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.

Stroll Through Former Estate Grounds in Leominster

This week I ventured to Leominster to investigate wheelchair accessible trails in north central Massachusetts on a Trustees of Reservations property. The trails were easy to locate off Route 2. I was happy to discover 1.5 miles of accessible trail at the Doyle Community Park and Center are in good condition with much to enjoy along the way.

The Doyle Community Park and Center offers two wheelchair accessible loops through forest, meadows and parklands of former estate property. The Doyle Estate trail is .8 mile and the Pierce Meadow trail is .4 mile. There is a  quarter mile connector trail between them that passes through the main visitor parking lot. Both trails are 6 feet wide - sometimes wider - with hard packed stone dust for easy travel. The park offers several interesting highlights, as well as places to picnic and sit along the trails. The visitor center and restrooms are not currently open, so be aware there are no restrooms available.

Eagles Reserve - A Wheelchair Accessible Walk on the Wild Side

For those in north central Massachusetts looking for a new vista, Eagle's Reserve Conservation Area is a worthy drive. The Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust has built a beautiful wheelchair accessible trail to the water's edge of an extensive wetland where yes, you can see eagles soaring.

It is probably a lengthy drive to Eagles Reserve for most visitors and on back roads so you will definitely see countryside on your way. The destination is ultimately local, just perfect for those seeking some quieter time away from people. You might see another vehicle in the 6-8 car lot, but most likely you won't. Watch for the small sign along the road at 55 Winchendon Road, Royalston.

A kiosk with map awaits you at the start of the trail, where you can get oriented and learn a bit more about this wild spot not far from Royalston center. The David H. Small Community Nature Trail is named after a wonderful local independent naturalist, president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club, and former DCR Assistant Regional Director for the Quabbin Reservoir. Dave's enthusiasm about nature has been a gift to his community for decades and he remains actively involved in everything to do with birds, dragonflies, moths, and more.

Mutters Field - A Respite in Nature in the Pioneer Valley

If you are seek to get outside in the Pioneer Valley, there are several good wheelchair accessible opportunities to avoid crowds. Part of the trick is to go in the morning or later in the afternoon on weekdays.

Looking for a quiet wheelchair accessible spot in nature not far off the beaten track? Mutters Field in Easthampton offers a gentle third of a mile stroll around a field surrounded by trees, with a view of a narrow brook and a glimpse of Mt. Tom. Along the way you can learn about rain gardens, invasive species, monarch butterflies, bluebirds, and more by reading colorful interpretive signs. There are 6 benches with pullout space around the loop, 2 picnic tables, and a pavilion with benches as well. While you can hear occasional cars passing by on East Street, I discovered that this spot truly offers respite in nature. While there I saw a couple of people who were easy to see in advance and avoid or pass.

Revisiting the Fort River Accessible Trail in Hadley

It had been five years since I last visited the spectacular accessible trail in Hadley. The Fort River Trail is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's Silvio O. Conte National Wildlife Refuge located in the central Pioneer Valley. I checked out the trail after it opened in 2014 and was pleased to see that this 1.1 mile loop has been well cared for and has weathered all seasons since. I also couldn't help but notice that this is a great accessible trail option for our current era of social distancing.

The trail has a big parking area at 69 Moody Street in Hadley, and at least 10 pull over areas including observation decks and pavilions. There are plenty of benches along the 5' wide stone dust and boardwalk trail. I was surprised to see about 6 cars in the lot and only a few people on the trail during my hour and a half there on a refreshingly cool morning before temperatures hit the 80s. The trail is one-way to support social distancing as well. There could have been many more people on the trail and it still would have been easy to minimize contact.
 

The meandering loop takes you through a hayfield, across a broad section of young tree growth in seasonal wetlands, into the forest, along the quiet river and close to completion there is a wonderful view across hayfields to the Holyoke Range. In late May I found the area rich with diverse birdsongs as a result of this multi-habitat area. The hayfield shows off a large pollinator garden with educational signage. The trail features a children's story book that can be read as you walk along. Curiously, it currently is winter themed - interesting to contemplate the opposite time of year surrounded by green foliage.

