Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most.
Is Harold Parker State Forest free?
Walking in is free. From May 23 to October 12 DCR charges a daily parking fee of $5 for Massachusetts plates and $20 for other plates; outside those dates it lists no daily fee. See parking.
What are the hours at Harold Parker State Forest?
Sunrise to sunset, every day of the year, according to DCR. Only registered campers stay overnight. See hours and fees.
Where is Harold Parker State Forest?
In Andover, North Andover, North Reading and Middleton, about an hour north of Boston. DCR lists the headquarters at 305 Middleton Road, North Andover, and the campground entrance at 133 Jenkins Road, Andover. See parking and directions.
Can you swim at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes, at DCR's Berry Pond Day-Use Beach, and for campers the Frye Pond Campers Beach. In 2026 both were open May 23 to September 7 and unguarded. No swimming anywhere else. See Berry Pond.
Are there lifeguards at Berry Pond?
No. DCR listed the Berry Pond beach as unguarded for the whole 2026 season. See Berry Pond.
Are dogs allowed at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes. DCR allows dogs off-leash on trails outside the recreational area and campgrounds; in parking areas and the campground they must be on a leash of 10 feet or less, and each person may bring up to four. See dogs.
How much is camping at Harold Parker?
$17 a night for Massachusetts residents and $54 for non-residents at Lorraine Park Campground's 89 sites, plus $6 for one of 10 electric sites (DCR's posted fees). See camping.
When is the Harold Parker campground open?
In 2026 it opened May 7 and the last night to camp was October 25, with Thursday-to-Sunday nights only from October 15. DCR says the season typically runs early May to Columbus Day weekend. See camping.
How many miles of trails are at Harold Parker?
DCR's park page says 35 miles. The six marked trails run from the 1.6-mile Sudden Pond loop to the 3.1-mile Stearns Pond loop. See trails.
What is the best hike at Harold Parker State Forest?
DCR's signature hikes are the 3.1-mile Stearns Pond Trail from the headquarters and the 3-mile Yellow Diamond Trail around Salem Pond, which DCR rates moderate and not for beginners. See trails.
Where can I get a Harold Parker trail map?
Download DCR's PDF from the forest's mass.gov page ("Download a trail map"). DCR asks visitors to bring their own map. See trail map.
Can you mountain bike at Harold Parker?
Yes. DCR lists mountain biking, and its signature ride explores the singletrack off Harold Parker Road. The Yellow Diamond Trail is for advanced riders. See mountain biking.
Can you fish at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes. DCR names Field and Stearns Ponds as popular for fishing, and MassWildlife stocks Berry Pond with trout in spring. Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts license. See fishing.
Is there hunting at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes, in season, but not within 500 feet of campsites, picnic areas, parking lots, buildings or swim areas. MassWildlife bans hunting on Sundays. Wear blaze orange in fall. See hunting.
Can you ride horses at Harold Parker?
Yes. Every marked trail is shared with horses, and DCR's plan names the headquarters and Berry Pond Road east of Jenkins Road as places to park a horse trailer. See horseback riding.
Is alcohol allowed at Harold Parker State Forest?
No. DCR lists no alcohol and no littering among the forest's restrictions. See rules.
Can you kayak at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes, in non-motorized boats. DCR names Field and Stearns Ponds as popular for canoeing and non-motorized boating. See the ponds.
Who was Harold Parker?
The first chairman of the Massachusetts State Forest Commission, a civil engineer who died in 1916, the year the commission bought the forest's first 800 acres and named it for him. See history.
Is Harold Parker State Forest open in winter?
Yes, sunrise to sunset. DCR lists cross-country skiing and ice skating; the campground is closed. See winter.
