Ellisville Harbor Easy Walk to Rare Coastal Views

A flat, dirt trail through the woods.

 Guest Post! With permission for our Easy Walk friend, Marjorie Turner Hollman, here is her excellent post about an opportunity to experience an undeveloped coastal area and observe seals near Plymouth, Massachusetts.  Please note this is not a wheelchair accessible trail but does offer an easy walk to an overlook.                                                                                                                                      This was our second visit to Ellisville Harbor State Park in Plymouth, MA. On our first visit in August, we were led to believe the path to the shoreline was at least a mile. Since my “on foot” range is about two miles, this would leave no energy for actually walking on the beach. We chose to head on, and ended up at Shifting Lots Preserve, another open space quite nearby. We returned to the state park on a cool day in December, and decided to try reaching the beach. Turns out, the trail is closer to a half mile out, well within my capabilities when the weather is cool outside.

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. 

Cape Cod's Crosby Landing - A Special Spot of Natural Beauty

 

Cairn and vegetation along Namskaket Sea Path.

       A lesser known part of Nickerson State Park in Brewster, MA is Crosby Landing. While not a designated accessible area it is worth considering a visit, especially if you have someone to assist you if you use a wheelchair. You may be surprised to find that just past a short stretch of soft sand there is a natural hardpacked trail that parallels the beach for a half mile or so, with spectacular bayside views of marsh and tidal flats. It is called the Namskaket Sea Path. The trail width is just wide enough for wheelchair passage though dune vegetation.

        To get there, almost opposite the main entrance to Nickerson State Park, there is a short drive to the beach parking lot at the end of Crosby Lane. Along this paved lane, you'll pass a beautiful old estate, Crosby Mansion. In the lot there is one designated accessible parking space. 

Check out Mary O'Malley Park in Chelsea!

Guest Post from Laila Soleimani of DCR's Universal Access Program. Laila is an Outreach Specialist working to help people discover new opportunities.

Tucked away in an inner suburb of Boston, you will find Mary O’Malley Park. If you’re looking for an easy, leisurely, accessible stroll or just a beautiful place to spend some time relaxing in the urban outdoors, then this is just the spot for you! Last week, I had the opportunity to visit this family and dog-friendly location on a quiet, spring Thursday morning.

Exploring the Southern Berkshires - Bash Bish Falls and BNRC Trails

I took a step back in time this week and traveled to the Berkshires, where at higher elevation, spring is a week or so behind the Connecticut River Valley and urban places. It was a relief to have less pollen to contend with in these allergy prone times.

It also turns out to be a nice time to visit Bash Bish Falls State Park- before the crowds arrive for the summer. With a jumble of big rocks and a cascade ending in an 80' drop, this waterfall will not disappoint - but it is also a serious people magnet. This popular park in the southwest corner of Massachusetts is heavily visited from Memorial Day through Labor day and probably well into the fall. The main entrance is in New York state, where this park is called Taconic State Park. It is a quick trip from the New York City area. I would think twice before going on weekends. There can be 2-3000 people visiting this small rugged park to picnic and enjoy the cooler temperatures and cold water rushing off of adjacent mountains. 

Easy Walk at Chestnut Hill Reservation

Reservoir loop trail with well-packed snow.

I took a Sunday afternoon stroll in Brighton yesterday at Chestnut Hill Reservation. The 1.5 mile loop around the reservoir is one of DCR's Healthy Heart trails and a popular place to walk alone or with others. My iPhone clocked it at 2 miles around, which for me was a hour's walk. Social distancing is easy on the 15 foot wide hard-packed stone dust pathway.

The reservoir loop is entirely level also. Most people might be inclined to park in a small lot for about 20 cars at 355 Chestnut Hill Road known as Gate A next to the Reilly Skating Rink. There are no accessible parking places for people with disabilities in this lot, probably because of a steep 100 foot paved entry up to the water level and wide gravel walkway. 

Scenic Easy Walk In North Central Massachusetts

Scenic roadway along the Quabbin shoreline.

Despite a gray cloudy day I ventured over to Gate 35 at the Quabbin today. A facebook follower had alerted me a few months ago to this unexpected wheelchair accessible experience and finally I had a chance to follow up. What a lovely find!

Gate 35 is located along the northeastern tip of the massive reservoir, technically in the town of Athol, at the end of N. Old Dana Road off Route 122 in New Salem. There is roadside parking at the gated end of the road and room around the gate to pass through in a wheelchair. A kiosk with map and various rules is within sight at a fork in the dirt road beyond the gate. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.