A leashed dog walking beside its owner on a forest trail

Dogs at Harold Parker

Yes, dogs are allowed at Harold Parker State Forest, and it is one of the DCR properties where dogs may be off-leash: DCR allows it on trails that are not in the recreational area or campgrounds. Dogs must be leashed (10 feet maximum) in every parking area, at the campground and around the picnic areas, they are not allowed in designated swimming areas from May 1 to September 15, and each person may bring no more than four.

At a Glance

Dog Rules at a Glance

Dogs allowed?Yes

Off-leashOn trails outside the recreation area and campgrounds

Leash requiredParking areas, campground, recreation areas

Leash length10 feet maximum

Limit4 dogs per person

TagsLicense and rabies tags on collar

WastePick up and carry out

Service animalsWelcome everywhere

Where Dogs Can Be Off-Leash

DCR's guide to dogs in its parks lists a short set of properties where dogs may be off-leash in specified areas. In the North Region the list includes "Harold Parker State Forest in North Andover, on trails not in the recreational area and campgrounds." In plain terms: on the forest's trails and fire roads, your dog may be off-leash if it is under your control. The moment you are back at a parking lot, the Lorraine Park Campground, or the Berry Pond day-use area, the leash goes back on.

DCR's general hiking notes and the Friends of Harold Parker both tell visitors to keep dogs leashed. DCR's dog guide is the specific rule for this forest, and DCR says rules may vary by area, so follow any posted signs.

Where Dogs Must Be Leashed

All parking areas, at every property, per DCR.
The campground. See camping.
The recreational area: DCR does not map it; treat the pavilion and picnic grounds at Berry Pond as part of it. See Berry Pond.
In on-leash areas, the leash may be no longer than 10 feet.

DCR's Dog Rules

Collar with current license and rabies vaccination tags.
No more than four dogs per person, unless you hold a DCR special use or commercial dog walking permit.
Always pick up after your dog and carry the waste out or put it in a proper receptacle.
Do not let your dog damage conservation land.
Unless invited, do not let your dog approach other people or dogs. Keep it under effective control and stop any aggressive behavior.
Service and medical support animals working in that role are welcome at all DCR properties.

Sharing the Trails

Every marked trail at Harold Parker is shared with mountain bikers and horses. An off-leash dog must come back when called. Hold your dog when a horse passes, since riders have the right of way, and leash up on the technical Yellow Diamond Trail where bikes move fast. See horseback riding and mountain biking.

Hunting Season

Fall hunting seasons run through December. Put a blaze orange vest or bandana on your dog and keep it close. Sundays have no hunting at all under MassWildlife rules. See hunting.

Water

DCR does not allow dogs in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 to September 15 unless posted, which covers the Berry Pond and Frye Pond beaches in season. DCR playgrounds and buildings, including restrooms, are also off-limits to dogs. DCR warns that drinking water may not be available on site, so bring water for your dog.

Dog Rules at Nearby Places

Ward Reservation and Weir Hill (The Trustees): dogs on leash. See Ward Reservation and Weir Hill.
Haggetts Pond, Andover: no dogs in the water; it is the town's drinking water. See Haggetts Pond.
Lake Cochichewick, North Andover: dog access to the water is restricted. See Lake Cochichewick.

More rules for the forest are on rules and regulations.

A dog in a blaze orange vest on a leafy woods trail

FAQ

Dogs FAQ

Are dogs allowed at Harold Parker State Forest?

Yes. DCR lists Harold Parker as dog-friendly and allows dogs off-leash on its trails, outside the recreational area and campgrounds.

Can dogs be off-leash at Harold Parker State Forest?

Yes, on the trails. DCR's dog guide allows off-leash dogs at Harold Parker on trails not in the recreational area or campgrounds. They must be leashed in all parking areas.

Are dogs allowed in the Harold Parker campground?

Dogs are allowed at the forest, but the campground is a leash area under DCR's rules, with a 10-foot maximum leash.

How many dogs can I bring to Harold Parker?

No more than four per person, unless you have a DCR special use or commercial dog walking permit.

Can my dog swim at Berry Pond?

Not in the swim area in season. Berry Pond's beach is a DCR designated swimming area, and DCR bars dogs from designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 to September 15 unless posted. The rest of the day-use area is a leash area.