Winter Outings for Wheelchair Users

Thoreau's cabin replica in a light dusting of snow
with sign and sculpture of Thoreau walking.

“We should go forth on the shortest walk, perchance, in the spirit of undying adventure....." - Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau, one of our Massachusetts literary icons of the 19th century, spent a famous 2 years, 2 months and 2 days living in a cabin on the shore of Walden Pond. An intrepid spirit, he also wrote: 

“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least—and it is commonly more than that—sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements. "

Nowadays we all suffer from cabin fever and fresh air is more important than ever. The pandemic is a steady challenge and some people simply may not be able to go out. For those who can, our walks may be quite limited by time constraints along with short days and winter conditions. Winter's cold, snow and ice present tough challenges for many people with disabilities. It is daunting to consider going out. Forty minutes, let alone, 4 hours, may be an ambitious undertaking for many, yet even just sticking your head out the door, can be beneficial for your health and well-being. But the question remains, where can you go for an accessible trail experience in the winter? On top of that we now add "where there aren't too many people?"

Ice may be on accessible trails even without 
snow on the ground. 

Luckily, most parks tend to be less busy in the winter, though nicer days bring out more trail users. Hardly any wheelchair accessible trails are maintained for winter use, so people must be attentive to weather forecasts and current conditions before venturing out. Even in snowless conditions, ice can still be a hazard. Those in urban areas can rely somewhat on sidewalk maintenance for accessible pathways, but this usually won't get you too far into nature. Still, studies have shown that heart rates and blood pressure go down for people who stroll even among urban trees. Oxygen rates go up. It's worth getting out there to whatever degree you can! Nature is a stress reliever and we can all use that these days.

Accessible benches may be snow-covered, as shown on
Walden Pond's new trail. Consider bringing a cushion if 
someone in your party will need to use benches.

If you can make your way to a park with a wheelchair accessible trail in winter, doing so in a window of good conditions can be well worth the effort. Such ventures do require extra attention to potential hazards, but this should not stop you from going out. Start by making the most of any warmer weather periods when snow and ice have melted!

For a list of likely winter accessible trails in Massachusetts, scroll to "For any winter outing...". To sample a recent outing, keep reading from here.

Recently I visited Walden Pond State Reservation in Concord, to check out a newly constructed wheelchair accessible trail. I found a mix of good and tricky conditions. Even with a little snow on the ground, the trail was mostly navigable, and no one else was using it. Bringing along a companion or two to assist with any tough spots is highly advisable. Knowing when to turn around is wisdom in action. You can always consider the trip reconnaissance for a future visit if conditions turn out to be inaccessible or the place is too crowded. 

If you decide to visit Walden Pond, the new trail takes you from the parking lot to Henry's cabin site, a round trip of one mile. You will need to travel the trail alongside the main roadway a quarter mile before you turn into the woods and into some moderate terrain with grades reaching 10% at times. There are plenty of benches along the way to the memorial spot. 

A cellphone snapshot of the Walden trail map.

Although you will be able to hear the sounds of Route 2, it is a lovely venture into the woods. Just be aware that not all the signage along the trail is installed yet, so pay close attention to the wayside map at the start of the trail. I always like to take a picture of these park maps on my phone to bring with me along the path. With light snow on the ground, it is very easy to turn into the woods at the first turn instead of the second, which will soon put you on difficult terrain.

Crosswalk landing shows a tricky area due to adjacent slope. 

There is noteworthy tricky spot for this excursion at the end of the cross walk from the parking lot. The landing area is briefly flat then the land tilts downward towards the pond and the trail kiosk. You must be able to make an immediate right hand turn to transition onto the trail. Park staff work to keep this level transition as clear as possible but there may be times when it is yet to be shoveled clear of snow. This is a key spot for having a companion to assist, and, it may be advisable to contact the park prior to visiting to check conditions. This situation is temporary until an accessible trail to the pond bath house is built in the next year or so with a larger level landing to cover the whole entry area.

For any winter outing, dress for the weather of course and keep your expectations relaxed. Even if the destination isn't achievable, chances are you have gotten yourself into the woods, as well as some fresh air. If you go to Walden Pond, you can see the replica of Thoreau's cabin from the parking lot. I also found the accessible bathrooms open at the back of the Visitor Center there, as well as the gift shop. DCR Visitor Centers are currently closed during the pandemic. There are some online brochures about Thoreau if you wish to get a quick overview of his life and his cabin sojourn. 

Paved trail travels around marshes from Caddy Park.

Keeping in mind that southern and coastal areas as well as lower valleys are most likely to melt out sooner in warming winter conditions, here is a list of likely outings at DCR parks. I recommend calling the park 1-2 days in advance to ask about conditions on the trail, to give staff time to return your call if they aren't in the office. Then plan accordingly based on the weather forecast. If restrooms are listed as open below, double check when you call.

Boston Area: Take advantage of some plowed trail opportunities!

Belmont - Beaver Brook Reservation, South Loop - trails plowed in winter, access via Wilson Street along Waverly Hills Blvd, a short distance down a sidewalk from the main parking lot

Dorchester - Lower Neponset River Trail - access this 5 mile bike path via Pope John Paul II Park Reservation in Boston, which also had paved trails along the Neponset River

Medford - Torbert MacDonald State Park - level trails plowed 4 feet wide in winter along Mystic River Parkway, use parking lot to access

MacDonald Park trails plowed in winter.

Around Massachusetts: Rail trails offer level paved routes but are usually not plowed. They are usually  less busy in winter months.

Amherst/Hadley/Northampton - Norwottuck Rail Trail

Cape Cod - Cape Cod Rail Trail

Fall River - Fall River Heritage State Park - urban coastal short pathway, restrooms open in winter

Hingham - Wompatuck State Park - level forested roadways on former military base, 1.25 mile accessible trail

Quincy - Quincy Shores Reservation urban beach sidewalk and Caddy Park marsh trails

Turners Falls - Canalside Rail Trail 

Uxbridge - Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park - Riverbend Farm Canal Towpath - restrooms open this winter at the visitor center though the rest of the building is closed.

Wilson Road entrance at Beaver Brook in Belmont -
another plowed trail in the Boston area.

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