Following SELT’s receipt of a Recreation Trails Program (RTP) grant from the New Hampshire Bureau of Trails, SELT partnered with well-known trail builder Lew Shelley to construct a nearly 4,000-ft-long accessible trail, designed to accommodate people who use wheelchairs and have mobility challenges.

The all persons trail begins at the existing parking lot on Birch Hill Road, then extends to the Birch Ridge cabin, rewarding users with an epic view of Merrymeeting Lake and the White Mountains. An accessible spur trail peels off for additional views to the east/southeast toward Farmington and Rochester. The trail features packed-down gravel for a smooth surface, wide tread width to accommodate wheelchairs, and a gentle slope.

“A trail like this at Birch Ridge Community Forest truly makes the outdoors accessible to everyone,” said Samantha Wang, Recreational Therapist for Northeast Passage. “The trail not only increases accessibility for individuals with disabilities but also welcomes people at every stage of life, whether pushing a stroller, walking, or using a walker or wheelchair. It encourages everyone to participate in their community and enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle through meaningful experiences in nature.”