A roughly 2,500-acre state forest of mixed pine and hardwood shared by Ipswich, Topsfield, and Rowley, with 40 miles of trails and fishing and boating on the 100-acre Hood Pond. Most developed access, including the main Route 1 and Linebrook Road trailheads, sits on the Ipswich side; Rowley's share is the forest's undeveloped southern edge.
What to expect
Dogs
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and…
Hours
Open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset as published by the National Weather Service, unless posted or permitted otherwise. Fishing, camping, snowmobiling and other authorized nighttime activities are not held…
Fishing
Allowed year-round
Kayak/Canoe
Allowed year-round
Managed by
DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation)
WebsiteWhat's here
Not here
No info kiosk
no developed recreational facilities in the forest
Common questions
Can I bring my dog to Willowdale State Forest?
Allowed caged, bridled, or on a leash or tether no longer than ten feet, unless an area is posted otherwise; never unattended or at large, and waste must be carried out. Hunting, hunting-dog training, dog sledding, sled-dog training and search-dog training are excepted (302 CMR 12.13).