Walking Up Wachusett Mountain with Waypoint Adventure

Seated hiker with helper in front and behind.

     This first week of November I had the pleasure of joining a Waypoint Adventure hike on Mt. Wachusett! It was our first DCR Universal Access Program hike on this prominent peak that dominates central Massachusetts. I was especially interested in seeing the TrailRider in use for two participants who cannot walk. This environmentally-friendly one-wheeled rig seems like a cross between a rickshaw and a wheelbarrow. Designed in Vancouver, Canada, it first seems lengthy and cumbersome but is fantastic adaptive equipment when plenty of help is available to assist seated hikers.

     Wachusett Mountain is a scenic state park with rugged hiking trails and spectacular views. A visitor center at the bottom of the mountain offers indoor exhibits and restrooms and is a great place to stop prior to entering the park. From here you can drive to the top via the auto road, however it is closed after October 31st and re-opens Memorial Day weekend. 

Steve from Waypoint pushes from behind.

     For our hike we started from the nearby Echo Lake Trailhead, where there is ample roadside parking, then hiked the wide and graveled Administration Road, passing flowing water along the way. This route took us to the paved auto road, where asphalt was a welcome relief for our group as the terrain got steeper. Without vehicular traffic, we were able to enjoy the peace and quiet without disruption. Just a few people on foot passed us by on a sunny weekday.

     Our two participant hikers were each accompanied by a caregiver. One participant was a local woman who's father is an avid hiker of Wachusett  Mountain and other New England peaks. He used to carry her up with him as a child until she grew too big. They were both thrilled to be back hiking on the mountain together. Our other participant was a man from Burma who had formerly been an active athlete and backcountry explorer in his home country. A series of strokes changed his abilities and he was left believing that he could no longer do the things that brought him into the deeper contact with nature he so loved. Needless to say, everyone was thrilled to help him enjoy the outdoors and climb a mountain.

Two helpers in front and one behind a happy hiker.

     A team of 9 staff and volunteers assisted the two TrailRiders, swapping out positions in front and back of our seated hikers. The single wheel allows for great maneuverability on narrow trails with rocks and other obstacles. The TrailRider is designed to have one person up front and one behind, providing stability and propulsion. Gravel and paved roads seemed like easy fare for this intrepid device. Due to the steady uphill hike and wide roadway, we experimented with having two people pull and two push, in combinations of twos and threes. In the end, my observation is that body mechanics of the helpers and even the stability of the TrailRider becomes compromised with more than two support hikers.

A group of hikers pose triumphantly with a view.

     It is always such a joy to be part of a Waypoint Adventure program! Their staff are skilled and confident, providing just the right level of expertise and guiding volunteer support with ease.  They offer a wide range of adaptive hiking equipment, and exciting outdoor activities such as kayaking and rock climbing as well. Excellent planning allowed us to achieve our goal, to reach a scenic lookout along the auto road for lunch. After that the downhill return through the glorious oaks was a breeze.

Wachusett Mountain features a downhill ski center, with an adaptive ski program. Consider a visit to Wachusett Mountain any time of year!

    DCR (Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation) advocates for people to be mindful of the pandemic situation and follow current safe practices outlined by the CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health.