Handicapped Accessible trail at Roaring Brook

 

   I’ve known about this trail for what seems like years, but the road, drivable, part has always been good for me, so I was lazy and did not leave the car, until yesterday.  I am kicking myself because it IS a truly accessible trail.  Honestly most of the ones that claim to be are not.  I appreciate the attempt, but it just ends up being disappointing.  This one did not disappoint – very accessible and very birdy.  Here is what I found.

.35 miles of the .9 mile loop is Boardwalk, which is great for me. It is a well-maintained wood walk and lots of places to sit – some picnic tables and some benches all solid and with arms to assist getting up.

I parked at the upper pond after slowly driving the road getting my first photo of a Northern Waterthrush on the way.  Had more great birds along the road which is wide enough to get decent views into the trees.  I parked in the lot and as I was getting my Orange (required at this time of year) from the trunk, a dog walker started chatting with me and 5 (count ‘em) 5 adult bald eagles flew by – WOW.  I have never seen more than 2 together, the dog walker assured me she sees groups of them frequently.  Of course, my camera was in the car, sigh.

I walked across the first part of the boardwalk, maybe 100 feet and stopped at the “Hot Corner” see map the Warbling Vireo, Hooded Warbler, Eastern Kingbird & Baltimore Oriole were near this corner.  I repeat only 100 feet from the parking lot – and there is a place to sit.  An accessible dream. 

I wasn’t sure how long the boardwalk ran, but I knew it couldn’t be very long as the road I had driven up constituted the loop back up.  It was a lovely walk through the wood with lots of birds to look at before you reach the lower pond (and loud brook).  I ran into one other dog walker, but the dogs were well behaved otherwise I had the place to myself. 

The way back:

I decided to walk back on the boardwalk because I would be driving back on the road again anyway.  The Hooded Warbler was only there on the way back @8:30. In the past I have had them on the road – but not today.  Here is my checklist from the day:

https://ebird.org/checklist/S230829053

And Some Birds

Northern Waterthrush

Eastern Phoebe

Female Red-winged Blackbird with nesting materials

Even if accessibility is not an issue for you – this is a great spot for birds.

Barbara Seith