There are a few ponds along the way, starting at the parking lot, so your walk will keep water in view as you go. Young mallard duck families were busy feeding in a few spots. This is a great trail for families with young children who are likely to enjoy the many things to see and the extensive boardwalk section 3/4 of the way through the loop, quite reminiscent of Swiss Family Robinson. With clear trail definition and railings along the boardwalks, it is easy to stay on the path. I especially appreciated the opportunity to be in a hayfield, even feel the grasses swaying alongside the trail, without having to put myself at undue risk of acquiring ticks.

Accessible Central Mass Outing and Riverside Picnic Opportunity

I found a lovely spot recently - nice and quiet - for a wheelchair accessible outing in Ware, Massachusetts. The Mass Central Rail Trail there features a new accessible side trail to a picnic spot next to a gentle river. On a sunny and warm spring afternoon I saw only a few people on the trail. The primary use of the 8-10 foot wide trail is for people walking, biking and cross country skiing. ATVs are not allowed.

There is plenty of sun along the 1/4 mile stretch of the flat stone dust rail trail until you arrive at the entrance to the short side trail on the left, marked by a small blue diamond marker as shown in photo. Once on the side trail, you can expect some shade and moderate grades (7% for 65 feet) down to a wheelchair accessible picnic table. The Ware River is gliding along peacefully close by.

River to Range - Wheelchair Accessible Walk in South Hadley

I found my way on a sunny but cool and windy day to a wheelchair accessible loop in South Hadley, Massachusetts, built in 2018. The trail is located on Ferry Street next to the Mt. Holyoke boathouse on the Connecticut River.

The one mile stone dust trail departs the 8 car parking lot at the end of a long open field. At this time of year before the leaves are out, you can see the river and mountains on the other side. A big part of the loop travels around this field on level ground, with a stint through the woods at the far end that involves more varied terrain. You will find no restrooms at this location, but plenty of open space and fresh air.

Quieter Walks in South Central Massachusetts

I explored two wonderful wheelchair accessible trails yesterday - one in Palmer and one in Fiskdale/Sturbridge. Both are worth a visit in this time of social distancing as they are less well-known by the world at large. As town properties they are more locally used and in both locations I was by myself most of the time. Both trails were recently constructed with funding support from the DCR Recreation Trails Grant Program. If you live relatively local to them, consider a visit! If you go, please follow our state government guidance for visiting parks:

Stay Close to Home - Visit a Park Within Walking Distance or a Short Drive

Practice Social Distancing - Maintain 6 Feet of Space Between You and Other Visitors

Keep Hikes Simple, Easy and Safe to Avoid Injury - Don’t Take Risks 

Be Prepared - Bring Map, Phone and Water

Avoid Crowds and Group Recreation at All Times

Limit the Time of Your Visit - Keep it Short Avoid the Crowds

Visit During Less Busy Times - Early Mornings and Weekdays

Trash Cans are Not Available Take Trash Home - Dispose of Trash at Home

Wear a Face Mask or Face Covering When Outside of the House

Avoid Touching Shared Surfaces Practice Good Hygiene At All Times

The Universal Access Trail Loop in Palmer is located on First Street. It's an easy find off Route 181 west of downtown - a Shell Station is a good landmark for locating the turn. A sign says "Palmer Industrial Park" but don't be dissuaded as there is just one business there. Otherwise there is a parking lot off a circle large enough to accommodate 6-8 cars, with one spot designated for accessible parking. You'll have to navigate a slight downward grade towards a row of boulders at the entrance, with one 32" wide entry for wheelchair passage onto the 1/4 mile trail. Once on the trail it should be smooth traveling around a level loop alongside the Swift River.

