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Harold Parker State Forest
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,129 Google reviews · Running trail in Andover, Massachusetts · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Harold Parker State Forest yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. 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.
Tranquil natural area with trails for hiking & biking, plus camping, picnicking & fishing areas.
What runners say about Harold Parker State Forest
“Restrooms were kept very clean and there was lots of hiking trails that were beautiful!”
“All in all I would highly recommend you give it a shot if you're looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to walk or run.”
“Went here for a winter trail run and it was just as peaceful and enjoyable as it is in the summer.”
Harold Parker State Forest is a true treasure. The scenery is vast, changes often, and varies enough that you can go back again and again expecting to see different things. However, I do think there are critical things to know about the forest as someone who’s gone many times before.
We followed the Bay Cicuit trail just off the Berry Pond parking lot to the site off the soapstone quarry. Drill holes for dynamite mark some stones, piled like a giant's attempt to build a stone wall. Lots of places to climb and small hideyholes.
We stayed in the campground for an extended weekend. Sites were large and relatively flat. Each site has a grill and fire pit. The fire pits could also double as a grill as they have a grate over top. Campgrounds are close to a few trails if you're wanting to hike.
Beautiful Park. Great place to hike or just chill by one of the ponds or lakes. Also great kayaking locations!
Trail conditions & character
“All in all I would highly recommend you give it a shot if you're looking for a peaceful and beautiful place to walk or run.”
“Went here for a winter trail run and it was just as peaceful and enjoyable as it is in the summer.”
“The bathrooms are cleaned daily, some bathrooms are newer and some old, but all clean and have showers.”
“We followed the Bay Cicuit trail just off the Berry Pond parking lot to the site off the soapstone quarry.”
“Some portions of this forest are immensely accessible and a breeze to park in.”
Plan your run at Harold Parker State Forest
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemass.gov
- Phone(978) 475-7972
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
Charles W. Ward Reservation
4.8 ★★★★★ 492 reviews
Hiking area offering dog-friendly trails, some with views of Boston, plus a fire tower.
Goldsmith Woodlands
4.6 ★★★★★ 107 reviews
Nature preserve offering a variety of hiking trails and multiple viewpoints overlooking Foster's Pond.
