Easy Walks and Hikes in the Connecticut River Valley

The cover of Marjorie's recently
 published book. 

Easy walks and hikes are in ever higher demand as people age and yet there are too few ways to find out about them. Marjorie Turner Hollman provides a handy reference to Easy Walks (a term she has coined) in south central Massachusetts through her publications. Her latest book, "Finding Easy Walks Wherever You Are" provides essential information to help you seek out Easy Walks close to home, especially timely for the pandemic.

Marjorie has a few disabling conditions that make her an excellent measure of what is required of a trail to be considered an Easy Walk. In short, an Easy Walk would be on flat to mild terrain, have minimal low rocky conditions to navigate, and could be anywhere from a quarter mile to two and a half miles in length. Any slightly more challenging terrain might last only 20-30 feet. A step or two might be encountered at a bridge. Any wheelchair accessible path would constitute an Easy Walk, but some Easy Walks will extend beyond wheelchair accessibility.

Read on to learn some Easy Walk locations in the Connecticut River Valley, and find out about Easy Hikes too.

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.

Beauty at Borderland, Beach Chair Makeover, and Upcoming Halloween Treat at Maudslay



Charms Collaborative group at the entrance of the Ames Mansion.

If you haven't been to Borderland State Park, it is well worth an autumn outing! Located on the border of N. Easton and Sharon, Massachusetts, this former estate south of Boston offers miles of forested carriage roads and trails, six ponds, glacial outcroppings, an unusual mansion, and a fascinating slice of history. Oakes and Blanche Ames were both from prominent Boston families and devoted to the outdoors. He was a professor of botany at Harvard; she was an artist, feminist, author and inventor who designed their unique stone home, now 100 years old. Both had numerous civic involvements, and together they collaborated on a lifelong study of orchids, which are one of the most thoroughly documented plant families thanks to their efforts.

Enjoy the Fall Season at Fun Events in Eastern Massachusetts!

Tree installation at last year's Outdoor Sculpture
Show at Maudslay State Park.

I just returned from vacation to discover an amazing array upcoming events in eastern Massachusetts at various state parks. Just had to share! There is something here for almost everyone. All events are generally accessible, meaning that most people should be able to access at least most of the experience. Please call if you have specific needs regarding accommodation so you know what to expect.

Thru October 2nd: - Newburyport, MA: 12th Annual Outdoor Sculpture Show in the Park, Maudslay State Park, Curzon Mill Road. Level fields and forest lanes offer a showcase for sculptural pieces that celebrate the park, nature, conservation or ecology. Entries by 30 local artists make for an interesting explore of the park. Catalogs available in the trail map box. Artists reception Saturday, September 18 from 2-5pm. For more information, contact Bert Snow at 978-462-0423 or visit http://www.maudslay.ning.com/.