Take a Walk on the Quieter Wild Side

In Northfield, Massachusetts, there is a fine example of a local wheelchair accessible trail that takes you into the forest to a delightful hidden pond. The half mile loop trail is sandwiched among private properties off Route 63, five and a half miles north of Route 2/Millers Falls. If you aren't watching carefully on the road you might fly right by this small jewel. Such local and lesser known trails are a wonderful option to get out of the house without having to face overcrowded parks during the current period of social restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

I have been visiting the Ames Accessible Trail at Alderbrook Meadows during the past month as I live just a few miles away. Either I have the place to myself or I see a couple of people. The parking lot has 3 designated accessible parking spots. Vehicles without wheelchair users can park along the roadside where there is plenty of available space. There is no restroom facility.

This is a great spot to observe the coming of spring. Over the warmer months I have had some wonderful encounters with birds, butterflies and wildflowers here. It's a nice place to visit during a light rain as well - that is when I've witnessed larger wildlife on site, including beaver and coyote.

Explore Adaptive Mountain Biking at "Knobby Tire" Event

Swapping wheels to knobby tires is just the beginning of improving access to rugged trails. Then come the adaptive models that accommodate people with various disabilities. These designs are ever evolving and the Knobby Tire Ride and Roll is a unique event where you can try out a variety of adaptive mountain bikes and get out on the trail! Thanks to DCR's Universal Access Outreach Specialist Laila Soleimani for checking out the following event in Carlisle, Massachusetts and writing this post!

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an event called the ‘Knobby Tire Ride and Roll’ at Great Brook Farm State Park this fall. Knobby Tire is a fundraiser for Empower SCI, a non-profit organization, co-founded in 2012 by Carrie Callahan, providing therapeutic services to individuals with spinal cord injuries. The fundraiser is an all-ability trail ride event with all proceeds raised going directly towards Empower SCI’s residential rehabilitation program.

This program offers an annual two week residential rehab program, now in its fifth year, bringing together professionals in July to help participants with spinal cord injuries learn the tools they need to live more independently. I was amazed to learn that since Empower was established, not a single staff member has been paid and that all of these professionals volunteer their time!

Zoe Norcross from Spaulding Adaptive Sports Center kicked things off by giving the group an equipment fitting demonstration. The raffle prize table was filled with awesome items donated by  Cannondale, Eastern Mountain Sports, The Roots Channel and other businesses.  Food was served by volunteers! Bike-On brought adaptive bikes for participants to use, Northeast Passage brought adaptive hiking chairs, and Cycle Loft was on deck to provide mechanical support. Adaptive equipment demonstrations took place throughout the day as more and more riders showed up. The Ice Trike Full Fat cycle Bike-On brought was popular amongst fundraiser attendees. This recumbent cycle has fat tires adapted for riding over rugged trails and whatever elements one might encounter.

The Knobby Tire fundraiser was inspired by Ryan DeRoche. I first had the pleasure of meeting Ryan at one of our adaptive skating programs in Brockton last winter. Ryan told me that he fell in love with mountain biking at very young age, where his passion for the sport eventually led him to mountain bike racing. After sustaining a spinal cord injury in 2011, he was hesitant to get back on the trails. His friends at Empower took him out at Middlesex Fells Reservation in his manual chair in 2014 for the first time since his accident. 

“They tied ropes to the front of it and pulled me through the orange trail. It was so liberating and healing to be in the woods. It was always a very comforting place for me. That was the first time I felt that comfort since my injury in 2011,” said DeRoche.

This amazing experience helped Ryan realize that it was still possible to participate in the sport he loved so much. “That day I went home to look for a mountain bike that would allow me to get out on the trails without the need of ropes and 4 other people.” It is Ryan’s hope that others with spinal cord injuries can have similar experiences and he continues to spread this message through events like the Knobby Tire fundraiser, which he said is “designed to get people back to the woods in whatever way they can.”

As the day began winding down, I felt proud to have been part of such an incredible group of people and such an awesome day. Given the great success of the ‘Knobby Tire Ride and Roll’ fundraiser, Empower plans to host the event again next September for the third consecutive year. I had a blast at this fundraiser and cannot wait for next year’s! If you’d like to get involved, please contact Carrie Callahan at ccallahan@empowersci.org.