Trails and More

A walk in the woods can be refreshment for the soul, even close to civilization. In north central Massachusetts, Dunn State Park offers a wheelchair accessible excursion into the woods and more. It's a good day trip for locals in Gardner and the surrounding area - also easily accessible off of Route 2. Bring a picnic and your bathing suit in case you are inspired to take a dip from the beach. Dunn State Park is popular for fishing and has 2 accessible fishing docks.

I was there a few times recently this summer. Yesterday was partially overcast and sometimes sunny, with temperatures in the low seventies. The park was surprisingly quiet, with only a handful of people around. When I was there in June during a heat wave, the beach was busy with families and kids. On any weekday it seems - and park staff verified this - the accessible Woodland Trail has few hikers during the late morning and afternoon. Most people hike the mile loop around the pond, which is not wheelchair accessible - although if you park at the Betty Springs Road entrance, there are 2 accessible parking spots and an accessible fishing pier, and the trail there is navigable by wheelchair for a ways.

A Sense of Peace and History on the Tinker Trail

I visited the John Tinker Trail in Groton this week - what a gem of a wheelchair accessible trail!

Located on Nod Road in J. Harry Rich State Forest, the John Tinker Trail is a delightful and flat quarter-mile stroll through the woods and alongside a river to a picnic table. The trail is 10 feet wide and hard-packed stone dust. As it comes close to the river, pine needles cover the trail and the smell of pine provides a pleasant atmosphere, as does the scenic views of river through the tall trees. I really liked the sense of both spaciousness and protection in this location.

Into the Wheelchair Accessible Woods at Savoy Mountain State Forest

Four miles off Route 2 in the Berkshires, Savoy Mountain State Forest has a delightful accessible trail linking a beach with the woods. Though short, the trail offers a surprising bit of respite in nature. This state park offers a remote opportunity for camping, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

I particularly like the bit of wildness you feel on the accessible trail as you traverse gently rolling terrain near North Pond. It's a great spot to listen for forest birds. While there I heard the robust and complex song of the elusive winter wren and saw ladyslipper flowers in bloom. I also saw my first autumn leaf in the trail, before the end of June!

The accessible trail starts from the main parking lot. Pass the restrooms and tee up onto a paved path traversing the main area of the park. If you turn left, you'll enter a picnic area and head down an accessible path to the beach. Turn right and soon you will see a trailhead sign for the North Pond Loop on your right. This is where the accessible woodland trail starts.

Easy Hikes in the Vicinity of Mt. Greylock

The northwest corner of Massachusetts offers beautiful mountain scenery where it is possible to find a few accessible and easy trail experiences.

Driving to the top of Mt. Greylock State Reservation, our tallest peak at 3491 feet, will bring you to a beautiful stone lodge and a 1/4 mile wheelchair accessible paved trail. Here you can circle the summit of Mt. Greylock around the War Memorial Tower and enjoy extensive views
across western Massachusetts. I always enjoy the cooler temperatures, fresher air and shorter trees in places like this! Plan to bring and wear a mask as the summit may be well-attended on beautiful days this summer, though there is plenty of room to spread out on the open summit field. Wheelchair users may need to be ready to ask people to move off trail if other users don't recognize they should do so to allow safe passage in the Covid-era.

The Ashuwillticook Rail Trail in the valley east of Mt. Greylock offers a more extensive wheelchair accessible trail opportunity - more details on the rail trail at the end of this post.

Stroll Through Former Estate Grounds in Leominster

This week I ventured to Leominster to investigate wheelchair accessible trails in north central Massachusetts on a Trustees of Reservations property. The trails were easy to locate off Route 2. I was happy to discover 1.5 miles of accessible trail at the Doyle Community Park and Center are in good condition with much to enjoy along the way.

The Doyle Community Park and Center offers two wheelchair accessible loops through forest, meadows and parklands of former estate property. The Doyle Estate trail is .8 mile and the Pierce Meadow trail is .4 mile. There is a  quarter mile connector trail between them that passes through the main visitor parking lot. Both trails are 6 feet wide - sometimes wider - with hard packed stone dust for easy travel. The park offers several interesting highlights, as well as places to picnic and sit along the trails. The visitor center and restrooms are not currently open, so be aware there are no restrooms available.

