NH trails bring the backcountry to the disabled

AP News
Posted: Jun 21, 2011 3:41 AM
NH trails bring the backcountry to the disabled

Chelsea Fernandes steered her wheelchair up and down the forest trail, passing a maple grove, zigzagging over water along a narrow boardwalk, and stopping to look at a beaver-built wetland _ a view she never thought she'd experience from her wheelchair.




One trail goes through the woods and the other through a meadow; they are the longest of their type in a mountain setting and they combine multiple features _ steep terrain, bridges and boardwalks, places to rest _ in a consolidated space. Hikers can see blueberry fields, wildflowers, and the occasional moose.


Zeller said she is not aware of any other private organization that has designed such a trail system. She said there are trails in the national forest system that are all-inclusive, such as some in New Hampshire's White Mountain National Forest, but they are not as long, nor do they have the variety in terrain. But there is a growing interest among states to have such trails, she said.



The nonprofit rehabilitation center at Crotched Mountain _ so named because of its V-shaped peaks resembling the crotch of a tree _ has a hospital, a school, and outpatient and community services for people with disabilities such as brain and spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other neurological and medical conditions. Therapy is offered for physical, occupational and speech impairments. The center treats more than 2,000 people annually throughout New England.

The $500,000 trail system, which was privately funded, is an extension of the center's mission to provide a caring environment for people with disabilities _ and do something special with its 1,400 mountainside acres.

"The idea is, `Can we build a community of accessibility in the wilderness?'" said Donald Shumway the center's president and CEO.

The dirt and gravel paths _ they are not paved _ are broken up by bridges, boardwalks and platforms made out of mostly recycled materials, including plastic bags.

The meadow trail is called the Gregg Trail in honor of institution founder Harry Gregg _ the grandfather of former U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg _ and his family. It ascends 200 feet and reaches an 8 percent grade _ generally considered moderate difficulty even for foot hikers.






