Waypoint Adventure, in collaboration with Unpaved Trails for All and the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), invites you to Belle Isle Marsh Reservation for a celebration of recent progress toward more accessible trails in Massachusetts—and to call for critical next steps to ensure those trails become a reality.
This event will uplift the advocacy that led to the inclusion of accessible trail access language in the recently passed Mass Ready Act and urge legislators to go further by passing the Trails for All Act, which would provide the structure, funding, and accountability needed to make universal trail access a standard across the Commonwealth. The goal of this event is to raise awareness about the need for more unpaved accessible trails in the Commonwealth and support advocacy for S.548/H.915 An Act Expanding Access to Trails for People of All Abilities, which was introduced in 2023 by Senator Comerford and Representative Ciccolo.
The following information provides pictures of the trail and describes the event, location, parking, and trail for participants to consider their own access needs. Please use this form below to RSVP and describe any needs that will allow you to fully participate in this event.
Event/Accessibility Description: Trail Access Information for Belle Isle Marsh State Reservation (Main Loop) Length: 0.5 miles, Width: 5ft, Surface: Firm/Stone Dust & Natural Debris, Max Grade: Typical grade for trail is 1% with a max grade of 7% for 2 ft (8.33% for standard wheelchair accessible ramp)
Important Trail Information: Some benches at BIMSP are not accessible due to uneven ground from the trail and asphalt/concrete footings on the benches; however there are other seated resting areas along the loop.
Environment: Boston's last remaining salt marsh offers unique views of plants and wildlife. It is an urban nature preserve and public recreation area containing mostly coastal wetlands. The 350-acre reservation borders the towns of Revere and Winthrop. In addition, the reservation includes landscaped hiking paths, benches, and an observation tower. A portion of the Boston Harborwalk runs through the reservation. There are many resting areas along the trail (approximately every ⅛ mile), and a mix of sun and shade. The trail has a defined edge, but there are no guide ropes or Braille signs to assist with non-visual navigation. Wearing bug spray is recommended.
Location: Belle Isle Marsh, 1399 Bennington St. Boston, MA 02128
Instructors: Rob 781-205-0736
Bathrooms: Accessible porta-potty available at parking lot
What to bring:
- Small back pack or bag to carry your things
- Long pants are suggested for bugs and poison ivy and rock scrapes
- Sneakers or hiking boots
- Work/gardening gloves (if you have them)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)
- Rain jacket
- Jacket/fleece
- Lunch
- Water bottle