Mt. Tom Trailhead North Park Offers New Accessible Hiking Trail

      

The parking lot with Mt. Nonotuck distant.

         I broke out of office confinement on a sunny,  late November weekday afternoon to check out the new accessible trail at Mt. Tom Trailhead North Park in Easthampton. It was the right choice! Anticipating a relatively flat trail, I was surprised to find an accessible trail on a low mountain slope that climbs to a view.

        A 9-car parking lot at approximately 108 East Street is located at the foot of the western slope of Mt. Nonotuck. When I arrived, the lot was almost full, and once I parked it was full for cars not requiring one of the two accessible parking spaces. These spots were vacant. As I was getting ready to walk the recently constructed trail, a couple of cars came looking to park and left. Be aware that this Trailhead Park is a trailhead indeed, leading on to other hiking trails up the mountain. It's already a popular spot for hikers.

The start of the trail is relatively flat.

        The accessible portion of the trail, which starts everyone's climb upward, is built to U.S. Forest Service guidelines. The park's website states that trail grades between 5-8% do not exceed 200 feet in length, and trail grades from 8.5-10% do not exceed 30 feet. Based on this, there appears to be no more than a 10% grade on the .37 mile accessible section, which switchbacks up then culminates in a relatively level loop in an open field with views. 

Passing by birches along the trail.

        I was impressed with the upward travel so well-crafted that there are level sections with seating along the way. I would have guessed the grades were steeper. Traveling from one level section to another, the hiker is treated to an adjustment period before each next climb. Word on the street is that people using mobility devices have been enjoying the trail.

        As you traverse the terrain, you enjoy view of stately oaks from trunk level well into the canopy. Partway up a magnificent white birch stands in the open. When you reach the field, the birch is part of the landscape view at a distance. The perspective in this location is fantastic for opening your horizons and clearing your mind. 

             

A woman using walking sticks near an accessible picnic table.

        Although I didn't see anyone using a wheeled mobility device, an older woman was using hiking sticks. As I walked behind her, it dawned on me that this trail is idea for building one's strength and fitness for gentle climbing - a great outdoor rehabilitation area after surgery or long absence from substantial activity. The crushed stone trail makes for easy walking. The view at the field is a perfect hiker's reward. 

The field loop shows accessible picnic tables 
and a sweeping view.

      It is worth mentioning Little Mountain, a wooded knob next to the accessible field loop, that has a gentle hiking trail around it. Walkers who can handle a narrower footpath, steeper cross slopes, and increased but still gentle grade changes are likely to enjoy this adjacent trail as an extension of the trip, and as a miniature version of the larger mountainous outcroppings above.

     History buffs might enjoy learning about the Eyrie House ruins, located higher up at the top of Mt. Nonotuck. A former inn and recreational retreat was a popular destination in the 19th century.   

A trail kiosk with images of the views.

        For those who enjoy some intellectual stimulation, there are a series of wayside panels along the way that inform about the landscape, its geology, history, and inspirational aspects. Artwork from the 19th century is featured, as the area and its Connecticut River oxbow views inspired new attitudes towards nature at the time. Thomas Cole and other painters promoted a view of nature not as something to be feared and conquered, but as a place of great beauty and restorative energy. And indeed, that is what you can find on a stroll along this accessible trail!

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.