Editor’s note: In this periodic column, an Amherst couple who have spent time exploring area walks will highlight different trails — some familiar, others not — in the region that are suitable for seniors, and those with some limits in mobility (including wheelchairs, walkers, strollers and small children).
History comes alive on the hikes highlighted this week.
The following descriptions give information on trails in the Pioneer Valley area that are easy to negotiate in winter, with descriptions of hike locations and the surrounding area, trail surface, parking and recommended equipment to be prepared for hiking conditions. Most of the trails are relatively flat with few obstacles.
Directions to hikes are from Northampton, Amherst, Hadley, South Hadley, Belchertown and other communities in the area. Hope this helps make “getting out” appealing and possible. And please send ideas for hikes you recommend to add to our lists.
Each of the hikes get a rating of 1 (easy and flat, wheelchair accessible); 2 (generally easy, but may be a couple of muddy spots or fallen trees to get around or roots that stick up on the trail) or 3 (some ups and downs in trail and/or some uneven places from roots or rocks or some small climbs around or over obstacles).
Description: This Level 1 trail begins at the famous poet Emily Dickinson houses at 280 Main St., about two blocks from downtown Amherst, and includes a walk to West Cemetery (1/4-mile one-way, or 3/4-mile if you return through downtown Amherst on sidewalks).
Although the Emily Dickinson houses are not currently open for tours, view the houses and gardens from outside. Begin the walk by turning left out of the Main Street entrance to the house, and cross at Main at corner of Triangle Street.
Turn left and follow the sidewalk past The Woman’s Club (35 Triangle St.). This club began in 1893, and through the years has served the community with hot lunches, milk funds, dental clinics for children and other services for children and families; provided scholarships for promising students; and sponsored other community activities.
From there you pass the middle and high schools on the right, with playing fields near the sidewalk. Go down the slight hill on Triangle Street; on the left you will see the West Cemetery. Cross at a crosswalk and wander through the cemetery that has graves of many Dickinson family members, including Emily, and other notable town citizens. It also includes graves of early African Americans from Amherst and the headstone for an African American soldier who fought in the Civil War.
And here’s a challenge: What is the oldest gravestone you can find? We found one from 1767 — any earlier? Note the spectacular 10-foot-by-150-foot mural on the west side of the building along the cemetery. (For more information Google “West Cemetery, Amherst”.)
From the cemetery you can exit via the gate that leads to Pleasant Street and downtown Amherst (on left side of mural); going left on Pleasant Street will take you through town on your way back to the Dickinson houses.
Parking and transportation: Some is available on Main Street outside Dickinson houses, or park in downtown parking lots. Mostly metered parking. Bus No. 30 goes through downtown.
Accessibility: The sidewalks are good, with accessible curbs at corners. The walk goes slightly downhill from the house to cemetery, and slightly uphill through town.
Facilities: Some downtown restaurants and coffee shops have restrooms — and hot drinks!
Dogs: On leash, but not in shops.
Be prepared! If conditions are icy, use cleats and walking poles.
Description: This is a Level 2 or 3 hike (depending on which direction you go) of Wildwood Cemetery and its surrounding paths at 70 Strong St., Amherst.
As you enter, you are in the cemetery, and a very interesting one with some names you will recognize. You might take a walk down the road you came in on and look at some of the stones. However, this woodland hike starts to the right of the cemetery with a gravel road that goes gradually downhill and eventually becomes a wooded dirt trail. The loop trail is a mile-plus, but there are side trails that can add miles to your walk if you’re feeling ambitious!
Trail starts as a downhill sloping road (not too steep), and narrows to a path after two fallen trees. You guessed it — climb over the trunks, but they are pretty low to the ground. The main path is circular; when you come to the split you can go either right or left. Both will take you where the path parallels the railroad tracks; if you’re lucky or time it right, you might see a train go by a couple hundred yards from the path.
As you continue, you will come to a trail off to the right (if you take the right-hand trail at the fork above, or left if you went left). This trail leads to a field with a number of trails off of that — it’s a lovely warren back there! We have walked across the meadow and into the woods on the other side; after a few steps there is a small trail to the right that connects with yellow trail signs.
Follow around to the right and you’ll come out at the original trail, but adding almost a mile to your walk. So, if you’re up for exploring — that little detour will take you to a number of trails, many of them wide, though some with ups and downs.
Directions and parking: Enter the cemetery off Strong Street, second exit from North Pleasant Street and across from Wildwood School. Parking immediately to right after entering.
Obstacles:There are three fallen tree trunks to climb over; two are low to ground and one is about a 12-inch leg-lift to get over. There are some tree roots along the path, but it is mostly clear and slants downward. Keep in mind that what goes down must come up, but it is gentle both ways.
Facilities: None.
Dogs: Allowed, technically on leash.
Be prepared: If it is snowy or icy, there are some places where you will welcome having cleats and poles.
Description: This Level 1 or 2 tour off Paradise Pond in Northampton “explores the path of the Mill River before it was diverted away from the city center. At each stop along the way, read a bit of history about the particular location and view an image or map from the past. (See map on Smith College website and history of each point on path).
Directions: Begins near corner of College Lane and Route 9. Walking tour starts at Smith College president’s house. Bus No. 43 stops nearby on Route 9. (See below for parking directions.)
Directions, parking, and buses: There is metered parking along Route 9 near College Street, plus there are a couple of spaces in front of the Lyman Plant House (botanical gardens) building. There may also be weekend parking in faculty parking lot or near the playing fields — follow College Street (off Route 9), past the Lyman Plant House to the split in the road. Stay right and park near playing fields — but it’s a bit of a walk back to the trail.
Bus No. B43 goes down Route 9 to Northampton and terminates very near College Street for a short walk to the path (on your right off College Street).
We welcome ideas for other trails to explore and add to the list!
Jeanne and Hardy Ballantine live in Amherst. Send ideas for more hikes to jeanne.ballantine@gmail.com.