A 3,300-plus-acre DCR state forest spanning North Andover, Andover, North Reading, and Middleton, established in 1916 and named for the first chairman of the state forest commission, with 35 miles of trails and 11 ponds threading through hardwood and pine.
What to expect
Trails
About 35 miles of trail across the whole forest, used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding; the Yellow Diamond Trail off Middleton Road leads to…
Parking
Not confirmed · unconfirmed
Dogs
Off-leash allowed on backcountry trails outside the recreation area and campgrounds; must be leashed in parking lots and the campground.
Kayak/Sup
Allowed ice-free months
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Managed by
Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
978-686-3391 · WebsiteGetting in
Parking
Parking not sourced yet
Check the town or agency pages before you go.
What's here
On site
Info kiosk
trail-map kiosk near headquarters
Common questions
Hunting is allowed seasonally in most of the forest, but the stretch from Jenkins Road west to Route 125 is hunt-free and the Andover portion has no hunting at all, so check which section you're in.
Dogs can go off-leash on the backcountry trails, but need to be leashed anywhere near parking lots or the campground.
Is there an entry fee at Harold Parker State Forest?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Harold Parker State Forest?
Off-leash allowed on backcountry trails outside the recreation area and campgrounds; must be leashed in parking lots and the campground.
What rules should I know at Harold Parker State Forest?
Motorized boats are not allowed on the forest's ponds.