Harvard's oldest conservation land, established as a Town Forest in 1923 out of the former Poor Farm and transferred to the Conservation Commission's control by Town Meeting vote in 1969. Route 2 splits the roughly 40-acre property into separate sections; three relatively easy, gentle loop trails total about a mile through white pine and mixed hardwood forest.
What to expect
Trails
Three relatively easy loops, up to about a mile of trail total; wide trails good for walking a dog. One secondary trail runs close enough to Route 2 to have…
Dogs
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text…
Hours
Open dawn to dusk (Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules); no gate, unstaffed.
Managed by
Harvard Conservation Commission
978-456-4106 · WebsiteCommon questions
Is it good for a woodland run?
Yes -- the trails are wide and the terrain is gentle, described as suitable for both dog walks and easy woodland runs.
Is there an entry fee at Harvard Town Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Harvard Town Forest?
Town of Harvard Conservation Land Use Rules (townwide, applies to all Town of Harvard Conservation Commission land) permit 'pet walking -- under direct control of a person' as of right; there is no townwide leash-specific ordinance text confirmed for general conservation land beyond 'direct…
What rules should I know at Harvard Town Forest?
No motorized vehicles. No camping or fires. No hunting or trapping. No removal or alteration of flora, fauna, earth, rock or wood. No commercial activities.