Harold Parker State Forest facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harold Parker State Forest |
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Bridge crossing on one of the forest's many challenging
single-track mountain biking trails Berry Pond
Stearns Pond
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 Harold Parker State Forest
Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Andover, North Andover, North Reading, Middleton, Essex, Massachusetts, United States |
| Area | 3,320 acres (13.4 km2) |
| Elevation | 141 ft (43 m) |
| Established | 1916 |
| Operator | Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation |
| Website | Harold Parker State Forest |
Harold Parker State Forest is a huge public forest in Massachusetts. It covers over 3,300 acres! This amazing place is found in the towns of Andover, North Andover, North Reading, and Middleton. You'll discover ponds, swamps, rolling hills, and cool rocky spots here. The forest has more than 35 miles of trails. You can also see old parts of farms from the 1700s. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation takes care of this forest.
A Look Back: History of the Forest
Harold Parker State Forest was one of the first places the state bought to replant trees. This was after much of the land had been logged. The forest officially started in 1916. It was named after Harold Parker, who was the first chairman of the Massachusetts State Forest Commission. He passed away in the same year the forest was established.
From 1933 to 1941, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked here. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that put young men to work. They built dams on small streams, which created many of the ponds you see in the forest today.
Fun Things to Do: Activities and Amenities
Harold Parker State Forest offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. There are activities for everyone, from quiet walks to exciting bike rides.
Exploring the Trails
The forest has many logging roads and trails. These paths are perfect for different activities.
- Hiking and Walking: Enjoy a peaceful walk or a longer hike.
- Mountain Biking: Ride through the woods on challenging trails.
- Horseback Riding: Explore the forest on horseback.
- Cross-Country Skiing: In winter, the trails are great for skiing.
A part of the Bay Circuit Trail also runs through the forest.
Ponds for Water Fun
Harold Parker State Forest has 11 ponds where you can enjoy water activities.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish in ponds like Bear, Berry, and Stearns.
- Boating: You can use non-motorized boats, like canoes or kayaks.
Some of the ponds include Brackett, Collins, Delano, Field, Salem, and Sudden.
Camping Under the Stars
The forest has a campground with 89 sites. It's a great place to spend a night or a weekend.
- Hot Showers: Campers have access to hot showers.
- Swimming: You can go for a swim at the beaches.
- Accessibility: The beaches, camping areas, and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible.
You can also enjoy picnicking in the forest.
Mountain Biking Adventures
The single-track trails at Harold Parker are very popular for mountain biking. They offer a great flow through the woods. Most of the trails are best for intermediate riders.
Trail Difficulty Levels
The New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA) rates the trails like this:
- 30% easy
- 30% moderate
- 40% difficult, with some rocky parts.
Best Mountain Bike Trails
The Yellow Diamond Trail around Salem Pond is a favorite. It's known as one of the best mountain biking experiences on the North Shore. You can find this trail off Middleton Road. There are also over twenty miles of moderately hard cross-country trails throughout the forest.
Finding Your Way Around
It's easy to enter the forest from Route 114 in North Andover, Massachusetts or from Route 125 in Andover, Massachusetts. With 3,000 acres, it can take a few days to explore everything. It's also easy to get lost! However, detailed maps are available online for free from the NEMBA website. The trails are also well-marked by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
Joining a Group Ride
If you want to get to know the trails, try joining a group ride. These rides often start from the Jenkins Road parking lot.
Trail Color Codes
The trails at Harold Parker are marked with different colors to show their difficulty:
- White = easy
- Orange = intermediate
- Difficult = Pink
Hunting Information
Hunting is allowed in the State Forest during hunting season in Massachusetts. However, the area from Jenkins Road west to Route 125 is a hunt-free zone. This means no hunting is allowed there.