Eagles Reserve - A Wheelchair Accessible Walk on the Wild Side

For those in north central Massachusetts looking for a new vista, Eagle's Reserve Conservation Area is a worthy drive. The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has built a beautiful wheelchair accessible trail to the water's edge of an extensive wetland where yes, you can see eagles soaring.

It is probably a lengthy drive to Eagles Reserve for most visitors and on back roads so you will definitely see countryside on your way. The destination is ultimately local, just perfect for those seeking some quieter time away from people. You might see another vehicle in the 6-8 car lot, but most likely you won't. Watch for the small sign along the road at 55 Winchendon Road, Royalston.

A kiosk with map awaits you at the start of the trail, where you can get oriented and learn a bit more about this wild spot not far from Royalston center. The David H. Small Community Nature Trail is named after a wonderful local independent naturalist, president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club, and former DCR Assistant Regional Director for the Quabbin Reservoir. Dave's enthusiasm about nature has been a gift to his community for decades and he remains actively involved in everything to do with birds, dragonflies, moths, and more.

Mutters Field - A Respite in Nature in the Pioneer Valley

If you are seek to get outside in the Pioneer Valley, there are several good wheelchair accessible opportunities to avoid crowds. Part of the trick is to go in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays.

Looking for a quiet wheelchair accessible spot in nature not far off the beaten track? Mutters Field in Easthampton offers a gentle third of a mile stroll around a field surrounded by trees, with a view of a narrow brook and a glimpse of Mt. Tom. Along the way you can learn about rain gardens, invasive species, monarch butterflies, bluebirds, and more by reading colorful interpretive signs. There are 6 benches with pullout space around the loop, 2 picnic tables, and a pavilion with benches as well. While you can hear occasional cars passing by on East Street, I discovered that this spot truly offers respite in nature. While there I saw a couple of people who were easy to see in advance and avoid or pass.

Revisiting the Fort River Accessible Trail in Hadley

It had been five years since I last visited the spectacular accessible trail in Hadley. The Fort River Trail is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge located in the central Pioneer Valley. I checked out the trail after it opened in 2014 and was pleased to see that this 1.1 mile loop has been well cared for and has weathered all seasons since. I also couldn't help but notice that this is a great accessible trail option for our current era of social distancing.

The trail has a big parking area at 69 Moody Street in Hadley, and at least 10 pull over areas including observation decks and pavilions. There are plenty of benches along the 5' wide stone dust and boardwalk trail. I was surprised to see about 6 cars in the lot and only a few people on the trail during my hour and a half there on a refreshingly cool morning before temperatures hit the 80s. The trail is one-way to support social distancing as well. There could have been many more people on the trail and it still would have been easy to minimize contact.
 

The meandering loop takes you through a hayfield, across a broad section of young tree growth in seasonal wetlands, into the forest, along the quiet river and close to completion there is a wonderful view across hayfields to the Holyoke Range. In late May I found the area rich with diverse birdsongs as a result of this multi-habitat area. The hayfield shows off a large pollinator garden with educational signage. The trail features a children's story book that can be read as you walk along. Curiously, it currently is winter themed - interesting to contemplate the opposite time of year surrounded by green foliage.

There are a few ponds along the way, starting at the parking lot, so your walk will keep water in view as you go. Young mallard duck families were busy feeding in a few spots. This is a great trail for families with young children who are likely to enjoy the many things to see and the extensive boardwalk section 3/4 of the way through the loop, quite reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson. With clear trail definition and railings along the boardwalks, it is easy to stay on the path. I especially appreciated the opportunity to be in a hayfield, even feel the grasses swaying alongside the trail, without having to put myself at undue risk of acquiring ticks.

