Dartmouth’s New All-Persons Trail Is a Game-Changing Hike for All Abilities

Dartmouth's latest hiking trail is among the most accessible on the SouthCoast.

The red ribbon was cut July 21 to open up the new Allens Pond All Persons Trail at 786 East Horseneck Road. More than 50 supporters, including the Mass Audubon team, local politicians, and the Mass Audubon Trail Blazers, who tirelessly helped construct the trail, were present.

I was fortunate enough to be a part of this project as the narrator or "audio guide" for the trail. The audio is for those interested in learning about each stop along the way. It helps describe the scenery as well as the history of the trail.

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The trail is designed for hikers of all abilities, including the visually impaired.

While working on the project with Mass Audubon, I met a man by the name of Jerry Berrier. He opened my eyes metaphorically. Berrier is blind and although he enjoys walking the nine miles of trails the Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary has to offer, he always had to have someone with him to help along the path.

Not anymore.

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A week before the new trail officially opened, Berrier asked his wife to walk the path with him. Together they strolled, arm in arm, enjoying each other's company. When they got back to the car, he asked his wife to take him again a week later, only this time, he requested that she drop him off at the top of the trail and pick him up in an hour or two.

That's the confidence the rope-guided trail has given to Berrier and others.

If you're thinking of bringing the kids or just going for a hike on your own, then I highly recommend checking this place out. There's something for everybody and it's a great way to find peace within a nice nature walk through Dartmouth.