Arnold Arboretum Lilac Path - Guided Walk with Ample Access Outdoors

Arnold Arboretum Lilac Path - Guided Walk

Join Ample Access Outdoors for a guided walk through Arnold Arboretum's Lilac Collection, which has over 400 lilac bushes representing 175 different kinds of lilacs. This intentionally slow-paced walk is perfect for nature lovers looking to enjoy the outdoors surrounded by blooming lilacs. The path is paved with benches placed along the path. Come join us and discover the beauty of nature in the company of a welcoming and inclusive community!

Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026

Location: Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, 125 Arborway, Boston, MA 02130. Meet outside the Hunnewell Building at 10:00 a.m.

Parking: General parking is available along the Arborway, Bussey Street, and Walter Street. Parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities will be available along Arborway at both Arborway Gate and Forest Hills Gate.

Public Transportation: The closest T-station is Forest Hills. From the Forest Hills station, cross Washington Street, walk two minutes up Arborway, and enter the Arboretum through the Forest Hills Gate on your left. The lilac collection is about a five-minute walk from the Forest Hills Gate, or a 15-minute walk from the Arborway Gate.

Accessible Restrooms: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available at the Hunnewell Building at 125 Arborway. Wheelchair-accessible portable restrooms are located near the Arborway Gate and at the base of Peters Hill (on the main loop near the Peters Hill Gate).

Service Animals: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service animals are welcome in the Arnold Arboretum landscape as well as in the Visitor Center located in the Hunnewell Building.

Donations Accepted: Your contribution, regardless of size, affirms your commitment to fostering inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and promoting a healthier, more connected society. By investing in Ample Access Outdoors, you are laying the groundwork for a movement that reimagines what it means to be inclusive in outdoor recreation.

Ample Access Outdoors provides inclusive, beginner-friendly outdoor recreation for people of all sizes, abilities, and backgrounds. Whether you’re stepping into nature for the first time or looking for a space that fully welcomes your body and experience, we are here for you.

We offer:

• Guided hikes and community events
• Online and hybrid courses
• Custom accessibility-centered programming

At Ample Access Outdoors, you are welcome just as you are, and no one is ever left behind.

Brittany Francis (she/her) is the founder of Ample Access Outdoors. She is passionate about sharing her love of nature with others and advocating for representation and accessibility in outdoor spaces. As a special education teacher, Brittany has devoted her career to championing the needs of individuals with diverse abilities. She founded Ample Access Outdoors to make outdoor recreation inclusive, adaptable, and safe for people of all abilities and backgrounds. Through Ample Access Outdoors, she aims to foster an environment where the natural world is open and enjoyable for all.

Michael Francis (he/him) co-leads Ample Access Outdoors activities with Brittany. He is passionate about community engagement and the outdoors. He loves reading, hiking, and finding the best places for ice cream—especially after a great hike! Michael designs and implements programs that promote community service and personal development. He is committed to creating inclusive and engaging educational environments for all. He brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a warm sense of community to everything he does.

We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for everyone. We honor and respect all identities, including race, ethnicity, gender, body size, ability, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background.

Our work is grounded in universal design principles and the belief that nature belongs to everyone. We actively stand against all forms of oppression and are building a community where all voices are valued, and everyone can connect with nature on their own terms.

✨ You are welcome here, just as you are.

Want to stay in the loop about future hikes, workshops, and events?

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