Home › Massachusetts › Andover › Charles W. Ward Reservation
Charles W. Ward Reservation
4.8 ★★★★★ 492 Google reviews · Running trail in Andover, Massachusetts · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- 15 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Charles W. Ward Reservation's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area offering dog-friendly trails, some with views of Boston, plus a fire tower.
What runners say about Charles W. Ward Reservation
“boardwalks, hills, flats, open trails, wetlands, scenic vistas, and less traveled back trails that will be sure to satisfy whatever you are looking for.”
“None of it is particularly hard, but just in case most of the trails are well marked with good signage.”
Beautiful fall colors in October. There are many trails to take all marked exceptionally well. There are different colors including blue dots and red dots. Took the Vetter Trail and Ward Trail loop which was red and blue with a mixture of open hill fields with views of Boston and a great deal of wood trails.
10/10 would highly recommend. This place is beautiful and well worth the admission price for parking. Currently at $6. Well kept and marked trails. At the top of the hill in the distance one can even see the Boston skyline. Loved it here. :)
This reservation does not disappoint! There's an incredible variety of habitats to check out: white pine forest, swamp, red pine plantation, bog, hardwood forest, hilltop meadow. Holt Hill is the main attraction with great views of the Boston skyline in the distance and a large grassy area to frolic in.
Wonder place to explore! Parking is five bucks per car for all day! The reservation closes at sunset. One of the most beautiful places in the area! Amazing wooded trails to hike, stunning fields to explore, and streams and swamps to check out. Open year round.
Trail conditions & character
“boardwalks, hills, flats, open trails, wetlands, scenic vistas, and less traveled back trails that will be sure to satisfy whatever you are looking for.”
“Took the Vetter Trail and Ward Trail loop which was red and blue with a mixture of open hill fields with views of Boston and a great deal of wood trails.”
“This place is beautiful and well worth the admission price for parking.”
“I went in early June and the bugs weren’t bad but the dog did have a few ticks on them.”
“Took the Vetter Trail and Ward Trail loop which was red and blue with a mixture of open hill fields with views of Boston and a great deal of wood trails.”
“I’ve hiked nearly every park within 15 miles of Boston since relocating here from New Jersey nearly 20 years ago and this park is a unique gem on the North Shore.”
“None of it is particularly hard, but just in case most of the trails are well marked with good signage.”
“The bog boardwalk is a bit sunken in places, but one can walk on the edges usually.”
Plan your run at Charles W. Ward Reservation
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- Loop distance15 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Trail mapOfficial trail map
- Websitethetrustees.org
- Phone(978) 689-9105
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Andover
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bay Circuit Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Harold Parker State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,129 reviews
Tranquil natural area with trails for hiking & biking, plus camping, picnicking & fishing areas.
Goldsmith Woodlands
4.6 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Nature preserve offering a variety of hiking trails and multiple viewpoints overlooking Foster's Pond.
