To Reach a Forest
By Brian Kane, Outreach Coordinator & Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager
Old-growth forests are not always easy to reach. Prior centuries of logging did not remove some of the trees in extremely steep areas, and as a result, reaching our remaining old-growth forests can challenge even the most sure-footed. A guiding OGFN principle is that a Network forest should ideally be accessible by three generations of a family. Think of a grandparent taking her grandson into a mature forest and you’ll get what I mean. With that being said, stairs, steep inclines, roots, and rocks can make even a short hike challenging.
As our nation’s population ages, and as more persons encounter a disability, OGFN is more aware than ever about access to highly mature and old-growth forests. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, 13.5 percent of the population has a disability - that equals about 41 million people! And of persons over 75 years of age, 46 percent of them report having a disability. Many state-owned and federally overseen lands have established at least one outdoor route for the disabled. This does not mean that such a path leads to the oldest trees, or the rarest plants, but it does mean that there is an outdoor experience for persons of all abilities to enjoy.
At OGFN, we are upping our game to notice challenges and obstacles that could impede access for a person with a disability, or an individual who may be cautious on a nature hike. We have noticed that at many recent forests added to the Network – often in state parks or natural areas – one universally accessible outdoor walk has been constructed to allow persons of all abilities to get close to the forest.
At Stages Pond State Nature Preserve in Pickaway County, Ohio, a paved accessible trail runs from the parking area for the first ¼ mile, and makes a loop through the mature oak woodlands. Three of the trails in the Preserve are accessible, and its concrete and boardwalk surfaces allows visitors with any ability to access this beautiful woodlot. The boardwalk is level, with side guards in place.
In the Carpenter Falls Unique Area in Cayuga County, New York, an elevated boardwalk and viewing platform were constructed to be accessible to people with disabilities, allowing all visitors the opportunity to traverse through the forest to view its spectacular waterfall. There is also accessible parking available.
In Crawford County, Michigan at Hartwick Pines (one of the most-visited old-growth forests in the nation) a paved 1.25 mile trail that leads through a 49-acre remnant of Michigan's original forest. The gentle rolling trail is suitable for all abilities.
Finally, at St. Francis Woods in Lake County, Illinois, an out and back trail of approximately 1 mile. The Overlook Trail can be reached from the north bay pavilion parking lot. This wide, paved trail which skirts the edge of St. Francis Woods along the northeast side of the lake, offers views of the spectacular oak trees and wildflowers.
“Our work will continue to observe, note, and share information on similar accommodation as the Old-Growth Forest Network continues to expand, and as the need for universal access grows with the age of the population.”
Do you know of an accessible mature or old-growth forest near you that should be included in the Old-Growth Forest Network? Nominate it today!
