Plan Your Visit
Harold Parker State Forest works for a two-hour walk or a full camping weekend. It is open sunrise to sunset all year, parking is $5 for Massachusetts plates ($20 for others) from late May to mid-October, and the 35 miles of trails are shared by walkers, riders and mountain bikers. Start at the Park Headquarters on Middleton Road for a first visit, and check DCR's free program schedule in summer and early fall.
Visit Planner at a Glance
When to Go
- Late May to Labor Day: swimming at Berry Pond and Frye Pond (unguarded), the campground open, DCR programs running.
- September to mid-October: DCR programs continue into the first week of October, the campground stays open into late October, and the parking fee ends October 12.
- Mid-October to December: hunting season; wear blaze orange and remember there is no hunting on Sundays. See hunting.
- Winter: cross-country skiing and ice skating are on DCR's activity list. See winter.
Where to Start
- First visit: Park Headquarters, 305 Middleton Road, North Andover. Walk the 1.6-mile Sudden Pond loop or the 3.1-mile Stearns Pond loop. See trails and hiking.
- Swimming and a picnic: the Berry Pond pavilion lot. See Berry Pond.
- Camping: 133 Jenkins Road, Andover. See camping.
- Mountain biking: the Jenkins Lot. See mountain biking.
Free DCR Programs
DCR's 2026 Summer and Fall program sheet listed weekly programs at no charge (parking fees still apply). Children under 13 must come with an adult, and heavy rain or extreme heat cancels events.
- Wednesday walks of 2 to 4 miles with the Friends of Harold Parker State Forest.
- Drop-in fishing at the Frye Pond bridge, with rods and bait provided.
- Tree walks from the headquarters lot and Sunday birding walks from the Salem Street lot in North Reading.
- Nature Center hours inside the campground, and a Sunday guided hike with the park interpreter.
Special events in 2026 included a Smokey Bear visit, a lunar eclipse walk around Collins Pond and a Fall Fishing Festival at Sudden Pond, where MassWildlife experts helped, all gear was provided, parking was free and no fishing licenses were required.
Accessibility
DCR lists accessible camping, accessible picnicking, accessible restrooms and an accessible trail at Harold Parker, and has beach wheelchairs available. For program accommodations, DCR's ADA contact is (617) 645-0358. The Friends of Harold Parker's trail descriptions flag the rockiest, rootiest sections of each marked trail.
What to Bring
- Water. DCR warns that drinking water may not be available on site.
- A map. DCR asks visitors to bring one; download its trail map before you go. See trail map.
- Sturdy footwear and layers. DCR's program notes say trails can be narrow with uneven terrain.
- Bug spray and sunscreen in summer, blaze orange in fall.
- A bag for your trash: carry in, carry out.
Make a Day of It
Harold Parker sits among a cluster of good outdoor spots in Andover and North Andover: the Trustees' Ward Reservation and Weir Hill, Andover's Pomps Pond beach and the new rail trail at Haggetts Pond. See things to do in Andover.
Rules in Brief
No alcohol, no swimming outside the two beaches, non-motorized boats only, and dogs leashed in lots and the campground. Full list on rules and regulations.
Planning FAQ
Is Harold Parker State Forest worth visiting?
For walking, mountain biking, paddling and camping close to Boston, yes. DCR lists 35 miles of trails, 11 ponds, an 89-site campground and free summer programs, and the parking fee is $5 for Massachusetts plates.
Is Harold Parker State Forest wheelchair accessible?
In parts. DCR lists accessible camping, picnicking, restrooms and an accessible trail, and has beach wheelchairs available. The Friends of Harold Parker's descriptions note rocky, rooty singletrack on several marked trails.
How far is Harold Parker State Forest from Boston?
DCR describes it as about an hour's drive north of Boston, in Andover and North Andover.
Does Harold Parker State Forest have bathrooms?
Yes. DCR lists restrooms, including accessible restrooms, and showers at the campground.