Berry Pond
Berry Pond is the day-use swimming pond in Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover. DCR opened its Berry Pond Day-Use Beach on May 23 and closed it September 7 in 2026, and listed it as unguarded the whole season, so you swim at your own risk with no lifeguard on duty. The usual DCR parking fee applies in season, and swimming is allowed only in the designated beach area.
Berry Pond at a Glance
Swimming at Berry Pond
DCR's 2026 table for its swimming areas lists two beaches in Harold Parker: the Berry Pond Day-Use Beach and the Frye Pond Campers Beach. Both are inland beaches, both opened May 23, both closed September 7, and both were marked unguarded from opening day to closing day. DCR notes that opening dates and lifeguard schedules can change with staffing. We will update this page when DCR posts 2027 dates.
Unguarded means no lifeguard at any time. DCR's visitor notes add that boaters 12 and under must wear a life jacket. DCR lists accessible picnicking and accessible restrooms at the forest.
Not the Berry Pond in the Berkshires
Massachusetts has more than one Berry Pond: MassWildlife's trout list also includes a Berry Pond in Hancock, in the Berkshires. If you want the North Andover pond, use the Harold Parker addresses on parking.
The Day-Use Area and Pavilion
The beach and picnic grounds at Berry Pond date to the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps built swimming and picnic areas at Berry and Stearns Ponds (see history). DCR's management plan calls the shelter here the Berry Pond CCC pavilion. The plan also records that the Berry Pond day-use area was closed for years for lack of staff and recommended reopening it for summer swimming and picnicking. DCR's 2026 swim table lists the beach as open for the season.
DCR's facility list for the forest includes a pavilion, picnic areas, a playground and restrooms. Bring water: DCR's visitor notes warn that drinking water may not be available on site.
Getting There
Use the pavilion lot on Middleton Road, which sits on the Berry Pond Trail and the Bay Circuit Trail. From the Jenkins Lot on Jenkins Road, the green-blazed Berry Pond Trail reaches the pavilion by way of the stone dust path. Parking is $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for other plates from May 23 to October 12. Full directions on parking.
Walking Around Berry Pond
The Berry Pond Trail (green markers) is a 2-mile loop that starts and ends at the Jenkins Lot, Gate 13, according to the Friends of Harold Parker. Clockwise, it follows Berry Pond Road, takes a singletrack trail past intersections A6 and A5, crosses Berry Pond Road, picks up the Stone Dust Trail to the pavilion, then returns through the woods and along Harold Parker Road. It is one of the forest's easier loops; more on trails and hiking.
Fishing at Berry Pond
MassWildlife lists Berry Pond in North Andover among the waters it stocks with trout in spring. Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license. See fishing for license costs and the other ponds.
Other Places to Swim Nearby
- Frye Pond Campers Beach, inside Lorraine Park Campground, for registered campers. See camping.
- Pomps Pond in Andover, the town's beach. See Pomps Pond.
- Swimming is not allowed in Andover's Haggetts Pond and is restricted at North Andover's Lake Cochichewick; both are drinking water supplies.
Berry Pond FAQ
Can you swim at Berry Pond in North Andover?
Yes. DCR runs the Berry Pond Day-Use Beach in Harold Parker State Forest. In 2026 it was open May 23 to September 7, with no lifeguards on duty all season.
Is Berry Pond guarded?
No. DCR's 2026 table lists the Berry Pond Day-Use Beach as unguarded for the whole season, from opening on May 23 to closing on September 7.
How much does it cost to swim at Berry Pond?
There is no separate swim fee listed. You pay DCR's daily parking fee at Harold Parker: $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for other plates, from May 23 through October 12.
Is Berry Pond stocked with trout?
Yes. MassWildlife lists Berry Pond in North Andover among its spring trout-stocked waters. You need a fishing license if you are 15 or older.
Where do you park for Berry Pond?
At the pavilion lot on Middleton Road in Harold Parker State Forest, or at the Jenkins Lot on Jenkins Road and walk in on the 2-mile Berry Pond Trail.