Universally accessible trails (All Persons Trails) allow everyone to access the outdoors. People who use mobility devices, or have mobility concerns, or have no mobility concerns, together can enjoy the outdoors and reap the benefits of being in nature. All abilities and all ages can use these trails. We will explore six of them here in Berkshire County. Most are unpaved and meet or exceed the ABA (Architectural Barriers Act) access standards in width, grade/incline, and surface. Once you know these trails exist, and experience them, you can enjoy our beautiful Berkshires again and again.

We will visit Parsons March Trail, Lenox; Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, Pittsfield; Pleasant Valley Audubon Sanctuary, Lenox; Thomas & Palmer Brook Reserve, Great Barrington; Housatonic Rail Trail, Housatonic; Mount Greylock summit paved paths. (May change.)

In her former life, Bess Dillman ran a small creative advertising agency and founded, published, and edited a magazine here in the Berkshires. She is now retired and a certified Appalachian Mountain Club hiking leader, guiding hikes in all parts of the Berkshires since 2007. Over the years, Bess has led more than 350 hikes. She has hiked in many parts of the country and the world and loves to share her passion for nature and the trail!

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