Accessible Recreation at Middlesex Fells Reservation
Middlesex Fells Reservation is designated as a wheelchair-accessible park by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Whether you're fishing at Spot Pond, visiting the Botume House Visitor Center, or exploring the trails, there are options throughout the reservation for visitors of all abilities.
Accessible Facilities
Botume House Visitor Center — Located at 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, on the eastern shore of Spot Pond. The Visitor Center is the main hub for the East Fells and the best starting point for accessible visits. Trail maps, restrooms, and park information are available here.
Parking — Accessible parking is available at several locations throughout the reservation, including:
- Flynn Rink and the Botume House on Woodland Road
- Sheepfold parking area in Stoneham
- Bellevue Pond and Long Pond lots along South Border Road
- Greenwood Park and Stone Zoo lots in Stoneham
For full parking details and lot locations, visit our Parking and Directions page.
Accessible Fishing
DCR maintains accessible fishing piers and platforms at Middlesex Fells. Spot Pond is the primary fishing destination in the East Fells — it's stocked and known for largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel.
For a full list of accessible fishing locations across Massachusetts state parks, visit mass.gov/accessible-fishing.
A valid Massachusetts fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. For details, visit our Fishing page.
Accessible Hiking
The reservation includes trails suited to a range of mobility levels. DCR's trail network at Middlesex Fells includes paved pathways and more compact surface options in addition to natural terrain trails.
DCR's Universal Access Program also offers adaptive hiking programs at Massachusetts state parks from May through October. These group programs use conventional hiking trails with specialized equipment and staff support.
For the most current accessible trail information and to find out if adaptive hiking programs are scheduled at Middlesex Fells, contact the Universal Access Program directly:
- Phone: (413) 461-7126
- Email: DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov
- Online: mass.gov/accessible-hiking
Accessible Boating
DCR's Universal Access Program offers adaptive kayaking and canoeing programs seasonally at Massachusetts state parks. These programs use specialized boats, outriggers, adaptive seating, and staff support — and are open to paddlers of all experience and ability levels.
Pre-registration is required and programs have a small fee. Contact the Universal Access Program to ask about upcoming programs at Spot Pond:
- Phone: (413) 461-7126
- Email: DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov
- Online: mass.gov/accessible-boating
For standard kayak and canoe rentals at Spot Pond, see our Kayaking and Canoeing page.
Getting Here
Middlesex Fells is accessible by MBTA. MBTA Bus #99 stops directly across from the Botume House Visitor Center at 3 Woodland Road — the shortest walk from transit to the park's main accessible facilities.
See our full Getting Here by Transit page for all transit options.
Contact the Universal Access Program
For questions about accessibility, adaptive programs, or to request accommodations for your visit, contact DCR directly:
- Universal Access Program: (413) 461-7126 | DCR.UniversalAccess@mass.gov
- Middlesex Fells / DCR Main: (781) 590-2100 | 4 Woodland Road, Stoneham, MA 02180
- Official accessibility info: mass.gov/topics/accessible-recreation