Accessible Trails and Parks Along the Neponset River in Dorchester

Winter snowless view of trail with distant pavilion.

I have been visiting Pope John Paul II Park Reservation on the Neponset River in Dorchester over the past few months. The park offers open space with big sky, views of the water, and an urban exploration of nature. A paved series of loop trails allows for wheelchair access and fitness opportunities. Restoration and protection of the urban wild along the river gives nature lovers a chance to enjoy birds, especially in winter.

        Pope John Paul II, or PJP II, was once a landfill, and this is evident in the rolling terrain with a prominent hill. This is a specific park linked along the riverway to several other parks via 10 foot wide paved walkways and the Lower Neponset River Trail. From PJP II, located on Hallet Street in Dorchester, it is possible to achieve a summit experience, with 2 accessible shelters atop the grassy hill with picnic tables. A paved trail with very modest grades (<5%) make this hilltop very accessible. I hear its a great place to fly kites.

A Wonderful Micro-Adventure in Story Walks

The Story Walk begins with the book cover.

        I just discovered a new Story Walk at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls. Perfect for Thanksgiving, though unrelated, the featured story is "Thank the Animals", a Native American tale shared by Passamaquoddy storyteller Allan Sockabasin.

        If Story Walks are new to you, this family-friendly concept combines children's stories with short walks. Storybook pages are presented in sequence on posts for a reasonable distance that can be on a lawn or along a sidewalk or trail. Walking as you enjoy a story is a welcoming way to exercise, or warm up for a longer walk. The Story Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT, in 2007 and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Now they can be found all over the U.S. and beyond.

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. 

Natural Riverside Stroll at Bradley Palmer State Park

A curve in the boardwalk through a wetland.

         One of the nicest accessible trails can be found at Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield, MA. I visited last week to check for damage after a summer of heavy rains and found the trail in great condition overall. I hadn't been there in 5 years or so and it was refreshing to stroll this natural setting along the Ipswich River.

        The half mile trail starts just inside the park entrance at 40 Asbury Street. After you pass through the stone wall entrance, take your very first left down a short lane past a house to the trailhead and a small parking area with two paved accessible parking spots designated.      

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. 

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. 

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?"

Two Boston Area Accessible Winter Walks

Three people, including one in a wheelchair,
walk alongside ice covered water.

With a chill in the air and a touch of snow on the ground, it is still vital for health and well-being to get fresh air and exercise. I did some exploration in the Boston area of two accessible trails to check accessibility this week.

My first stop was Webb Memorial State Park at 371 River Street in North Weymouth on Boston's south shore. I needed a dose of sea air and views of the water! This park is a peninsula that extends into Hingham Bay and offers views of Boston, the harbor, and islands. Much to my delight I found the bathrooms not only open, but heated, with warm water coming from the sink faucet at Webb Memorial State Park!! Thank you DCR! Be aware that there is about an inch of threshold to navigate to get into the restroom, otherwise the interior is accessible.

Scenic Treasures on the Taunton River

A man sitting along a boardwalk views a battleship.

I was driving in southeastern Massachusetts this week of Veteran's Day and re-discovered a couple of short accessible trails well worth mentioning for their historical significance.

The first is in Fall River, at Fall River Heritage State Park. Though the visitor center remains closed during the pandemic, the urban waterfront park and its three-quarter mile trail are open. Most helpful of all, the accessible bathroom is open and can be accessed from a separate door on the building's exterior.

Park your vehicle in one of two small parking lots off Davol Street near a community sailing facility or at Battleship Cove on 5 Water Street. This historical area is located very close to I-195 along the Taunton River. A paved and boardwalk trail circles the Heritage Park Visitor Center with a short connecting bridge to Battleship Cove. The ships sitting right there in the cove are quite impressive, as is the highway bridge over the river. It all makes for some very dynamic visuals. The USS Massachusetts is resting here, a well decorated battleship from WWII.

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.

Seekonk Town Hall Trails in SE Massachusetts

Trail head behind town hall.

The town of Seekonk in southeastern Massachusetts - not far from Providence, RI - has a nice accessible trail starting right at the town hall. This trails project, partially funded through DCR's Recreation Trails Grant program, offers visitors an opportunity to hike through the woods to a wetland view.

The town hall can be found at 100 Peck Street. Once there you'll find a brand new accessible playground right at the town hall, along with a picnic area and new parking lot. When I visited in August these new features were still under construction but close to being finished.

Shady deck ends the accessible trail portion.

A short partially paved access route will bring you to the start of the red trail just beyond the picnic tables. What I like about this short trail - just 1/6 of a mile - is how easy it is to slip into nature in an urban environment. The stone dust path soon reaches a trail junction. From here, the accessible yellow trail will take you through the woods to the YMCA. The red trail continues to a tiny observation deck before it changes to boardwalk that leads to a larger deck. Along this route you can observe various plants and potentially wildlife in a damp forest. Reaching the deck view completes the wheelchair accessible portion of the trail - a worthy and enjoyable journey. 

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.

Reflect on Healing in Nature at Attleboro Springs

Located in southeastern Massachusetts, the Attleboro Springs All Persons Trail is a fun and accessible exploration. This Massachusetts Audubon property has a special contemplative focus as it is just behind the national Catholic shrine known as Our Lady of La Salette. Here, along Brothers Pond, you can reflect on whatever needs your spiritual attention, or simply enjoy the nature of the place. This trail is also called the "Reflection Trail" and is on the grounds of a former healing sanitarium - a place devoted to healing conditions that cause suffering, often using the power of nature to support this process. 

The Reflection Trail is a half mile loop on level ground, with a six foot wide stone dust trail and several interesting stops along the way. It is almost entirely forested with a mix of oak and pine. Many trees are quite tall and in one spot along this trail you will likely notice a huge oak that has been blown down. After the pondside section near the beginning, you pass through a vernal pool - a seasonal pool often filled with water in spring and fall but typically dry in the summer, as it is now in our present drought conditions. There is an interesting side trail to an outcropping of puddingstone, as well as one into a circle of oaks. Puddingstone, said to resemble English plum pudding, was formed a billion years ago in northeastern Canada and delivered by glacier to this spot as well as other locations in New England. I learned this from the audio tour available for this trail.

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.

Along the Old Mill Trail in the Berkshires

I visited the Old Mill Trail in Hinsdale, Massachusetts this spring. Located in the southern Berkshires off Route 8, this trail is an inviting streamside experience.  Recent improvements to correct a few bridge access issues along the trail have inspired me now to let others know about this wonderful accessible trail opportunity. It is a refreshing place to be outdoors on a hot day. The further you go down the trail, the deeper and cooler the woods become.

The wheelchair accessible portion of the Old Mill Trail is 3/4 of a mile along the 1.5 mile linear trail that starts at the intersection of Old Dalton Road and Route 8. Continuing on beyond the 3/4 mile accessibility point will soon get you into more roots and rocks as the trail crosses under Route 8 to its final turnaround point. Either way, bear in mind to double the distance for your total hiking mileage. The trail is flat to moderate terrain and hard-packed dirt and stone dust. A kiosk at the trail head will help with onsite orientation. You can also click here for a map.

Jordan Pond - A Quieter Trail Outing Near Worcester

Thanks again to Laila Soleimani, from DCR's Universal Access Program, for finding a quiet spot in the Worcester Area we can recommend for local folks. 

Last Wednesday, I visited Jordan Pond Walking Trail in Shrewsbury. I’ve gotten several inquiries about accessible hiking areas in the Worcester area so I was excited to check out this trail in central Massachusetts. The address to the best, most accessible parking lot is 34 Ridgeland Road in Shrewsbury. This trail provides many beautiful views of Jordan Pond. In fact, you’re so engulfed in the greenery and scenic views that surround the trail, it’s hard to believe that you’re just a few minutes away from busy Route 9.

This accessible walking trail is paved, flat, about 7.5 ft wide and runs along Jordan Pond (please note: there is also a non-accessible wood path/dirt road which runs along the other side of the pond). From the parking lot down the paved trail and back is just shy of a mile at approximately 0.8 miles long. There are no restrooms here, but there are many fast food restaurants located about a half mile away where you can find bathrooms available.  I barely heard the sound of cars or traffic in the area. 

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.