An ecological research forest Harvard University has owned and studied since 1907, spanning roughly 3,850 acres across several tracts around Petersham Center. Over 32 miles of trails cross the property, from the short, red-blazed Sanderson Farm Natural History Trail near the Fisher Museum to the longer French Road Trail through old colonial farmland, and research plots sit alongside the recreational trail network.
What to expect
Parking
Free lot free · unconfirmed
Trails
Over 32 miles of trail across roughly 3,850 acres, including the Sanderson Farm Natural History Trail (0.5 mile, red-blazed), the French Road Trail (2.5…
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be leashed or under strict voice command at all times.
Hours
Fisher Museum summer hours (May through the weekend after Veterans Day) run 9am-5pm weekdays and noon-4pm weekends; winter hours are 9am-5pm weekdays. The museum closes on university holidays, but the trail network itself has no separate…
Cross-Country Skiing
Allowed winter
Snowshoeing
Allowed winter
Managed by
Harvard Forest
(978) 724-3302 · WebsiteWhat's here
On site
Info kiosk
Fisher Museum houses 23 dioramas on New England forest history.
Common questions
Where do I park at Harvard Forest?
Free lot (free).
Can I bring my dog to Harvard Forest?
Dogs are allowed on the trails but must be leashed or under strict voice command at all times.
What rules should I know at Harvard Forest?
No motorized recreation, camping, or fires anywhere on the property.