Hidden Gem: Harold Parker State Forest

If you are a resident of North Andover, you likely know about You may be a frequent visitor or someone who hasn’t taken advantage of the many tranquil trails and scenic views in a while. Or this hidden gem may be a place you’ve yet to discover all together.

If this is this case, or you are an out-of-town guest looking to explore the many levels of beauty that North Andover has to offer, you can pay a visit to Harold Parker State Forest.

This 3,500-acre location -- which crosses over North Andover, Andover, North Reading and Middleton and is part of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation -- consists of rolling hills, 11 ponds, swampy areas and miles of trails ideal for walking, running, hiking, biking, horse-back riding or cross-country skiing.

On a recent trip into the forest, Middleton resident Jen Grace was walking her dog Ellie. It had been about a year since their last visit and on this quiet, July day, Ellie took some time to rehabilitate from a recent surgery with a little playful swimming.

“You can come here all year round, hike the trails and go around the pond," said Grace. “And in the winter time you can cross-country ski; there are tons of trails.”

Note: The popular swimming spot, Berry Pond, is unstaffed for the 2011 season and swimming is not currently allowed.

The forest has many areas equipped with picnic tables, bathroom facilities and even pre-made campfire pits.

“I usually take the dog and go with a friend. It’s really a beautiful spot to get out of the house and have a place to go with land where you can walk and cool off a little bit whether it’s just walking through the woods, shaded from the trees or swimming in the water.” Grace continued. “It reminds me of New Hampshire where I grew up. For people that live locally, it is nice. Sometimes there are spots in the park where it is just kind of quiet. You can have some quiet time, enjoy the water and go for a walk.”

Trail maps can be found at the headquarters located on Middleton Road. Just two miles away, on Jenkins Road in Andover, lies Lorraine Park Campground where 89 campsites exist to provide a camping experience the likes of New Hampshire or Maine. Inside the campground is a Nature Center that is open from May to September and an annual fishing festival is hosted each September.

You might be surprised to learn all that Harold Parker State Forest has to offer. Learn more about this destination at www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/harp.htm.

Check out Your Passport to North Andover.