Accessible Central Mass Outing and Riverside Picnic Opportunity

I found a lovely spot recently - nice and quiet - for a wheelchair accessible outing in Ware, Massachusetts. The Mass Central Rail Trail there features a new accessible side trail to a picnic spot next to a gentle river. On a sunny and warm spring afternoon I saw only a few people on the trail. The primary use of the 8-10 foot wide trail is for people walking, biking and cross country skiing. ATVs are not allowed.

There is plenty of sun along the 1/4 mile stretch of the flat stone dust rail trail until you arrive at the entrance to the short side trail on the left, marked by a small blue diamond marker as shown in photo. Once on the side trail, you can expect some shade and moderate grades (7% for 65 feet) down to a wheelchair accessible picnic table. The Ware River is gliding along peacefully close by.

River to Range - Wheelchair Accessible Walk in South Hadley

I found my way on a sunny but cool and windy day to a wheelchair accessible loop in South Hadley, Massachusetts, built in 2018. The trail is located on Ferry Street next to the Mt. Holyoke boathouse on the Connecticut River.

The one mile stone dust trail departs the 8 car parking lot at the end of a long open field. At this time of year before the leaves are out, you can see the river and mountains on the other side. A big part of the loop travels around this field on level ground, with a stint through the woods at the far end that involves more varied terrain. You will find no restrooms at this location, but plenty of open space and fresh air.

Quieter Walks in South Central Massachusetts

I explored two wonderful wheelchair accessible trails yesterday - one in Palmer and one in Fiskdale/Sturbridge. Both are worth a visit in this time of social distancing as they are less well-known by the world at large. As town properties they are more locally used and in both locations I was by myself most of the time. Both trails were recently constructed with funding support from the DCR Recreation Trails Grant Program. If you live relatively local to them, consider a visit! If you go, please follow our state government guidance for visiting parks:

Stay Close to Home - Visit a Park Within Walking Distance or a Short Drive

Practice Social Distancing - Maintain 6 Feet of Space Between You and Other Visitors

Keep Hikes Simple, Easy and Safe to Avoid Injury - Don’t Take Risks 

Be Prepared - Bring Map, Phone and Water

Avoid Crowds and Group Recreation at All Times

Limit the Time of Your Visit - Keep it Short Avoid the Crowds

Visit During Less Busy Times - Early Mornings and Weekdays

Trash Cans are Not Available Take Trash Home - Dispose of Trash at Home

Wear a Face Mask or Face Covering When Outside of the House

Avoid Touching Shared Surfaces Practice Good Hygiene At All Times

The Universal Access Trail Loop in Palmer is located on First Street. It's an easy find off Route 181 west of downtown - a Shell Station is a good landmark for locating the turn. A sign says "Palmer Industrial Park" but don't be dissuaded as there is just one business there. Otherwise there is a parking lot off a circle large enough to accommodate 6-8 cars, with one spot designated for accessible parking. You'll have to navigate a slight downward grade towards a row of boulders at the entrance, with one 32" wide entry for wheelchair passage onto the 1/4 mile trail. Once on the trail it should be smooth traveling around a level loop alongside the Swift River.

Take a Walk on the Quieter Wild Side

In Northfield, Massachusetts, there is a fine example of a local wheelchair accessible trail that takes you into the forest to a delightful hidden pond. The half mile loop trail is sandwiched among private properties off Route 63, five and a half miles north of Route 2/Millers Falls. If you aren't watching carefully on the road you might fly right by this small jewel. Such local and lesser known trails are a wonderful option to get out of the house without having to face overcrowded parks during the current period of social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

I have been visiting the Ames Accessible Trail at Alderbrook Meadows during the past month as I live just a few miles away. Either I have the place to myself or I see a couple of people. The parking lot has 3 designated accessible parking spots. Vehicles without wheelchair users can park along the roadside where there is plenty of available space. There is no restroom facility.

This is a great spot to observe the coming of spring. Over the warmer months I have had some wonderful encounters with birds, butterflies and wildflowers here. It's a nice place to visit during a light rain as well - that is when I've witnessed larger wildlife on site, including beaver and coyote.