🌤 Weather at Harold Parker State Forest by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–67 °F | 55–81 °F | 31–73 °F | 16–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Middleton, 3 mi away, elevation 110 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Massachusetts’ North Shore Outdoor Hub — 3,300 Acres, 50+ Miles of Trails, 89 Campsites, 11 Ponds, Swimming at Berry Pond, Fishing, Mountain Biking Near Boston
Harold Parker State Forest is a 3,300-acre state forest spanning Andover, North Andover, North Reading, and Middleton in Essex and Middlesex Counties, Massachusetts, approximately one hour north of Boston. The forest features over 50 miles of trails, 89 campsites with hot showers and flush toilets, 11 ponds, swimming at Berry Pond, fishing, non-motorized boating, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and accessible facilities.
Harold Parker State Forest is the premier outdoor recreation destination on Massachusetts’ North Shore. Just an hour from Boston, the forest’s 3,300 acres encompass rolling hills, rocky outcroppings, swamps, and 11 distinct ponds. Over 50 miles of trails and backwoods roads provide routes for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. The Lorraine Park Campground offers 89 campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, and a playground. Swimming at Berry Pond is a summer highlight. Fishing and non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing) are available across the forest’s pond system. Trail intersections are marked with numbered posts corresponding to official maps, making navigation straightforward.
Things to Do
Hiking & Biking
- 50+ miles of trails and forest roads
- Easy walking paths to technical MTB singletrack
- Numbered trail intersection posts
- Horseback riding
Camping
- 89 campsites (tents, trailers, RVs)
- Hot showers, flush toilets, playground
- Reservations required
Water Activities
- Swimming at Berry Pond (seasonal)
- Fishing at 11 ponds
- Non-motorized boating — kayak, canoe
Winter
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 3,300 acres |
| Location | Andover/N. Andover/N. Reading/Middleton — ~1 hr N of Boston |
| Trails | 50+ miles — hiking, MTB, equestrian |
| Campsites | 89 (Lorraine Park) — tents + RVs |
| Facilities | Hot showers, flush toilets, playground |
| Ponds | 11 ponds — Bear, Berry, Field, Salem, Stearns, etc. |
| Swimming | Berry Pond (seasonal) |
| Boating | Non-motorized — kayak, canoe |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible camping, picnic, some trails |
| Fees | Daily parking fee (late May–mid Oct) |
| Coordinates | 42.6175° N, 71.0689° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | ⭐ BEST: New England foliage; 50+ mi trails in autumn color; cool biking; quiet ponds | Hunting in season — wear orange; reserve camping early |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Swimming Berry Pond; camping; long days; pond fishing; MTB; playground | Popular weekends; parking fee; ticks; humid; mosquitoes near ponds |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildflowers; birding; green-up; quiet trails; frog chorus | Muddy trails; ticks; cold mornings; campground opens late May |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowshoeing; tracking; solitude | Campground closed; cold; limited parking; short days |
Visitor Tips
- Close to Boston: At ~1 hour north of Boston, this is the most accessible major state forest for the metro area.
- Trail markers: Numbered intersection posts correspond to official trail maps — pick up a map at the campground office.
- Berry Pond: Swimming at Berry Pond is seasonal — a great summer cooldown after a trail ride or hike.
- 11 ponds: The forest has 11 distinct ponds — each offers different fishing and paddling experiences.
- Reservations: Required for camping — no walk-in sites. Book early for summer weekends.
- Accessible: Multiple wheelchair-accessible facilities including campsites, picnic areas, and some trails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Harold Parker SF — 3,000 acres — features 11 ponds and extensive wetlands. The forest’s kettle ponds, mixed hardwood, and bog support fishers, river otters, and great horned owls. Largemouth bass and pickerel provide fishing. Spotted turtles inhabit the wetlands.
Nearby Attractions
North Andover — adjacent. Andover — 5 miles west — has Phillips Academy (1778). Haverhill — 10 miles north.
Can you swim at Harold Parker State Forest?
Yes — Harold Parker State Forest offers seasonal swimming at Berry Pond. The 3,300-acre forest, located about one hour north of Boston across Andover, North Andover, North Reading, and Middleton, features 11 ponds, over 50 miles of trails, and the 89-site Lorraine Park Campground with hot showers, flush toilets, and a playground. Activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, and non-motorized boating. A daily parking fee applies from late May through mid-October. Camping reservations are required.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Bradley Palmer State Park (a short drive away) and Georgetown-Rowley State Forest (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Harold Parker State Forest
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash of no more than 10 feet in on-leash areas; dogs must be on-leash in all parking areas.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed on DCR coastal beaches or in designated swimming areas of inland beaches from May 1 through September 15; shorebird-nesting beaches are closed to dogs April 1 - September 15.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs are not allowed in cabins, yurts and the encompassing areas (no pet-friendly cabin program).
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated off-leash areas at ~20 properties (e.g. Bark Place at Breakheart Reservation); max 4 dogs per person; dogs banned entirely at Walden Pond, Moore State Park, Sandy Point and Boston Harbor Islands.
Are dogs allowed at Harold Parker State Forest?
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) welcomes dogs on-leash in most state parks, forests and reservations, though a list of specific properties prohibits dogs for safety, health or habitat reasons. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via mass.gov. More: Massachusetts state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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