Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is allowed at Harold Parker State Forest, and DCR names it a signature ride: explore the singletrack that loops around Collins, Brackett, Delano and Bear Ponds from a small lot at about 25 Harold Parker Road. The 3-mile Yellow Diamond Trail from the Jenkins Lot was built for mountain bikes and is for advanced intermediate to expert riders, not beginners. All trails are shared, and riders yield to horses.

DCR's Signature Ride

DCR's suggested-rides sheet calls it "Explore the Single Track from Harold Parker Road." Park in the small lot between intersection posts A21 and A22, at about 25 Harold Parker Road (DCR gives 42.611216, -71.112688). From there, ride the trails and forest roads that loop around Collins, Brackett, Delano and Bear Ponds; DCR's advice is that if you come to a paved road, turn around and explore some more. With time to spare, cross to the trails south of Harold Parker Road that loop around the north of Field Pond. Distance is whatever you make it, and DCR rates it moderate.

The Yellow Diamond Trail

The Yellow Diamond is the forest's purpose-built mountain bike trail. The Friends of Harold Parker describe it as a 3-mile route from the Jenkins Lot (Gate 13) with many sections of technical singletrack for advanced intermediate to expert riders, and they repeat DCR's warning: this is not a trail for beginners. DCR lists it as a 3-mile, moderate signature hike as well, so expect walkers.

The Friends' route runs up Berry Pond Road, turns onto singletrack at A4 past the old dynamite storage shed, takes the technical Unibomber Trail, joins the Salem Pond Loop counterclockwise, follows the Terry Trail and a singletrack loop off Salem Pond Road, and circles the east side of Salem Pond. From NA16 you can return the way you came or take the easier fire-road route back on the CCC and Berry Pond Trails.

Easier Riding

Not every mile is technical. Visitor comments quoted in DCR's plan describe trails from easy to difficult, and the Friends' descriptions call out which sections are rocky. Gentler options:

• The CCC Trail's fire-road stretches, with the harder sections between A7 and A5 and between NA21 and NA19 flagged by the Friends.
• The Stearns Pond Road loop around Stearns Pond.
• The Stone Dust Trail to the Berry Pond pavilion.

See trails and hiking and the trail map.

Trail Partners

DCR's management plan lists the New England Mountain Bike Association among the forest's conservation and recreation partners. On the ground that shows: the Friends of Harold Parker and NEMBA's North Shore chapter built a bridge on the Stearns Pond Trail in 2018 and a boardwalk on the CCC Trail in 2019. A rider quoted in DCR's plan singled out DCR's work with NEMBA.

Rules for Riders

• Every marked trail is multi-use. Yield to horses always, and slow down for walkers and dogs (dogs may be off-leash on the trails here).
• Riders 16 and under must wear a helmet; it is state law, and DCR reminds riders of it.
• Stay on designated trails. Do not cut new lines.
• Hunting season runs through the fall. Wear something bright or blaze orange, and remember there is no hunting on Sundays. See hunting.
• Parking fees apply May 23 to October 12. See parking.

Where to Park

• Jenkins Lot (Jenkins Road at Harold Parker Road, Andover): Yellow Diamond Trail.
• Harold Parker Road lot between A21 and A22: DCR's signature ride.
• Park Headquarters, 305 Middleton Road: Stearns Pond loop.

Nearby

Boxford State Forest, managed with Harold Parker, also lists mountain biking.