Harold Parker State Forest
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
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
