Accessibility at Arcadia

Mass Audubon strives to create a welcoming presence for a wide range of visitors, including making our sanctuaries and nature centers more accessible for all to enjoy.

October 2023 Update: The guide rope for the All Persons Trail is currently down for the month of October.

What to Expect When You Visit

Are you preparing to visit us with your children or a group of students, including those with special needs? If so, we encourage you to review this step-by-step photo tour (Social Story) of Arcadia that shows you what to expect!

Accessible Features

Nature Center

Our main building features ADA-compliant parking, entrance, admission area, educational activity spaces, and restrooms.

Restrooms

Accessible restrooms are located in the Nature Center. Please don't hesitate to talk with one of our staff members if there is any way we can help.

All Persons Trail 

Distance: 850-foot accessible pathway

The trail begins at the north side of the Nature Center. It follows a loop that begins on a wooden boardwalk with a handrail; continues on a wide, level crushed stone path with a guide rope; and returns to the main entrance of the Nature Center. The boardwalk portion may be traveled in both directions if you prefer a shorter walk or decide not to continue on the path.

All stops along the trail are marked by a round wooden bead on the handrail or along the guide rope. Within reach of the round bead, there is a sign with the stop name and number in print and Braille. A square bead indicates that there is seating nearby.

The first four stops are along the boardwalk next to a vernal pool. The next two stops are on a large deck that intersects the boardwalk from the right and separates the vernal pool from a fire pond—two very different wetland habitats.

From the deck, we continue on the boardwalk for two more stops as we transition to a field habitat. The last four stops will be on the path that encircles this managed grassland habitat. At the last stop, you'll be directed back to the Nature Center.

On your way back, you might like to stop in the picnic area behind the building to have lunch or just spend time enjoying the sounds from the field and woods on either side. We hope you enjoy your visit and that this trail opens your senses in new ways!

Please note: The All Persons Trail is not accessible in winter: the guide rope is removed December through March and snow is not removed from the trail or boardwalk.

Map and Booklet

At our Nature Center, you can pick up trail information including a guide in printed or Braille format, and a printed or tactile trail map. You can also download the map or booklet here: