Category: Massachusetts State

Castle Island 
Castle Island is a peninsula in South Boston on the shore of Boston Harbor. In 1928, Castle Island was connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land and is thus no longer an island.  It has been the site of a fortification since 1634, and is currently a 22-acre recreation site and the location of Fort Independence. (From Wikipedia )   Phone: 617-727-5290. Here is their website.   Trail Map   According to AllTrails the trails are paved, about six feet wide in gentle terrain.
Thank you to Mark Dionne for bringing Castle Island to our attention.
Castle Island Loop 0.79 mile

Pleasure Bay Loop 1.84 miles

Pittsfield State Forest
“This sprawling, 11,000-acre forest includes Berry Pond and 30 miles of trails. Whether hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or exploring the mountain range to Berry Pond, you’re sure to find the perfect outdoor adventure.”
Here is the Forest website.   Phone  413-442-8992  Trail Map
Tranquility Trail 0.75 mile ADA paved trail through the forest crossing a brook.  There is an optional audio tour component.

Mt. Tom State Reservation, Holyoke
“Mount Tom features wonderful views of the Pioneer Valley in west-central Massachusetts. The area is also a great place to bird watch–especially for hawks.”
Here is the Reservation website.    Phone 413-534-1186  Map
0.5 mile forested ADA universal access loop trail along Lake Bray with 2 accessible fishing piers.

Mt. Greylock State Reservation
“At 3,491 feet, Mount Greylock is the highest point in Massachusetts. From its peak on a clear day, you can see as far as 90 miles away. No matter when you visit, there’s plenty to do and see.”
Here is the Reservation website.   Phone 413-499-4262   Trail Map
The 0.25 mile loop trail at summit has “spectacular views.”

Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach Reservation
“The reservation is open year-round, but summer is the time to visit and escape the heat. Enjoy swimming in the ocean, launch your boat, or sunbathe on the beach.”  There are two beach wheelchairs available, one for floating, one for sunbathing.
Here is the Reservation website.   Phone 781-485-2803   Trail Map
Nahant Causeway, Lynn – wide, 3 mile paved ADA pedestrian recreation path with views of ocean bay and beach access.

Dunn State Park
Dunn State Park, Gardner MA “Dunn State Park has a range of universally accessible activities, from fishing to hiking to swimming.”
Call to reserve a beach wheelchair.
Here is the Park website.   Phone 978-632-7897  Brochure and Trail Map
Woodland Trail about one mile trail looping through the forest.

Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest
D.A.R. State Forest, Goshen “… offers dozens of campsites, forest trails, a lake to swim and fish in.”
Here is the Forest website.   Phone 413-268-7098    Trail Map
0.5 mile forested ADA stone dust trail along Highland Lake with benches and three accessible fishing piers.

Charles River Reservation
“The Upper Charles River Reservation extends from the Watertown Dam to Riverdale Park in West Roxbury, MA. Now that native plants have been restored to the riverbanks, birds and wildlife have returned. You can follow paths that wind along the Charles River, through the towns of Watertown, Waltham, Newton and Weston.”
Here is their website.   Phone 617-727-1058
Moody St., to Prospect St., Waltham – 0.5 mile riverside trail connecting Waltham Center with an accessible canoe launch

Breakheart Reservation
Breakheart Reservation Saugus includes two lakes and a large forest
Here is the Reservation website.   Phone  781-233-0834
Breakheart Reservation, Saugus – “1 mile paved forested roadway to Pearce Lake with moderate grades. “

Belle Isle Marsh Reservation
“Boston’s last remaining salt marsh offers unique views of plants and wildlife as you follow paths to the observation tower.”  There are no restrooms.    Here is the Reservation website.  Phone 617-727-5350  Map
0.5 mile stonedust loop trail offers boardwalk access to the salt marsh, benches, dynamic birding and views of aircraft flying into Logan airport.