Department of Conservation and Recreation


	make a campground reservation

	find locations for recreational activities

	find events happening in State and Urban Parks

	find a park by name

	find park trail maps

	find out about Universal Access

	contact DCR

Accessible Trails

Hiking is becoming more accessible in state parks. There are two categories of trails, Accessible and Assessed. Accessible Trails are either paved or made from stonedust and are generally one-quarter to three-quarter miles in length. Assessed Trails are actual dirt hiking trails and offer a more rugged experience. Maps have been designed to provide information on grades, cross slopes, trail surfaces and obstacles. Assessed trails are one-half to 2 miles in length.

Inclusive hiking programs are offered at various state parks seasonally. To find out more about upcoming accessible events, check out our accessible events calendar.

ACCESSIBLE TRAILS
(Constructed for Universal Accessibility)

Ashland State Park A quarter mile paved trail runs from parking lot to the reservoir and offers great views and benches.

Ashuwillticook Rail Trail

Bradley Palmer State Park A mostly shaded trail travels half-mile+ on level terrain along the Ipswich River.

D.A.R. State Forest Features a one-half mile stabilized stonedust trail that travels through the woods alongside Upper Highland lake. Includes benches, fishing pier, and lakeside views.

Dunn State Park Features a three-quarter mile stonedust trail that leads through the forest.

Harold Parker State Forest

Mt. Tom State Reservation Features a one-half mile loop trail that winds along a section of Lake Bray and rambles through the forest and a large clearing. Includes fishing pier.

Pittsfield State Forest A paved three-quarter mile trail known as the "Tranquility Trail" winds through the woods and crosses a brook. Taped audio tour available at park headquarters for visitors with visual impairments.

Savoy Mountain State Forest A quarter mile of stabilized stonedust trail travels through woods and skirts the lake. Offers benches and views.

Scusset Beach State Reservation A 7.5 mile paved walkway skirts the Cape Cod Canal and offers a fishing pier.

Wells State Park: 1 mile improved loop through forested area includes wetlands and stonework of historical significance.

Wendell State Forest: ½ mile “Friendly trail” from park headquarters to Ruggles Pond is a moderate descent through the forest to a picnic area and undeveloped waterfront with a view of beaver lodges.

ASSESSED TRAILS
(Contact park or Universal Access Office for trail maps)

Borderland State Park Three miles of a wide and hardpacked trail loop that has minimal grades. This quiet wooded trail was once used as a carriage road and offers a relatively easy excursion through the forest providing views of Leach Pond.

D.A.R. State Forest One mile loop along lake, woods and campground. Half the trail is rugged with rocks, roots, cross slopes and grades.

Dunn State Park One mile loop around pond with stairs, substantial grades and unramped bridges. Access from Betty Springs Road for best accessibility to fishing pier. Easy hike to peninsula.

Mt. Tom State Reservation One mile loop around Lake Bray starts extends from the accessible trail and for a very rugged hiking experience.

Robinson State Park Half of a mile of the trail is naturally accessible near the Westfield River. Options include traveling up a gradual incline to a small waterfall.

Walks and Hikes for People who are Blind
For information on recorded indoor and outdoor park tours around Massachusetts for visitors who are blind, contact the Universal Access Office. To receive a free copy of the booklet "Hiking Trails for the Blind with a Sighted Guide" call 413 442-8928. This booklet offers hiking information in the Berkshires.