Massachusetts Trail Recommendations for Aging Hikers

Marcy on the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail.

     Many years ago, while representing DCR at a Big E booth, an older couple asked me where they could hike. They weren't looking for accessible trails. Having been avid hikers for a long time, they wanted to know what trails offered a better match for their changing abilities. 

     At the time, I was a bit stumped. Now, in my mid-60s, I get it. And since I've continued to hike over the years, I realize I have developed a list of places and strategies I've chosen that have worked well for me as my needs and abilities change. There are more active and aging hikers who want to keep in shape and enjoy a favorite form of recreation than ever before. We may be ambulatory and in reasonable condition but need to approach hiking differently to continue to benefit from all that hiking offers. 

New Accessible Trail with a View in Hubbardston, MA

Bench and view of Mt. Wachusett.

          I'm quite impressed with a newly constructed accessible trail that I learned about this summer. I was able to visit the 1-mile round trip trail while it was still under construction, then just revisited last week to experience the final results. If you live mid-state, especially in the northern tier, I highly recommend this hidden gem 15 minutes off Route 2. It will lead you gently and clearly to a lovely overlook with benches to enjoy a view of nearby Mt. Wachusett and a large glacial erratic known as "Dottie Rock".

Accessible parking spot at trailhead.

          The Dottie Rock Trail is located in the Malone Road Conservation Area. I find that putting Malone Road, Hubbardston, in my phone/GPS works well for driving directions, since the conservation area is at the end of the mile long road.

          Once there, you'll find an open circle where cars can park in a field near the forest edge. Park close to the trailhead if you wish to avoid shallow grooves in the lot. There are no bathrooms and no marked accessible parking, although there is a parking space meant for this purpose near the trailhead map. 

New Trailhead Signage Helps Trail Access

A sign next to a trail at Harold Parker State Forest.

          The Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is introducing new trailhead signage on selected trails statewide this fall. Trails that are considered reasonably accessible for people using mobility devices will have Trail Access Information signs at the starting point. 

          Trail Access Information (TAI) signs follow U.S. Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines to provide a quick reference to the elements of the trail experience, such as length, slope, cross slope, trail width, surface, and obstacles. The new TAI signs should help people preview the trail to determine if they can or want to use the trail.

A portion of a TAI sign showing trail surface info.

          DCR's Universal Access Program developed TAI signs, as well as directional and trailside signage, to improve everyone's ability to locate designated trails in a park, understand and follow them successfully.         

Six icons show different trail surfaces.